The British Horseracing Board is to fund the provision of specialist consultancy advice to help the National Trainers Federation and the Stable Lads Association with the implementation of reforms recommended in the Report of the Stable Staff Resources Study Group, which is published today.

The Study Group, under the Chairmanship of BHB Director Lady Burnham, was set up to address concerns which emerged during last year’s discussion of fixture policy for 2000 and, in particular, constraints to future development of the Fixture List arising from current staffing arrangements and resources in trainers’ yards.

The Report represents the first comprehensive study of an important issue for Racing, providing much new information acquired from detailed statistical analysis, interviews with over 600 trainers and stable staff, and a special study by KPMG.

The Report confirms through careful research, that a vital and dedicated industry resource is having to cope with long hours and a reward level clearly constrained by the continuing under-funding of racing. This has produced evident difficulties with current staff recruitment and retention.

Lady Burnham will chair a small Development Group, on which the NTF, SLA and other interested parties will be represented, to address the Report’s recommendations (attached). These cover such key areas as working hours and arrangements, pay and training.

Lady Burnham said today:
“I am very pleased that the Study Group’s Report has met with a quick and positive response from BHB. The Board continues to recognise that stable staff are a vital industry resource and that, if Racing’s commercial development is not to be compromised, we must provide a more positive environment for staff recruitment and retention. In pursuing the recommendations, we shall continue to have regard to best practice in other industries.”

For further information, contact Paul Greeves on 0171 343 3306