- New online programme launched to be an explanatory tool for participants and wider public
- Suite of videos and online self-assessment designed to explain key integrity areas in an accessible and easy to understand format
- Programme aims to use education as a means of protection for both participants and wider public should they face an integrity issue
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has today launched a new online Integrity Education Programme designed to help protect participants and inform the racing and betting public about how they can help to protect the integrity of British racing.
The programme aims to provide participants and the wider public with easy to understand information about how the integrity of British racing is safeguarded.
The purpose of trying to improve knowledge in this area is to both offer protection against potential integrity threats and help to prevent participants from inadvertently acting in a manner which falls short of the sport’s Rules.
The programme is also designed to educate the wider public about some of the key integrity issues in the sport and how the BHA works to combat them.
The online platform lists key integrity issues:
- The BHA’s integrity and regulation capabilities
- Equine anti-doping
- Corrupt approaches and inside information
- Betting practices
- Drugs and alcohol
With a suite of videos explaining the processes and people involved, as well as interviews between former jockeys and members of stable staff and racing broadcaster Nick Luck in which they share their experiences and give advice.
There is also an online self-assessment tool so those using the site can test their knowledge, though both the test and the programme more generally are an optional aid for participants rather than a mandatory requirement.
Chris Watts, Head of Integrity at the BHA, said:
“This programme has been a number of years in the making following a recommendation in the 2016 Integrity Review and above all is designed to help and protect participants and educate the betting and racing public.
“We’ve gone to great lengths to try and ensure that what can be some technical and complicated areas of our integrity work are explained in as clear and easy to understand a way as possible.
“Hopefully all those who use the website will come away with a greater knowledge of how we work to keep racing fair and clean, which will help them both to avoid inadvertent breaches of the Rules and provide guidance should they be faced with a potential integrity issue in the future.”
Racing Broadcaster Nick Luck, who was involved with the project, said:
“Newly licensed personnel and those whose livelihoods depend on racing are doubtless aware of some of the more obvious regulatory transgressions. But their access to privileged information or their recently acquired public profile can lead them quite unwittingly into situations that threaten both the integrity of the sport and the reputations of the individuals concerned.
“As such, this is an excellent initiative from the BHA, and one which is likely to block off certain avenues for corruption.”
Mick Fitzgerald, Cheltenham Gold Cup and Grand National winning rider and BHA Jockey Coach, said:
“If you work in racing you have to be aware of what is allowed and what isn’t, and the pitfalls associated with that. It’s also vitally important that those looking in from the outside are aware of how the sport’s integrity is protected.
“This microsite has masses of helpful information and is quick and easy to access, so it is well worth taking a look no matter your relationship with racing.”
Notes to editors:
The Integrity Education Programme can be viewed here.
