Issued on behalf of the Thoroughbred Industries Brexit Steering Group

The Thoroughbred Industries Brexit Steering Group has today issued an update in light of the continuing uncertainty around the possibility of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with three weeks to go until the end of the transition period.

It remains the position of the Steering Group that an FTA being signed would be preferrable and engagement continues with the UK Government, governing bodies in other key racing jurisdictions and EU organisations.

However even in the event of an FTA being signed there will still be significant changes to the movement of horses and people, as well as other policy areas, from 1 January. Further agreements will be required before the Group is in a position to clarify precisely what these changes will be.

The Group continues to advise not to try and move horses for at least the first two weeks of January unless absolutely necessary and to engage the services of a shipping agent, transporter and/or customs agent as appropriate.

The Steering Group has previously issued guidance on the likely new arrangements from 1 January; although this guidance remains subject to change, participants are urged to familiarise themselves with this information and with the latest information available from the UK Government.

The easiest way to do this is via the Brexit webpage on britishhorseracing.com, where there are links to the latest government guidance as well as answers to specific queries. Additionally, an e-mail address for direct questions from participants on Brexit has been set up to assist as we approach the end of the transition period via [email protected].

The Group will continue to keep participants updated and issue further communications as soon as there is more clarity in what is a fast-moving situation.