Racing Foundation and TBA win British Association for Sustainable Sport award

The Racing Foundation and The Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association have won the Innovation; Initiatives and Products Award Category award at the at the British Association for Sustainable Sport (BASIS) Awards, which took place at the Kia Oval cricket ground on Tuesday.

The awards, which recognise those in the sports sector which have introduced initiatives that have a positive impact on the planet and communities, were the first the horseracing industry has won in the area of environmental sustainability.

The Environmental Impact of Stud Farms Assessment project took the prize ahead of nominees from football and sports manufacturing industries.

Rob Hezel, chief executive of the Racing Foundation, said: "We are delighted that the TBA’s project has won an award at the BASIS awards.

"Environmental sustainability is crucial for horseracing's long term future and as such, we were delighted to fund the Environmental Sustainability of Stud Farms project.

"The Racing Foundation’s 2021-2023 strategy includes environmental sustainability as one of its key funding areas, and this TBA study was the first application of its kind we received.

“We hope this study and its recognised success will build momentum and be the first of many applications for the funding of further research, resourcing and initiatives to enhance sustainability throughout the thoroughbred sector.”

The Environmental Impact of Stud Farms Assessment project was funded by the Racing Foundation and instigated by the TBA’s environmental sustainability working group, which seeks to collaborate on grassland management practices that enhance air and water quality and soil health, mitigate flood risk and increase biodiversity while also reducing the carbon footprint of studs.

James O’Donnell, chair of the TBA’s group and assistant stud director at Shadwell Stud, added: “Winning this award is a major achievement for the horseracing industry and is a result of a true collaboration between the TBA and the Racing Foundation.

He continued: “It shows what can be achieved when the industry works together.

“Environmental sustainability is an important subject that will be at the forefront of people’s minds going forward and this project, and subsequent award, is a great way to start.”

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