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'We have constipation at the centre of British racing' - is the sport's governance structure fit for purpose?

In a two-part special report, Lee Mottershead explores the vexed issue of how British racing is run

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Horses pass packed stands at Britain's first ever Premier raceday at Cheltenham on New Year's Day 2023 - but the concept hasn't worked
Britain's first Premier raceday was held at Cheltenham on New Year's Day 2023 - but the sport's governance structure is blamed for the concept not working out as intendedCredit: Edward Whitaker

Coming from the world's most influential racing administrator, it was hardly a ringing endorsement.

Speaking at the Asian Racing Conference in Japan last month, Hong Kong Jockey Club chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges claimed the unusual way in which British racing is run meant tackling serious and pressing issues would be an almost insurmountable task for the sport's leadership.

"Britain probably faces the biggest challenge when it comes to industry fragmentation," said Engelbrecht-Bresges. "I would not call it Mission Impossible for our colleagues in the BHA but it's close to it and even Tom Cruise cannot help you."

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