Six-figure loss confirms tough times continue for owners' body - but racing needs a strong ROA to curb racecourses' power

The Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) has had its issues in recent times, a situation which was acknowledged in the organisation's annual report for 2023-24 published last week.

ROA president Charlie Parker admitted it had been "a difficult few years" in his opening statement in the report and that "the financial results for the year were not good".

The ROA has recorded a loss four times over the last five financial years – and six-figure losses at that – with 2023-24 hitting £161,273. That was an improvement on the previous year's figure, which was just £61 short of £300,000, but a hefty amount nevertheless.