Entrenched attitudes, toxic assumptions and inertia 'invoke apathy' - RCA report

Racecourse Association chair Wilf Walsh has warned of the danger of inertia caused by factionalism in British racing and called on stakeholders across the sport to work together to safeguard its future.

Writing in the RCA annual report published on Thursday, Walsh argued there needed to be a comprehensive strategy for the sport and that ongoing work to restructure the BHA should be concentrated on "leading boldly" on behalf of shareholders such as the RCA.

Walsh said the RCA had "a duty to work collaboratively with the other groups in racing to ensure that we are safeguarding both our short and long-term future as a modern, thriving and inclusive sport".

He went on: "Navigating the myriad of different racing factions can sometimes invoke apathy: too many committees, too many entrenched attitudes, toxic assumptions and the potential for inertia can start to take a vice-like hold.

"We need to counteract this with more fact-based decision making supported by comprehensive market research and data. To this end, the restructuring of the BHA, which is under way, should be concentrated on getting things done and leading boldly on behalf of shareholders like the RCA."

Walsh said the priorities of the sport should include marketing to reach new audiences while retaining existing "valued" racegoers, as well as maintaining "world-class" integrity, regulation and equine welfare and driving income into the sport through the levy, media rights and sponsorship.

"It is a strategy that must be joined up and signed off by all stakeholders," he added.

Racecourses have been hit by falling attendances in recent months, with the rising cost of living being blamed for the reduction.

Walsh, who took over as RCA chair in October, said efforts to support diversity and inclusion initiatives were important as part of a strategy to broaden the reach of the sport.

Wilf Walsh: racing 'is in the entertainment business'

He added: "I keep reminding people that we are in the entertainment business and while consumers feel the impact of rising inflation and shrinking disposable income in uncertain and unsettling times, we need to compete smarter and harder than ever.

"Focusing on keeping our sport relevant in attracting new attendees and keeping our loyal, converted customer base engaged is the balance that we all strive for."

In his comments, RCA chief executive David Armstrong also touched on the issue of the governance of British racing.

Last year, proposals to change how British racing is governed were presented to the BHA board by the RCA and what is now called the Thoroughbred Group.

Under the proposals the BHA would have been increasingly relegated to a regulatory role, although those plans were said to have been shelved when it was revealed BHA chair Annamarie Phelps would not stay for a second term.

Armstrong said the RCA had worked closely with the Thoroughbred Group to examine "several structural options for the BHA moving forward".

He added: "The intention is to optimise the potential for growth of our sport whilst ensuring its governance remains clearly defined. This work continues into 2022 and should lead to enhancement of the sport for years to come."

Armstrong described the sport's response to the Gambling Act review as "refreshing and essential" and said that the RCA had played a "central role" in the sport's strategy against damaging affordability checks.

He went on: "We are unified in our stance that the most vulnerable must be protected and safe gambling is a leisure pursuit which can, and is, enjoyed by millions."

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