Take action on welfare or face enforced change warns ex-minister Tracey Crouch

Former sports minister Tracey Crouch has told racing it needs to "embrace the welfare agenda" or face the prospect of having change forced upon it by policy makers.

Conservative MP Crouch, who was instrumental in bringing about the government's reforms of the levy system, as well as the decision to reduce FOBT stakes to £2 from £100, was speaking in a keynote address at the 53rd International Conference of Horseracing Authorities in Paris, where equine welfare across the world formed a major part of the agenda.

Unable to attend in person due to the political turmoil in Westminster, Crouch, who was this year appointed as an independent member of British racing's Horse Welfare Board, spoke via a video in which she said racing was "deeply rooted in the social and cultural fabric of many countries".

However, she added: "Today norms are being challenged and societal expectations are evolving faster than ever before. Horseracing’s leaders must be alive to that revolution, and how it impacts the attitudes of policymakers."

Tracey Crouch: 'Today norms are being challenged and societal expectations are evolving faster than ever before.'Credit: Eamonn M. McCormack

Crouch said racing had a "social licence" to operate, which depended on the sport understanding its duty of care to horses.

"If horseracing fails in this, that licence can easily be revoked," she warned, adding: "My mailbag as a politician is often the best barometer of attitudes.

"Increasingly, animal rights organisations and their supporters are filling that mailbag with concerns about horse welfare, including racing and especially around major events."

Crouch said racing needed to better communicate what it does to ensure horse welfare, as well as countering emotional challenges from opponents with clear evidence.

She also said the sport needed to see things from a wider perspective.

"This is not about appeasing opponents but understanding how the public and politicians outside of the world of racing will perceive welfare," Crouch said.

She went on: "It is only right that outside, and challenging, voices contribute to improving welfare. You either have informed debate in racing, leading to proactive and reasonable change, or have change forced upon you by policymakers, distant from the intricate detail of the industry but reactionary to public opinion.

"This is a turning point for the industry. It is time to embrace the welfare agenda, otherwise a generation of racegoers will be lost and an industry susceptible to decline."

BHA chief executive Nick Rust chaired the International Conference of Horseracing AuthoritiesCredit: Edward Whitaker

The session was chaired by BHA chief executive Nick Rust who told the audience that while not everyone would agree with Crouch's thoughts, they reflected the views of many policymakers in Britain, "and we are hearing stories from around the world that suggest that she and our government won't be alone".

Rust said: "It feels like a momentous time for the topic we are discussing and we have a chance to inspire and galvanise real momentum and co-operation across world racing in dealing with what I believe is the biggest challenge for our sport."

The BHA has received criticism of its role as regulator regarding equine welfare from within and outside the sport, criticism which Rust addressed.

He said: "In Britain at the BHA we can sometimes be accused of being too negative or perhaps pessimistic with regard to the future of welfare and its perception, and sometimes are accused of bringing some of the adversity publicly upon our sport.

"I respectfully say that this is absolutely never our intention. We care deeply about our sport, are here to ensure it is sustainable in every sense of the word and to grow in the years to come.

"We are here to champion as well as safeguard our reputations, help build coalitions within the sport and partner with respected welfare organisations. There is always a role for critical friends."

The issues surrounding Santa Anita were discussed at the International Conference of Horseracing AuthoritiesCredit: Edward Whitaker

The current crisis facing racing at Santa Anita in California, equine fatalities and the use of the whip were discussed during the session and Rust returned to the international theme of welfare.

He added: "Whilst the situation on equine welfare and its perception in our individual countries differs, whether you are facing immediate pressure in your country from changes in consumer outlook now or not, it's pretty certain we will all need to face up to this challenge over the next few years.

"The climate is changing but there are also huge positives and now is the time for international co-operation and leadership."

Read The Lowdown from 8.30am daily on racingpost.com and the Racing Post app for all the day's going updates, news and tips