About Licensing

Licensing Objectives

The BHA exercises its licensing function in accordance with the following objectives:

  • Maintain high standards of welfare and safety for both our equine and human participants;
  • Ensure the sport is fair, clean and free from corruption;
  • Ensure there is a clear and transparent framework for access to participation in the sport; and
  • Promote participant and public confidence in the sport by ensuring proper standards of conduct and competence.

The Licensing Team is directly responsible for licensing, permitting and registering those who participate in the sport. This includes Trainers, Jockeys, Amateur Riders, Agents, Valets and equine pools.

The Raceday Operations Team has overall responsibility for licensing Racecourses, with any suitability assessments conducted by the Licensing Team. The determination of racecourse licences follows a separate process and more information can be found in the Racecourses drop down, on this page

Any individual who applies for a Licence, Permit or Registration must meet the relevant established criteria.  Applications are accompanied by a set of Guidance Notes which outline the criteria for each application type.  These Guidance Notes are available on the Forms page, together with the links to the application forms.

All applications are considered by the Licensing Team.  An applicant’s experience and qualifications are taken into account, together with the suitability of the applicant.  For example, for Licensed Trainers, the suitability considerations will include their business competence and financial planning; for Professional Jockeys, their honesty and integrity.

In some cases, a decision as to whether an application should be approved is referred for the consideration of the Licensing Committee, under of the Rules of Racing.  The Committee is independent from BHA and sits only when required to hear cases which are referred to it.  Previous Committee decisions are available on the Licensing Committee page.

Once granted, individuals must continue to meet the required standards and expectations of BHA in order to remain licensed, permitted or registered.  If it is believed that an individual no longer meets the suitability criteria, BHA may refer objections to individuals continuing to be licensed, permitted or registered to the Licensing Committee.