• New industry-wide plan to shape racing’s sustainable future
• Four clear areas of focus: carbon, water, nature, and resources & waste
• First phase of five-year plan focusing on data gathering and analysis

British horseracing has today published its strategy for protecting the natural environment and safeguarding the sport and its operations against the effects of a changing climate.

Supported by the Racing Foundation and developed by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), the new environmental plan is part of racing’s wider industry strategy work to secure a sustainable future for our horses, people, businesses and communities.

The strategy builds on the positive work already underway across studs, training yards, racecourses and other organisations to mitigate environmental risks, adapt to evolving legal and societal expectations, and harness opportunities and existing expertise to make a positive difference.

Implemented over an initial five-year period, the delivery of the strategy will be rooted in science and take an evidence-based approach, so that meaningful progress is made in four key areas:

• Reducing carbon emissions – through racing’s direct operations – like energy use, buildings and agronomy – the wider supply chain, and by supporting more sustainable methods of transport for customers and participants. Work is underway to establish British racing’s carbon footprint and expand the use of the Stud Farm carbon calculator.
• Preserving water availability – from ground conditions to cooling horses, racing is reliant on water. With less predictable rainfall patterns, efficient water storage and use is more critical than ever. A water impact study will assess the scale of the challenge and how racing can improve resilience.
• Protecting nature and ecosystems – with thousands of acres of land, racing and breeding is uniquely placed to contribute to the restoration, regeneration and protection of the nation’s habitat and species. Utilising existing land management expertise, the industry can support increased biodiversity and help capture and store carbon dioxide.
• Minimising waste – by adopting a whole life cycle approach. More sustainable sourcing of essential materials and products – from feed and bedding to infrastructure and agronomy – can help reduce waste and pollution. Where viable sustainable options don’t yet exist, we will engage with supply chains to identify areas for progress.

The strategy, which has been funded by the Racing Foundation, has been shaped and informed by extensive engagement with stakeholders, participants, business owners and supply-chain partners, prior to being approved by the sport’s Industry Programme Group and the BHA Board.

It sets out how British racing and breeding will take a coordinated approach, underpinned by accurate data to support measuring, monitoring and continual evaluation. Technology will play an important role, as will education and training in areas such as carbon literacy, with environmental sustainability becoming more embedded in commercial and operational decision-making.

The first phase of implementation will focus on data-gathering and analysis, including carbon baselining to quantify the industry’s greenhouse gas emissions, detailed water and nature impact assessments and a review into potential funding sources.

The insights gained from this exercise will inform a more comprehensive action plan, allowing the industry to concentrate efforts and resources on the most pressing environmental issues and prioritise action where it’s likely to be most effective.

Katie Carr, BHA Head of Environmental Sustainability, said:

“The success of British racing and breeding is intrinsically linked to the health of our natural environment. It’s therefore essential for the breeding, training and racing of thoroughbred horses that we all do what we can to protect it.

“We’ve already seen the effects of climate change on our sport. Weather related disruptions have become more frequent and severe, with flooding and drought impacting fixtures and water availability. We face a broad range of environment risks, which could have a real impact on business operations, horse welfare and supply chain security.

“But our relationship with the environment is also an asset. We are custodians of extensive green spaces. We are experts in land and animal management. Our training centres, breeding operations and racecourses are embedded in rural communities. There is already really good practice across the industry, including innovative approaches to water storage and reducing emissions.

“This is what this strategy is all about: how we harness this knowledge and expertise to mitigate risks, identify opportunities and make a positive and lasting difference. By doing so, we can help safeguard our environment, strengthen our resilience and sustain our sport for generations to come.”

Tansy Challis, Chief Executive of the Racing Foundation, said: 

“The Racing Foundation is proud to support the development of this strategy, which sets a clear direction for how the industry can meaningfully contribute to an environmentally-sustainable future.

“The strategy serves to coordinate much of the great work taking place in this area across the industry and drive progress as part of an aligned approach. By supporting this work, we are enabling racing to make a meaningful and positive impact for the benefit of horses, people and its communities.”

Notes to editors:

1. Racing Resilient: British Horseracing’s Environmental Strategy is available here.
2. The environmental sustainability strategy is part of British racing’s wider industry strategy work. This is being coordinated by the BHA on behalf of and in collaboration with all those working in and involved with the racing industry. An industry strategy framework document has been created to help explain and summarise the ongoing work, including how racing can have a positive impact on society and the environment. The framework can be viewed here.
3. About the British Horseracing Authority. The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is the body responsible for the governance and regulation of British horseracing. For more information visit www.britishhorseracing.com
4. About the Racing Foundation. In 2012 the Racing Foundation was established to oversee the distribution of funds to charitable causes within the racing and thoroughbred industry following the sale of the Tote. Since inception it has awarded over £39million in grants. Equine welfare, racing’s people and environmental, social and governance are the key areas of focus in its 2025 – 2027 strategy. The Trustees of the Racing Foundation are Julia Budd (Chair), Linda Bowles (SID), Jim Boyle, Louise Kemble, Alice Page, Hazel Peplinski, Rishi Persad and Algy Smith-Maxwell. The British Horseracing Authority, the Thoroughbred Group and Racecourse Association are the three joint Members of the Racing Foundation, which is registered with the Charity Commission as a charity under the law of England and Wales (no. 1145297). www.racingfoundation.co.uk @RacingGrants