Fees payable by Owners represent approximately 25% of the BHA’s total income and help fund many of the BHA’s activities including the raceday regulation of all fixtures and working to ensure the highest levels of integrity. The BHA aims to break even over the longer term and as such only charges fees at a level required to fund its necessary governance and regulatory activities.
To help owners better understand what they will be charged, and when, fees are based around four simple charging categories. A brief explanation of each category is provided below in addition to examples. Should you have any further questions regarding owners’ fees, please email [email protected].
Joining
Anyone registering a new Ownership will be required to pay a single joining fee. There are five different Ownership options and the joining fee for each is below:
- Individual: Free
- Company: £325
- Partnership: £225
- Syndicate: £325
- Racing Club: £325
In the case of a new Company Owner the fee will be charged upfront. For all other ownership types the fee will be charged to their racing account.
Annual
All Owners will have their registration renewed annually. This will be on the anniversary of their initial registration (should you have registered after October 2025) or their fee alignment date (which can be found by looking on the Racing Admin system).
The annual subscription fee charged to owners will depend on whether they are active or dormant. and this status is based on whether they have had a runner in the previous 12 months. The annual subscription fees are below:
- Active owners (any Owner who has had a runner in the previous 12 months): £135
- Dormant owners (any owner who has not had a runner in the previous 12 months): Free
Owners should be aware that, in the case of a Partnership, Syndicate or Racing Club, the entity will be charged the subscription fee. As registered Owners any Partners, Syndicators and Racing Club Managers respectively will also see their registration as an Owner renewed annually, however, if they have not had a runner in their own name, will be considered a dormant owner.
Owners can deregister at any point once they have no horses in training and no outstanding engagements by emailing [email protected]. By deregistering all related registrations including sponsorships, permissions and VAT authorisation will be cancelled. Should an Owner wish to return to the sport after deregistration they will be required to rejoin, re-register and pay any required joining fee.
Owners deregistering within 14 days of paying their annual subscription fee, may be able to claim a refund and should contact the Registrations Team via the email above.
Owners should be aware that should they not have a horse in training (either in their own name, or as part of a Partnership, Syndicate or Racing Club) for a period of 24 consecutive months, In line with Rule (C)4.1 of the Rules of Racing their ownership will be cancelled and they will be required to rejoin.
Additional
A small number of fees will remain outside of the annual subscription and be charged separately to allow flexibility for owners. This includes registrations such as colours and names. A full list of fees can be found in the Rules of Racing.
Race
Owners are charged a handling fee whenever they make an entry. This is in addition to any entry fee that may be charged by the racecourse. The entry handling fee is £28.08
Should a horse be eliminated, the entry handling fee is refunded to the owner.