Qualified praise and some strongly worded criticism was offered to racing’s ruling body as members of the House of Commons debated a call for the creation of an equine welfare regulator last night.
Nick Rust, the British Horseracing Authority chief executive, must have left after the two‑hour session with the impression that a change of government could result in his organisation losing some powers and responsibilities, as the Labour members who spoke seemed generally more willing to contemplate a change to the status quo.
Reassuringly for the BHA, the government’s position remains that no new regulator is needed. That was restated by the newly appointed minister for animal welfare, David Rutley, as he summed up “a really useful and stimulating debate” and praised the BHA for working hard to reduce risk in racing.
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