Racing’s New Political Race: BHA Tackles Levy Reform, Affordability Checks, and Fresh Faces in Parliament

As Britain’s racing bigwigs clink glasses over countless meetings with MPs, one can’t help but wonder: will this cocktail of cordial words and goodwill ever translate into concrete action? The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has certainly mastered the art of political chit-chat, but so far, these “productive meetings” with ministers and MPs feel a bit like betting on a horse that looks fabulous in the paddock but hasn’t run a race in years. Fine words butter no parsnips, as they say. And in this case, fine words don’t butter racing’s bread, either.

The Baroness of Optimism – But What’s Next?

Baroness Twycross, we’re told, is “pragmatic,” “collaborative,” and—gasp—“engaging.” Wonderful! But if racing is hoping to solve its issues with a minister who “gets it,” then one might as well trust a fox to guard the henhouse. After all, Westminster has a particular knack for warm words without any follow-through. Ministers nod enthusiastically, eyes alight with understanding, only to move on to the next pressing issue, never to mention the word “racing” again.

Yes, the BHA has had “positive engagements” with officials. But what exactly does that mean? In Westminster speak, “positive engagement” usually translates to: “We’ll nod along, assure you we’re very interested, then bury this in a file labelled ‘Some Day, Maybe’.” Meanwhile, racing’s Levy reform remains mired in vague promises of future action. And those dreaded affordability checks, which are shrinking punters’ enthusiasm faster than a damp day at Epsom? Ah, they’ll be reviewed “in due course.” Yes, very encouraging.

The APPG: Racing’s White Knight? Or Just a Shiny Helmet?

And then there’s the newly revived All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Racing and Bloodstock. Apparently, this noble crew is here to safeguard British racing, championing it with debates and briefings. Led by Dan Carden MP and Nick Timothy MP—who apparently swapped the cut-and-thrust of Newmarket and Aintree for the cut-and-thrust of politics—the APPG sounds impressive enough. They’ve even held a debate in Westminster Hall! Fifteen MPs turned up! Hurrah! And what was the outcome? A whole lot of “racing is important” and “something must be done.” Parliament didn’t even stop for lunch.

Oh, sure, the APPG has voiced support for urgent Levy reform and tweaking those pesky affordability checks. But support, dear readers, does not pay the jockey’s wages or feed the stable hands. Racing is waiting on actual movement, not another rousing speech about heritage and community. One can almost imagine the APPG rallying cry: “Levy reform! At some point! Eventually!” Inspiring stuff, but less useful than a racing tip from a bloke down the pub.

Party Conferences: Where Nothing Happens at Length

The BHA proudly announced that they attended all three major party conferences. A few fringe events, a few hearty handshakes, maybe a canapé or two if they were lucky. It was at these hallowed conferences that Labour, the Tories, and the Lib Dems nodded gravely as the BHA outlined racing’s existential woes. Baroness Twycross even spoke at one of these fringe events, delivering the political equivalent of a tepid applause line by acknowledging that “not all gambling products are the same.” A thrilling concession, no doubt, but it hardly counts as a resounding call to arms for racing’s plight.

Let’s be honest, conferences are where politicians go to make grand statements, promise future action, and then, by the time they return to Westminster, forget who they promised what. The BHA may have gained a few supportive nods, but it feels like they walked away from party conference season with little more than sore feet and a few “Good job, keep it up!” pats on the back.

What’s the Plan, Then?

So, with all these meetings, debates, and well-attended fringe events, one might wonder: what’s the actual plan? Concrete steps? Timelines? Firm commitments? Specific strategies? Alas, these are in short supply. Racing is fast becoming the equivalent of a dinner party where everyone talks about how splendid it would be to go on holiday together—but no one actually books a flight.

The APPG has secured a reception in January where Baroness Twycross will provide an “update.” An update! Nothing like a January “update” to set hearts racing with anticipation. If previous government updates are any guide, one can expect a stirring PowerPoint, a flurry of buzzwords, and perhaps, if we’re lucky, a vague commitment to “explore options.” Racing’s leaders may leave clutching a fresh stack of briefing papers, but will they be any closer to reform?

The BHA’s Battle Plan: Hoping for Grassroots Support?

In a surprising move, the BHA is encouraging the public—yes, the public!—to contact their MPs and push racing’s case. Imagine: ordinary punters, fresh from watching a thrilling chase or a hopelessly disappointing punt, penning letters to Westminster about Levy reform. It’s a touch grassroots, a touch desperate, but why not? After all, Parliament might just be more responsive to the everyday voice than it is to another BHA delegation armed with talking points.

So, Where’s the Real Action?

As we stand, the BHA’s strategy seems less a race to the finish line and more a leisurely canter around the paddock. Racing doesn’t need another ministerial meeting or a round of sympathetic nods. It needs a timeline for Levy reform, specifics on how affordability checks will be revised, and a government that’s willing to push policy across the line.

Until then, the rest is just chatter in the stands, filling the air while the sport itself waits at the gate, ears pricked, wondering if it will ever be given a fair start. For now, racing fans are left to watch the political parade from the sidelines, knowing full well that in racing, like politics, words don’t win races.