Further written evidence submitted by the British Horseracing Authority (MAAB0067)

During my recent appearance providing oral evidence to the Select Committee for its Moving Animals Across Borders inquiry, I was asked by Dr Neil Hudson MP if there were any examples or data on additional complexities being experienced by breeders and transporters moving thoroughbred foals at foot with mares.

I have consulted with colleagues in the thoroughbred industry and, at this stage, based on the evidence and feedback we are hearing at this stage there are not widespread incidences of welfare concerns on the movement of foals at foot. We believe this may be because the significant majority of breeders have followed industry advice in moving thoroughbreds pre-January if possible, and utilising professional shippers to facilitate movements.

Nonetheless, there have still been isolated examples of delays of between two and six hours for thoroughbreds, including mares travelling with foals at foot, to clear Border Control Posts even with use of professional transporters. We are also aware of one example of a shipment of British and Irish mares and foals, travelling by ferry between Portsmouth and Caen, being rejected by vets at Caen midway through the ferry crossing. This meant that the horses had to be returned to Britain on a second long ferry journey before the paperwork was completed, before travelling a third time on the ferry to gain access to France.

Such instances are clearly a cause for concern, especially as warmer temperatures have now arrived in the summer months. We are continuing as an industry to gather evidence and will keep the committee appraised of further developments or emerging patterns in the movement of mares and foals which are of concern.

I also wanted to take the opportunity to provide an update on the statistics which I had provided to the Committee on overall levels of thoroughbred movement, as we now have the data for January to May 2021 against January to May 2019 inclusive:

• Great Britain runners abroad are down 46%: -57% to EU and -18% to the rest of the world
• EU runners in Great Britain are down 45%
• Overall, non-racing thoroughbred movements between GB and the EU are down by two-thirds

I hope that this information satisfies the Committee’s request but please do let me if the Committee would like anything further.

July 2021