The British Horseracing Authority (BHA), Horse Racing Ireland, and the Japan Racing Association (JRA) have recently formed a collaborative entity known as the Joint Cooperation Committee.
This strategic alliance is aimed at fostering cooperation and synergy among the British, Irish, and Japanese horse racing regulatory bodies.
At the helm of this committee stands Joe Saumarez Smith, who not only chairs the new committee but also serves as the chairman of the BHA.
The committee’s objectives are multifaceted, encompassing the promotion of Japanese horses, facilitating smoother interactions and connections between these distinct regions, enhancing industry awareness, forging a regulatory partnership, and advancing the internationalization of horse racing.
Mr. Saumarez Smith expressed his enthusiasm for this partnership, citing the longstanding fruitful relationship that British and Irish horse racing industries have enjoyed with the JRA and the broader Japanese racing community.
He noted the significant support provided by the JRA and emphasized how this collaboration will likely lead to increased engagement among fans, deeper connections, and the generation of new revenue streams for all parties involved.
In a related development, the BHA has taken proactive measures to address a decline in betting on British races in 2023.
To bolster this aspect of the sport, the BHA has revamped its 2024 fixture list by enhancing prize money and race quality.
The organization has also strategically scheduled fixtures on Saturdays and fortified its Sunday offerings, anticipating that these changes, coupled with heightened competition and improved racing quality, will rekindle punters’ interest in British horse racing.
These adjustments are expected to bolster racing’s financial stability, potentially contributing an estimated £90 million in revenue over a five-year period.
Nonetheless, Richard Wayman, the BHA’s chief operating officer, cautioned that not all changes would yield immediate success.
The collaboration between British, Irish, and Japanese racing bodies, along with the BHA’s efforts to invigorate betting on British races, represent a concerted effort to revitalize and strengthen the global horse racing industry.