2008 ROA Council Election
Members can vote for a maximum of three of the nine candidates standing for election to the ROA Council this year.
Election voting cards arrived with members by the beginning of May, and the deadline for returning them to Electoral Reform Services (not the ROA) is midday on Thursday 19 June.
Votes must be cast on the official election voting cards only.
Each of the candidates was allowed a manifesto of up to 300 words.
The candidates also had the option of extending their manifesto online by a further 500 words. Between the start of May and the deadline for voting, they are each being given the opportunity on three occasions to send message of up to 100 words via the ROA’s email newsletter service.
Members can contact any of the nine candidates to ask them their views on any aspect of racing and ownership.
Tony Hirschfeld |
Clifford Johnson |
Major Bill Paton-Smith |
Alan Pickering CBE |
Laurence Robertson MP |
Sally Rowley-Williams |
Robin Stevens |
Justin Wadham |
Murray Watson |
Age: 59.
Current business position and company name: Chairman and owner of Cheval Court Stud. Chairman, Lodge Hotels London. Chairman, Hirschfeld Investments. Chairman, Colby Consulting.
Positions held in racing (if any): ROA representative on Industry Committee, Trustee of Retraining of Racehorses, Fellow of the Animal Health Trust, Regional representative of the Thoroughbred Breeders Association, Member of the Royal Ascot Racing Club.
Years as owner: 20.
Current trainer/s: William Haggas, Venetia Williams, Rae Guest.
Horses currently owned: Unnamed 2yo filly Efisio x Council Rock, Unnamed 2yo Hawk Wing x Canterbury Lace. Shares in Bleu Superbe, Pretty Officer and Corton Charlemagne.
Horses previously owned: Mont Etoile, Squaw Dance, Superstar Leo, Papette, Starship, Royal Artist, Clunie, Bonita, Troon, Liffey River, Splicing, Horoscope, Teller (South Africa).
Council meeting attendance: 33 out of a possible 41.
Manifesto:
During the past four years, I have been proud to serve on the ROA as part of a team that has worked tirelessly in its quest to reshape British horseracing. The ROA led the debate to set up the Horsemen’s Group and continues to be at the centre of all the major industry discussions and initiatives – from racing’s endeavours to acquire the Tote, to the on-going struggle to find a new sustainable funding system that might eventually replace the Levy.
The association has also dealt with numerous domestic matters, many of them relating to racecourse standards and facilities through another of its initiatives, the Gold Standard Awards. The funding of racing and prize-money levels will continue to be top of the ROA agenda as this is imperative to the wellbeing of our sport. It will require entering into new agreements between the racecourses and the Horsemen’s Group and, even more important, agreements between racing and bookmakers, either through a refined levy system or through an entirely new commercial mechanism.
During my time on the ROA I have learnt much about this complex industry, partly as a result of being the ROA’s representative on the Industry Committee. Outside politics and finance, I have helped merge the two charities, Emergency Relief for Thoroughbreds and Retraining of Racehorses (of which I am a Trustee), while I was responsible for raising significant sums for both RoR and for the ROA itself through organising an auction at the ROA Awards. This has contributed to our association showing a good surplus in its 07/08 annual accounts.
On a personal note, I am an owner of both Flat horses (with William Haggas) and jumpers, and am the proprietor of Cheval Court Stud in Surrey. My mentor was the late Chris Deuters under whose Presidency I learnt much, while I have also gained invaluable experience from visiting racecourses across the globe, accompanied by my business partner and close friend Lester Piggott.
Current business position and company name: Semiretired, Clifford Johnson Consultancy.
Positions held in racing: Formerly point-to-point treasurer, Llandeilo Farmers Hunt, member of the Sapphire Stud.
Years as owner: 16.
Current trainers: Keith Goldsworthy and Luke Dace.
Current horses: Charango Star and shares in Hills of Aran and Hold Em.
Previously owned: Sea Search, No Panic.
Manifesto:
Fellow members I again put myself forward for election to the ROA.
This year I enjoyed my first ever Cheltenham win on 1st January in a partnership horse. But it is not all about winning to get elected, more about the issues you stand for. Some of you will share those issues, whilst others may be happy with the current deal owners get.
Well, if you are happy, I am not your candidate. But if you support my campaign for more prize-money, more appearance money, a complaints panel looking into the conduct of handicappers and dealing with some of the bizarre handicapping and regulatory decisions, then I am that person. For too long handicappers have been a law unto themselves. They have caused trainers to lose horses, owners to pack in the sport, punters to become disgruntled and, when taken to task, they have not been able to justify their decisions. The most common complaints relate to horses returning from a long lay-off not being dropped in the weights; raising the weights of a horse finishing second when the horse has won less than a thousand pounds for being placed, and treating big owners and trainers leniently, while “hammering” small trainers and owners.
Horseracing’s governing body does not seem to care about treating owners fairly and equally. So a vote for me will sow the seeds for a Handicapper Complaints Panel. I am currently compiling a list of specific complaints, so if you have any please email me at cliff121@hotmail.co.uk.
As a rule of thumb, I believe a horse should only be raised one pound in weight for every thousand pounds won in a race and dropped pro rata one pound for every genuine length it loses by when it is out of the prize-money. Thank you for your votes both this year and the previous years and good luck to you in your pursuit of this wonderful sport of ours.
Age: 66.
Current business position: Farmer and small breeder.
Previous positions and companies: Former Jockey Club and BHB Handicapper, former Dairy Farmer, former Chief Handicapper Malayan Racing Association (Singapore and Malaysia).
Positions held in racing: Director of Bangor-On-Dee racecourse, Steward at Chester, Bangor-On-Dee and Ludlow. Former TBA Council member and representative on BHB Race Planning Committee, and International Cataloguing Standards Committee.
Years as owner: 20 (15 as a breeder).
Current trainer: Mark Brisbourne.
Horses currently owned: Game Roseanna, Sybil’s Surprise.
Horses previously owned: Evening Promise, Banjo Bay.
Manifesto:
I believe my background as an official handicapper both at home and overseas enables me to look at the racing scene from an informed viewpoint. In addition, serving on various committees – both as member and chairman – has provided me with a fund of experience.
It seems unlikely the Minister for Sport – Gerry Sutcliffe – will do an about-turn on his ruling on the sale of the Tote. I would advocate quiet diplomacy to try and achieve our President’s proposal of racing receiving 50 per cent at the full commercial price, and the other half to a racing trust. There could be no better individual to argue the fine detail of this than Chief Executive of the BHA, Nic Coward, with the support of his boss, Paul Roy. By all accounts, Nic is full of creative ideas for the promotion of the sport, and fresh thinking needs to be applied as to how to fund the industry.
It is worth remembering we are close to the bottom of the list of racing countries (some 40 odd) in costs/ benefits and this has to be unacceptable. The longer this pertains, the more likely we are to slip from a leading position to one of less international significance. There is evidence that, in a changing industry, the key components are forming their own race planning groups. I would argue for the BHA to exercise strong leadership to unify the views emanating from these groups.
Above all, we should always bear in mind that our existing race programme has evolved over many years to allow the best of the herd – colts and fillies alike – to develop progressively, whilst allowing the less able animals an array of opportunities within their compass. We should not be in a rush to overturn the excellent work of decades to be sacrificed in the name of “progress” … if we don’t take the continuous approach we will adversely affect the breed and pay the penalty.
Much has been said and written recently regarding prize-money. We need to remind ourselves that only five years ago the Racing Review Committee wrote: "Prize-money is the lifeblood of racing. It is a critical ingredient in growing the horse population so that the Industry's income can be maximised." But we simply mustn't just look at the racing scene in the UK but have regard to the changing global racing programme with very rich races abroad available to attract the best horses. The Ascot management have realised that getting the best abroad to race here at the Royal Meeting in not easy. The connections are courted by all the big racing nations, and prize-money is a serious consideration when they make their plans.
The corollary of the above is a contributory loss of British racing's market share in the betting industry owing to our being unable to charge for data on foreign racing, which it does not own.
Nevertheless, we mustn't get unduly despondent! Despite misinformation from the betting industry to the contrary, racing comprises well over 50% of its sports betting market. We can be creative on the big race front and strive to get more of our big races into the upper echelon of international prizes.
I believe we should look seriously at eliminating from the game all horses rated below, say, a figure of 45. The base of the "pyramid" doesn't need broadening, ie: more races for bad horses, as that is counter-productive to the promotion of the racing product. This may be upsetting for some of the ROA membership but we need to sell a good product. The message is, "Cut out the dross, cut your losses and strive to get better!"
I believe we need to keep up the pressure on racecourses to produce good turf for racing. Huge advances have been made in recent years and there are some very good young clerks around. Nevertheless, commercial interests sometimes result in misleading going forecasts. This is usually as a result of too much racing or racing at the wrong time of the year for the particular track.
I was lucky enough to be Chairman of the TBA sub-committee looking into "Opportunities for fillies" back in 2002. An expert team comprising Luca Cumani, Chris Wall, Alex Scrope, Willie Morgan and others produced a well received paper which has enhanced opportunities for 4YO plus fillies. We still need to keep looking at this sector because older fillies continue to get their "black type" abroad and a lot stay there, to the loss of the UK herd.
Conclusion...
Much has been written on the subject of a unified approach within the industry in regard to funding. I believe more of a partnership approach with the betting industry rather the confrontation is the correct way forward. Already there is much co-operation first with the exchanges then bookmakers and the BHA, to try to eliminate corruption and cheating in the sport. It is most important that the sport we love is kept as clean as possible from everyone's point of view.
Age: 59.
Current business position and company name: Watson Wyatt Ltd. Chairman, Life Academy.
Years as owner: 17.
Current trainer: Ed Vaughan.
Horses currently owned: Baron’s Pit, Cosmic Destiny, Convivial Spirit, Bobal Girl, Miss Tikitiboo and Honorable Endeavor.
Horses previously owned: Alan’s Dream, Yorkshire Grey, Grand Lass, Sunny Disposition, Mr Velocity.
Manifesto:
I love all aspects of racing. Owning horses is the fulfillment of a dream. Being elected to the ROA Council would be the icing on the cake. I would be able to put something back into racing and, in so doing, help broaden and deepen interest in our sport. If we do not increase public awareness of and public participation in racing, we will draw a diminishing financial return as decreasing amounts of money are simply recycled.
Why me?
I have been interested in racing for 40 years. I am an active sportsman running marathons and am a Past President of Blackheath Harriers, one of the country’s leading athletic clubs. I have chaired membership organisations in the UK and Europe, I have written a report for Government, I have considerable media experience and currently chair the financial literacy charity, Life Academy. I could draw on all this experience if elected to Council.
What would I stand for?
As an owner, I want opportunities to run my horses and would like to see increased prize-money so that I can afford to buy more horses in the future. Difficult decisions must be made if we are to strike the right balance between running opportunities and financial returns. As a racegoer, I want to make our racecourses welcoming venues for owners and casual visitors alike. Those who work on our behalf must be treated fairly too.
If you vote for me…you would be electing a stayer with a vision. I have a long-term commitment to racing and my perseverance is influenced by my marathon running. My vision is of a bright future for racing where owners are treated fairly and where the public respect our sport as much as we do.
Finger on the Buzzer
What is the appeal of racing politics?
In my youth I was involved with party politics and more recently business politics. Politics is not about confrontation but the art of the possible. Ensuring that all of racing’s stakeholders realise that united they stand, divided they fall makes political acumen essential.
How did you get involved with racing?
Growing up in York, racing was part of the community. From the age of 10, I visited all the local tracks with my parents.
Flat or jumping?
My current horses all perform on the flat but my initial exposure to racehorse ownership came through the Martin Pipe Racing Club. Both codes have their own alluring appeal.
What about the Tote?
I live in hope that we can still persuade the Government to honour its manifesto. The Tote should remain part of our racing family. Backing losers on the Tote is made more palatable since all the surplus goes back into racing.
What about the prize money debate?
Prize money is the life blood of racing. At the top end, it means that our sport can attract the best of the world’s equine talent. Elsewhere, good prize money is essential if ownership is to remain viable for all but the wealthiest in our society.
How can prize money be increased?
The betting fraternity must pay their fair share. However, if we are to make a real difference, we have to bring more people through the turnstiles. Increased visibility will then attract the non-racing sponsors to our sport.
Terrestrial or specialist television?
The specialist racing channels do a wonderful job for those of us inside racing. Terrestrial exposure is essential if we are to broaden and deepen the interest in racing. Both Channel 4 and the BBC entertain the casual viewer without dumbing down in a way that would annoy racing folk.
Do you go racing?
I go as often as I can even if I do not have a runner. I enjoy the intimacy of the smaller tracks and the grandeur of the classic courses. I am outside the pre-parade ring before the first race and do not leave until the trophy has been presented after the last. I love mixing with owners, trainers, jockeys, stable staff and everyone else that makes racing a true reflection of all that is good about British society.
What do you think about the ROA?
Since joining, the ROA has increased my racing enjoyment. I like the magazine;, I have benefited from the badge and sponsorship schemes and keep up to date with racing politics by reading the Owners’ Forum. I would like to bang the drum for the association as a committed insider.
Would you be gutted if you were not elected?
Yes, this is the third time I have stood and each time my desire to win increases. However, even if I lost, I would remain an ambassador for the ROA and continue to take advantage of all that membership offers.
Age: 50.
Current business position: Member of Parliament for Tewkesbury.
Positions held in racing: Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Horse, Member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Racing & Bloodstock, Member of the Sub-committee considering the future of the Tote.
Years as owner: Two.
Current trainer: Anne Marie Adams.
Horses currently owned: Menantol, Enchanting Times and Skin Sure Thing.
Manifesto:
I am running for the ROA Council because I believe that racing, particularly its funding, stands at a crossroads and that there is much urgent work to carry out in order to secure the best possible future for the sport.
Racing starts with owners. Without owners, there would be no racing. Yet I believe that the respect accorded to owners, in terms of prize-money and general treatment, is less than might be expected. I want to improve that situation. My objectives are to increase prize-money; reform the financial structure of racing; achieve more money from the existing structures; and obtain a better deal for owners generally. At a time when the financing of racing is being fundamentally reviewed, it is important that racing speaks with one voice. But the warring factions within racing are the sport’s greatest weakness. So, while I want to try to improve the lot of the owner, it is important to recognise that we will not achieve this if we do not seek to move forward together.
During my 11 years as Member of Parliament for Tewkesbury (which includes Cheltenham racecourse), I have done my utmost to promote the sport in the eyes of the government. I have also worked with Sports Ministers, other Parliamentarians and senior figures from racing to try to help solve some of racing’s problems.
I have also followed racing on a personal basis for 27 years and have visited about 35 British and 6 Irish racecourses. I own two point-to-point horses (soon Hunter Chasers, hopefully!) and a broodmare, and my partner, Annie, is currently applying for a permit to train.
So, I now wish to try to help racing from within to complement the work I do in Parliament on behalf of the sport. It’s a cause worth fighting for.
It seems to me that the government is determined to rid itself of its involvement in racing. That means that it will want to sell the Tote off and also avoid being involved in Levy determinations in the future.
The latter means that it will want racing to find an alternative to the Levy. Racing must take the stated desire of the government in this respect seriously, If it does not, the issue could be forced upon the sport, with racing unprepared, and the racing would lose out. Far better to plan now for the future.
Racing is under-funded, even with (or perhaps, ironically, because of) the Levy. The £85-or-so million provided by the Levy is small beer. It wouldn’t buy five top-notch footballers, for example, so why do we assume it is adequate to finance such a large part of an entire sport? Quite simply, it is not.
Racing is often quoted as being “The Sport of Kings”. But the reality is very different. Quite a few races offer less than £2,000 in prize money, which, even before taking out other costs, probably means an owner would have to win six or seven races a year with that very horse simply to break even with the training fees. It can’t happen. It doesn’t happen.
Yet owners battle on. And I’m told trainers are not making millions either. At a recent submission to the All-Party Racing & Bloodstock Group, the National Federation of Trainers told us that many trainers depended on their cut of prize money in order to keep going – not a very secure position to be in.
There is so much, of course, that is great about British racing. It has to be the best in the world? The Cheltenham, Aintree, Ascot etc spectacles are unrivalled, surely. And my desire is to see it keep its position as the world’s premier racing industry. So it mustn’t be allowed to stand still. It must always be seeking ways in which it can improve.
So while I’m not saying that prize money is everything, we shouldn’t assume that it isn’t important. I represent Cheltenham racecourse as part of my constituency, and I love the place, but I’d be the first to say that courses such as Hereford and Worcester are equally important to the sport. They are important in themselves and they are important in the way they act as training grounds – feeder courses, if you like - where horses, trainers and jockeys might start their careers. In other words, there would be no Manchester United if there were no Crewe Alexander.
So in my view, it is important to ensure that racing is adequately financed at all levels, and not just at the top. My priority is to therefore see a re-structuring of the finances of racing, which provides a bigger cake from which there is more for everyone to share in, and which certainly increases the level of prize money for owners, which in itself would have a useful and important knock-on effect throughout racing.
Age: 50.
Current business position: Head of Horse Racing, Arbuthnot Latham.
Previous Positions and companies: Senior Client Partner, Korn/Ferry International; 13 years. Vice President, Citigroup, First Chicago and Chemical Bank (now JP Morgan); 15 years.
Positions held in racing: ROA Council since 2004, ROA Executive Committee since 2007, BHA Jump Racing Development Group since 2004, Inside Information Working Group since 2006, Promotions Group since 2008, Jump Communications Committee 2004-05, London Racing Club Secretary 2000-2004.
Years as owner: 18 years in syndicates, eight years as sole owner.
Current trainers: Noel Chance, Mark Johnston and Michael Bell through Highclere.
Horses currently owned: River City. Tarzan and Piquant through Highclere.
Horses previously owned: La Luna, Kingscote Thunder, Prarie Lord, Eager to Please. Partnerships: Hopscotch through Pipe/Scudamore Racing.
Council meeting attendance: 36 out of a possible 41.
Manifesto:
I raised prize-money as a key issue in my 2004 manifesto. After serving on the Council, our Executive Committee and industry groups, I believe this remains critical for a healthy industry. This was confirmed by the Lapsed Owner Survey, which I originated, where over two thirds of former owners cited inadequate prize-money as a principal reason to exit.
I initiated the Gold Standard Award, which has improved prize-money and facilities for owners with runners at nearly 20 per cent of racecourses. My banking experience was of assistance to our second Consortium bid for the Tote. I hope to remain involved in our revised bid to keep the Tote at Racing’s heart. The future of the Levy Board also remains integral to our sport and we must develop a new relationship with bookmakers to exploit our rights more fully, yet comply with European law.
I am a vocal advocate for owners in every committee in which I have participated - from the Inside Information Working Group, Tote Consortium bid, Jump Race Development through to Promotions Group. While focused on Jumps, I have also owned flat horses through partnerships. I have been a NH breeder as I believe it important to experience all aspects of racing.
My 2004 manifesto also featured reserves. I am working on this for jumps races while our President focuses on the flat. We are now closer to achieving this objective. Additionally, I have been meeting with owners to discuss how we can promote racing much more positively to the Press.
Since starting ROA membership in 2000, I believe effective service comprises not only attending Council meetings but also ensuring the owner’s voice is heard prominently throughout the industry, requiring time and dedication. I have enjoyed working for you and hope your vote will enable me to continue.
Here are my thoughts and track record as Council member . . .
When I joined Council in 2004, I was surprised by the numerous and complex issues facing our industry. It has been an extraordinary journey to learn about and work the outstanding difficult relationships and longstanding challenges. Chris Deuters, our then President, encouraged me to get involved across the industry. Additionally, I could see that membership in the ROA was showing signs of a decline. I believed it important that Council always remember who we represent and accordingly I initiated several changes, all implemented:
- Alternate Council meetings now start with a focus on ROA not industry issues. I believed we were not giving sufficient time to focus on how to bolster our membership and provide value for owners. Thanks to several Council initiatives, we now see an increase in membership.
- Council members must have owned the equivalent of one racehorse within a 12-month period to stay in touch with owner issues. This was not the case when I joined. I retired River City this spring, I am shopping now for a replacement to go into training - any ideas welcome! Meanwhile, I enjoy being part of a flat syndicate.
- The Gold Standard Award to encourage racecourses to meet a minimum prize money hurdle and provide facilities of a high standard for owners, connections and horses running on the day. Twelve out of 60 racecourses measure up, other racecourses now wish to win our award. I have worked hard on our GS Award committee, visiting many racecourses and liaising with their management teams over several years, to help them earn and keep our award. Developing relationships with our GS Award racecourses represents an important route for different industry constituents to unite over a shared objective.
- Concerned about falling prize money and wishing to provide ammunition for a prize money agreement, I initiated the Lapsed Owner Survey. Responses revealed poor prize money is a leading reason why former owners have exited. The Prize-Money Agreement now with the racecourses for signature will provide a minimum return we can expect from their executive and sponsorship contributions.
- To help the ROA improve its financial condition, I worked on our Awards Dinner Committee. Additionally, I assisted with the fund raising by providing two lots for auction as well as successfully bidding for another lot.
- I believe it is critical to stay close to our membership to represent you well and have made an effort to participate in all our Regional meetings for your feedback.
Through my hard work on Council, I was rewarded with the invitation to join the Executive Committee in 2007, and have attended and contributed to all those meetings as well.
Supplementing these ROA-focused points, I have dedicated significant time to industry groups, vocally representing owners’ interests. These have included:
- Second Consortium bid/current consideration of the Tote
- Code of Conduct/Jump Communications Group
- Jump Race Development Group
- Inside Information Working/Monitoring Groups
- Promotions Group
All these committees require time and dedication. I have demonstrated commitment over the last four years, providing more added value for owners over this period as I have gained knowledge, experience and built relationships. I have also been an ROA member longer than any other candidate. It has been a privilege to serve you, please vote for me so I can continue to work on your behalf.
Age: 54.
Current business position and company name: Partner, Mazars LLP, Chartered Accountants.
Previous positions and companies (if applicable): Corporate Finance Director in Chiltern Corporate Finance, Partner in MRI Moores Rowland LLP.
Years as owner: One.
Current trainer: John Jenkins.
Horses currently owned: Haasem, Go Amwell, Bookiesindex Boy, Pride of Mine.
Manifesto:
I have come to racehorse owning recently but I have had a love of horseracing from an early age, having been taken to Bangor-on-Dee, Birmingham, Brighton, Warwick, Windsor... and many others by my parents in the 1960s.
Racing as a business and a sport has changed tremendously in the intervening years but the thrills and excitement and the heartbreaks involved in watching and owning racehorses remain unchanged.
One of the biggest changes has been the rise in racehorse ownership, as individuals, partners and as members of syndicates. Linked to this has been the development of All-Weather racing which has allowed the owners and trainers of less able horses still to enjoy competitive racing and even the odd winner throughout the year.
These changes have made the sport more accessible to new owners and racing enthusiasts and hence much stronger.
However, racing cannot prosper without the continued support of owners prepared to let their hearts rule their heads and ‘invest’ in the next ‘Arkle’ or ‘Mill Reef’. If elected I would work with fellow council members to protect the interests of owners, and therefore the sport by working to:
- Increase prize money at all levels but particularly in the lower grades and classes where current levels are much too low.
- Encourage greater sponsorship of horses, races and stables.
- Seek to improve communication with the rest of the Racing Industry and with the Government.
- Encourage greater participation in racing by younger people who will be the owners of tomorrow.
Age: 56.
Current business position and company name: Solicitor, Edmondson Hall in Newmarket.
Previous positions and companies: Solicitors: Norton Rose (London), BBC (London), Mills & Reeve (Norwich), Whatley Lane (Newmarket).Business: David Minton Bloodstock Limited (Director), Darley Stud Management Company Limited (Managing Director).
Positions held in racing: Directorships with Darley and David Minton Bloodstock, Chaired TBA Equine Fertility Review Group, Member of Equine Fertility Unit Ethical Review Group, Chairman of FBA (Federation of Bloodstock Agents (GB) Limited, FBA representative on BHB’s Industry Committee.
Years as owner: Since early 1970s.
Current trainer: Lucy Wadham.
Horses currently owned: Aviador and Wiesentraum (100%), Share in Emperor Concerto and Diarius (25% each).
Horses previously owned: Fort Hall, Sherriffmuir, The Dark Lord, Resplendent Star, Daring Bid.
Manifesto:
What are my credentials?
Twenty-two years in racing and as a specialist solicitor, representing predominantly owners and latterly the ROA, as a bloodstock agent (five years with David Minton and two as Chairman of the FBA) as a former Managing Director of Darley (the world’s biggest racing and breeding operation) and as the husband (assistant?) of a trainer (Lucy Wadham).
What can I offer?
The understanding and knowledge gained from 22 years in racing which will help me make a vital contribution in seeing that the interests of owners are properly and effectively represented at what is a crucial time for Racing. It is vital that the mechanism which replaces or amends the Levy is the right one for the sport and that owners have the right stake in it.
My main objectives
To see a legally safe and lasting mechanism put in place for the funding of Racing which will provide owners with the prize-money return which their contribution to the sport deserves and which will enable racing to plan strategically for the long term. Gerry Sutcliffe (MP) has recently assured the industry that legislation will be available (if necessary) to protect from legal attack any arrangement agreed between the betting and racing Industries which is commercially workable. It is the lack of legal protection which has thwarted previous funding solutions.
Other objectives
I want to see the BHA and the industry dealing ruthlessly with any of racing’s professionals who defraud their clients. These people are few in number but they repeatedly do untold harm to the sport (not to mention their victims) and account for the disenchantment of many new owners while deterring other potential ones from becoming involved. Successive racing authorities have shied away from dealing with these people despite knowing who they are. I believe in the BHA and its management but what it delivers for owners will always depend on how those representing owners present their case. Presenting cases is what I do.
WHY DO I WANT TO STAND?
- I care deeply about racing, its welfare and future.
- I want to improve the lot of all owners, ensuring our interests are protected and enhanced.
- I believe I have the qualities and qualifications to do the job well.
WHAT WILL YOU WANT FROM ME?
- Relevant experience, knowledge and skills
As you will see from my CV, I have been involved professionally in horseracing for twenty two years as a company director, as a solicitor, as a bloodstock agent, as a BHB Committee representative and as an associate trainer. - Commitment to Integrity
The entitlement of owners to receive honest dealing and to demand enforcement by racing’s authorities when they do not receive it is a central plank to the platform I stand on. - Efficacy
The person you elect must be able to present, argue and win cases. Doing this is what my day job is about. Winning arguments means knowing the strengths and weaknesses of your own case, of the case you face and above all being able to distinguish the arguments you can win from those you can’t. - An ability to get on with people and work as a team
Good ideas and strategies count for nothing unless they are shared and supported by people you work with. Working consultatively and as a team player is how I instinctively operate. - Listening to, communicating with and representing the views of those who elect me
I would not see my appointment to the Council as an opportunity to follow and implement an agenda of my own. There are issues I feel very strongly about; but I would actively encourage ROA Members to contact me so that I can represent their voices and opinions properly. This is about representing you, not me! - Judgement and Pragmatism
The way to hell is paved with good intentions. You need a representative who can distinguish between a good intention and an achievable objective.
Owners collectively form the most powerful group in racing and yet, historically, one of the least influential. In recent years, the ROA has transformed itself from a small trade association into a powerful representative organisation. Council Members must have the know-how, the will, the contacts and the influence to represent ROA Members effectively. I am standing for election because I believe I can do this.
Age: 56.
Current business position and company name: Managing Director of Setsquare Recruitment, Partner in Trebles Holford Farm Thoroughbreds.
Previous positions and companies: Civil Engineer with both contractors and consulting engineers, 8 years as a District Councillor.
Years as owner: Five.
Current trainer: David Elsworth.
Horses currently owned: Vital Statistics, Viva Vettori, Sheer Bluff, home-bred two-year-old filly.
Horses previously owned: Something Exciting, Magical Quest.
Manifesto:
At 16, I was appalled to see my 14-year-old brother walk into Dave Pipe’s bookies in Taunton, only to find out that racing was the source of his generous tuck money. Since then I have been well and truly hooked. My skirmishes with the bookmakers have not been so lucrative, although I do count myself among that very rare breed, “the lucky owner”.
Thanks to the genius of David Elsworth, my first horse on the Flat, Something Exciting, finished runner-up in the Oaks and is now enjoying a successful life in the paddocks.
As a newcomer to the sport in 2003, I could not fathom why the racehorse owner – supplier of the raw material and therefore without whom the whole glorious business could not function – was so far down the food chain. In five short years since, owners have lost further ground to the more powerful lobbies within racing (and bookmaking).
Owning racehorses is overly complex and unnecessarily burdensome with mountains of bureaucracy, reels of red tape and landfills of waste. Is it really necessary to have so many forms to complete from Weatherbys and so many bodies and organisations administering the sport, many of them, I suspect, overlapping in performing their various functions?
I’d like to help demystify the sport for new and current owners and create a vibrant organisation with a broader and more representative membership. After all, recruitment is my game. I may have dipped my toe in the Classics but I also understand that the vast majority of horses are lucky to win one race a year. When that “success” doesn’t cover the costs for one week, let alone 52, it is easy to see why the scrapheap for retired racehorses is growing all the time, with all its unsavoury consequences. A radical think tank needs to be established, with reclaiming owners’ rights at the top of its agenda. I have the time and energy to champion that cause.