Tattersalls Welcome All Party Parliamentary Group for Racing & Bloodstock to Park Paddocks

The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Racing & Bloodstock made a visit to Newmarket on Thursday, 30th January, visiting John & Thady Gosden’s Clarehaven Stables, the British Racing School, the National Stud and Tattersalls, where they received presentations and enjoyed lunch on the first day of the Tattersalls February Sale. 

The group, which included MPs Nick Timothy, Dan Carden and Jack Rankin as well as Baroness Harding, Lord Herbert and Baroness MacIntosh, were given presentations by Tattersalls Finance Director Caroline Scott along with the TBA’s Chief Executive Claire Sheppard and Kevin Needham, Chair of the Racehorse Transporters Association. 

The visit to Newmarket was organised by the BHA along with the TBA with both organisations represented during the day. The TBA’s Claire Sheppard highlighted the increasing costs and difficulties facing small breeders in Britain along with the declining number of horses being bred and the impacts that is having on the industry. 

Tattersalls’ Caroline Scott highlighted how changes to employer National Insurance contributions, Capital Gains Tax, Inheritance, Agricultural and Business Property Relief will significantly impact the industry, especially those whose margins are already tight. She also emphasised the international economic importance of the horse racing and breeding industry to Newmarket and the threat of residential overdevelopment which impacts and causes potential hazards for the 3,000 horses which are trained within the town. Views were also expressed regarding the East West Rail Consultation and the threat of large-scale infrastructure projects in close proximity to Newmarket.

BBA Shipping’s Kevin Needham highlighted the impact that recent changes to documentation requirements and European Union laws on the transport of equines was having on the thoroughbred industry along with the potential challenges that the potential closure of Stansted as a transport hub would have. 

The TBA’s Claire Sheppard commented; 

"We were pleased to have the opportunity to meet with members of the APPG to showcase how British breeding contributes positively to both the national and local economies and highlight how the sector drives inward investment, supports employment in rural communities, and has a significant positive impact on the environment.

"With thoroughbred stud farms in 215 Parliamentary constituencies, and/or farms who have produced thoroughbred foals across the country in the last two years, the breadth of our industry is substantial. It is vital that parliamentarians understand the challenges British breeders are facing, and we hope that our discussions have fostered stronger relationships and increased understanding. This will enable the TBA, BHA, and Tattersalls to call on a broader base of MP support when advocating for the industry's needs with the Government."

Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony commented; 

"We were delighted to welcome the APPG members to Tattersalls and engage in meaningful discussions about the key issues impacting our clients and industry. Ensuring that the racing and breeding communities have a voice in Parliament is crucial, and it is vital that MPs gain a clear understanding of the challenges we face."