The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has announced an enhancement to its regulatory processes in the interests of providing greater transparency and information regarding the whereabouts of foals born to race in the sport, which will bring Great Britain in to line with international practice across many other major racing jurisdictions.

This development is also a declaration of intent by the British racing and breeding industries to enhance our already high animal welfare standards while still reflecting the relevant European Union (EU) legislation. This could be important in establishing future trading relationships and enabling horse movements across borders once the U.K. has exited the EU.

From Jan. 1, 2018, breeders or owners will be required to notify the BHA about a foal’s birth within 30 days for all foals born in Great Britain. Previously, foals needed to be registered within 12 months of birth for anti-doping purposes.

This will enable the BHA to trace the welfare and whereabouts of foals before they arrive in a registered training yard and record locations and monitor the welfare of unnamed horses