Amid uncertainty surrounding affordability checks, members of Newmarket‘s horse racing industry have united. The Newmarket Thoroughbred Racing & Breeding Industry Forum (NTRBIF) have unveiled an 80-page plan to safeguard the future of racing over the next 15 years.
Horse racing is the second biggest sport economically in the United Kingdom. Annually, the sport raises £4 billion to the country’s economy. However, the looming presence of an affordability check rollout, which could significantly harm the sport’s revenue from bookmakers, has seen stakeholders within horse racing begin to take action.
An open letter has already been written to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy regarding the issue. More than 500 affiliated members signed the letter, though further action has now been taken by those based in Newmarket.
The headquarters for British flat racing, Newmarket is home to a substantial number of training operations. Trainers themselves, as well as stable staff and anyone who works within the sport, make up the Newmarket Thoroughbred Racing & Breeding Industry Forum. In response to the uncertainty, they have devised an 80-page plan to safeguard racing’s future in the town.
Amy Starkey, who is Project Director at the Jockey Club, whose own headquarters are situated in Newmarket, outlined the plan.
“This blueprint for the future is both a plan of action and a call to policymakers to recognise the value of the sport and support it,” she said to the BBC.
“By working with partners, we hope not only to protect and enhance Newmarket, but to see it flourish and thrive for the benefit of future generations.”
Gosden among those involved in latest paper
Newmarket’s horse racing community is just that. The Warren Hill gallops which frame the hills surrounding the town are a communal area shared by friends and rivals. Even in 2026, it is a town which breathes because of the sport’s ties.
Among those involved with the Case for Newmarket document is trainer John Gosden. At the launch of the NTRBIF‘s, he said: “Newmarket is unique for the interaction between the town and the horseracing and breeding industry. It’s important that they continue to co-exist, side-by-side, which is why making sure decisions about the future opportunities and growth in the town are made with the welfare of the community, the horse and the industry firmly front of mind.”
Along with methods to support the infrastructure of racing in Newmarket, a vision is given for the sport’s future. The town will emerge more greatly into focus in the coming weeks. The 2000 Guineas meeting begins at the start of May.