ROR Owner Contribution
The Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) on behalf of owners continues to champion and support the welfare of racehorses beyond their racing careers, reinforcing the role of owners in supporting the industry’s thoroughbred aftercare strategy.
By directly supporting the aftercare activities of Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Strategy we look to highlight this hugely relevant area given the importance of equine welfare and aftercare felt by racehorse owners.
Owners currently contribute to RoR via a levy on each race entry fee, set at £1.25. While the aspiration is to transition to an annual per-horse contribution model, this approach has not yet been realised. However, in recognition of the importance of maintaining and strengthening racehorse aftercare, an interim solution has been agreed for this year only. From 1st April 2025, the owner contribution per race entry will increase to £3, representing an annual average contribution of £26 per horse, an increase from the current £11.
Throughout 2025, the ROA and RoR will work closely to monitor and report on the impact of owner contributions, providing greater transparency and insight into the aftercare programmes owners are supporting. This period of review will also allow for a broader evaluation of industry cost structures to ensure that financial commitments reflect the needs of today’s owners rather than outdated legacy arrangements.
The ROA acknowledges the financial pressures faced by owners and remains committed to ensuring that investment is directed towards the right areas. The Equine Welfare Strategy is an integral part of responsible racehorse ownership, and this enhanced contribution will directly support the welfare work undertaken by RoR in the aftercare sector. Specifically, it will help to advance initiatives such as RoR’s Improving the Framework for the First Step Out of Training programme, from 2026 and beyond, which provides essential support for horses as they transition into new careers.
Louise Norman, Chief Executive of the ROA, said:
“The horse is at the heart of racing and central to the owner experience. Responsible ownership and a lifelong commitment to racehorse welfare are fundamental values for owners in British racing.
Owners are already the largest financial contributors to British racing, including to RoR, and this increase in support reflects our unwavering dedication to racehorse welfare, particularly aftercare. Together with increased contributions from other industry stakeholders, this funding will enable RoR to continue its vital work, ensuring that every racehorse has the opportunity to thrive beyond the racetrack.”
David Catlow, Managing Director of RoR, added:
“RoR recognises the significant efforts made by many owners and trainers to secure suitable homes for their horses after retirement. However, ensuring a successful transition is not always straightforward. This increased support from owners is greatly appreciated and, alongside industry contributions, will enable RoR to strengthen protocols and pathways, giving owners greater confidence that their horses are well-prepared for second careers.
We all share the goal of seeing former racehorses thrive in new disciplines and preventing welfare issues later in life. RoR remains committed to providing, on behalf of British Racing, a robust safety net that the industry can be truly proud of."
The Retraining of Racehorses Strategy can be found here RoR Strategy 2024-2026 | Retraining of Racehorses.
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For further information, please contact:
Louise Norman, Chief Executive of the Racehorse Owners Association on [email protected]
About the Racehorse Owners Association
The ROA promotes, protects and sustains racehorse ownership and racing in Great Britain. Founded in 1945, it now has a membership of over 7,000 racehorse owners, representing their and other owners’ interests throughout the year on the racecourse, in the yards, and in the boardrooms across the country.
To find out more about the benefits of the ROA and its role in British racing visit www.roa.co.uk
Twitter: @RacehorseOwners; and Facebook: RacehorseOwnersUK