The Jockey Club to leave Racecourse Association as governance divide deepens

The Jockey Club has confirmed it will leave the Racecourse Association (RCA) at the end of the year, citing concerns that the organisation’s current structure is preventing reforms it believes are essential for the long-term future of British racing.

The decision follows Ascot’s announcement that it will also withdraw its membership, marking a significant shift in the governance landscape of the sport and increasing scrutiny on how British racing is represented at the highest level.

The RCA recently concluded a review launched in March after calls for reform from several of Britain’s leading racecourses. As part of its recommendations, the organisation proposed replacing its existing one-member, one-vote system with a structure that allocates equal 25 per cent voting shares to its four principal groups: The Jockey Club, Arena Racing Company (ARC), the Large Independent racecourses and the Small Independent racecourses.

The RCA also confirmed it would relinquish responsibility for appointing two members to the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) board, with those positions instead to be filled through an independent process.

However, The Jockey Club believes the proposed changes do not go far enough.

Chief executive Jim Mullen said the review had failed to address what he described as the most significant issue: the RCA’s political influence within British racing through its role in the sport’s governance.

He said: “This review has addressed the RCA’s internal arrangements, but not the constitutional arrangements through which racecourses collectively exercise their influence over the governance of British racing. The RCA’s proposals fail to address our fundamental concern that the RCA can continue to act to stifle the necessary changes needed in the industry.”

According to Mullen, the organisation remains concerned that the RCA would continue to oppose reforms including major changes to the fixture list and the creation of a fully independent BHA board, both of which The Jockey Club believes are necessary to strengthen the sport’s future.

He added: “Nothing proposed would displace the RCA as the political representative of British racecourses and in our view, confirmed by recent discussions, the RCA would continue to vote against necessary changes such as the introduction of an independent BHA board and substantive changes to the fixture list.

“While recent talks have focused on the valuable operational services provided by the RCA to the wider racecourse community, it is our view that without change to the political representation, the price of maintaining those operations is sadly too high when judged against the political role the organisation plays and its ability to suppress reform.”

The Jockey Club operates 15 racecourses across Britain, including Cheltenham, Aintree, Epsom, Sandown, Haydock, Kempton and both Newmarket courses, giving it considerable influence within the sport.

Its departure follows Plumpton’s exit from the RCA in 2024 and, alongside Ascot’s decision to leave, raises further questions over how racecourses will be represented within British racing’s governance framework.

Looking ahead, Mullen confirmed The Jockey Club intends to work with Ascot and other like-minded racecourses on a new model for the sport’s future.

He said: “We accept that other racecourses may wish to pursue different avenues to reform the RCA and we respect their choice, but we believe that at the heart of this debate is the core principle that racing must be able to tackle the challenges it faces, free from self-interest and short-term priorities and this is best achieved by an independent BHA which is able to take input from all stakeholders but ultimately empowered to make timely and effective decisions in the best interests of the sport overall.”

The move represents one of the most significant governance developments in British racing in recent years, with discussions over the sport’s future leadership and decision-making structure now expected to intensify.