BHB Consider New Declarations Plan Forty-eight hour declarations for all races on the Flat could come into effect at the start of the turf season next month. The British Horseracing Board will decide at its next meeting on March 6 whether to take the historic step that is expected to bring in much-needed revenue. 'If everything fell into place and everyone is satisfied then we would aim for the start of the turf Flat season,' said BHB communications manager Will Lambe. At a board meeting on Monday, the BHB considered the arguments that there was a potential increase in revenue to the sport from blanket 48-hour declarations for Flat racing and British racing was currently not making the most of opportunities to sell its product in overseas territories. However, at the same time it was agreed assurances were needed that all of the sport´s stakeholders - particularly those affected by a change in the declaration timetable - would derive direct benefits from any additional money produced. The Board considered a presentation from Racing UK outlining the additional income it would hope to generate should declaration time be brought forward to two days before a fixture, and also noted a submission from the Press Association regarding regional newspaper coverage of racecards. BHB chief executive Greg Nichols said: 'The wholesale introduction of 48-hour declarations for Flat racing is a matter of importance for the whole industry. 'The arguments can at times be complex, however, I believe a resolution can be achieved relatively simply: British racing requires guarantees that the financial benefits of such a change will be adequate, and they will flow right through the sport.'(C) PA Sport
