Go-Ahead For Two-Day Declarations Agreement has been reached between the National Trainers' Federation, Horsemen's Group and Racecourse Association over the implementation of 48-hour declarations, which will come into effect on August 1.Negotiations have been ongoing since April after the British Horseracing Board agreed in principle to adopt a two-day declaration system for all races on the Flat in Britain.A major stumbling block has been disagreement on how overseas revenue will be divided up, but talks over the last few weeks have resolved the matter and the first 48-hour declarations will be made on Sunday, July 30 for the meetings at Beverley and Goodwood on August 1.BHB chief executive Greg Nichols said: 'We appear to have reached the finishing line, and have broad agreement that August 1 is the target implementation date.'The developments will be welcomed by many parties, including regional newspapers, which help to promote racing by including racecards.'The discussions have certainly been protracted, but it is to the credit of the RCA and the Horsemen's Group that they have reached a commercial agreement that will be to the overall benefit of the sport. That said, the real work of generating additional income for racing now begins.'The NTF Council announced its approval of the terms agreed between the Horsemen's Group and the RCA.Chief executive Rupert Arnold said: 'We know 48-hour declarations will present a host of problems for trainers but by standing firm, the NTF, working within the Horsemen's Group, has helped to obtain terms that meet many of the objections we raised previously in relation to a method for horsemen to share resulting income and the recognition of additional costs.'The RCA has been an advocator of the two-day declaration system from the start and were delighted to hear the deal has been ratified.A spokesman said: 'We welcome the move and look forward to working with all parties to develop the international market for the benefit of the British racing industry.'? PA Sport
