BHA Racing license extended

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) have agreed to extend Musselburgh Racecourse’s licence whilst a governance review being conducted by top legal firm Pinsent Masons is on-going.

The BHA said when granting a temporary licence in July that it could be extended if it was satisfied that demonstrable progress was being made with the governance review and the subsequent implementation of all reasonable recommendations.

Musselburgh is currently operating on a temporary licence and the BHA extension means the track can race until 7 April 2018.

Musselburgh Racecourse chief executive, Bill Farnsworth, said: “We are pleased the BHA has extended our licence to 7 April 2018 so that the governance review can be completed and recommended changes implemented. We now are looking forward to putting on another successful New Year’s Day meeting on 1 January.”

BHA Director of Legal and Governance, Catherine Beloff, said: “The renewal means the temporary licence will cover the nine-month timeline for the completion of an independent governance review and substantial implementation of its recommendations, which were conditions of the last temporary licence given in July.

“On expiry of the temporary licence, the Board will consider the progress made in relation to implementation in determining whether it is appropriate in the best interests of Musselburgh racecourse and the wider sport to extend the licence for a further period.”