Board Meeting Summary
Meeting Date: Tuesday 11th December 2007
Integrity Grants 2008
With effect from 1st January 2008 the Board approved :-
a) Fixture Fee Grants (to cover Field Force and BHA Handicapper costs) to racecourses, at a rate of £7,356 per fixture.
b) Regulatory Fee Grants (to cover Regulatory HQ costs) to racecourses, at a rate of £2,950 per fixture.
c) HFL Laboratory Services Grants to racecourses in respect of laboratory, research and testing services at a rate of £3,004 per fixture.
d) Integrity Grants (to cover photo-finish and camera patrol costs) to racecourses who use RaceTech services at a rate of £4,234 per fixture. Racecourses who use an alternative supplier for either services are subject to separate Grant negotiations.
e) £12,000 funding to Chester racecourse for a sixth camera position.
Breeders' Prizes Scheme 2008
Press Release - 02/01/2008 - HBLB Breeders' Prizes 2008
2008 Training Programmes
The HBLB Board approved financial support for training programmes at the National Stud and Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA) in 2008 totalling £306,380.
The National Stud will receive Board funding for a sixth successive year, and has been granted £218,380 for the central education and training programme for the thoroughbred breeding industry. The TBA Stud Staff Project, launched in 2005, implements the recommendations of the BHB Stable and Stud Staff Commission as they concern Thoroughbred breeders. Funding of £88,000 will be provided.
Veterinary Education Awards 2008/09
The HBLB's annual veterinary budget provides for support for post-graduate veterinary education to develop and maintain the specialist equine veterinary clinical, research and teaching expertise needed in Britain for the racing and breeding Thoroughbred horse.
The HBLB Board approved the recommendations of the Veterinary Advisory Committee to commit £339,600 from the 2008/09 Veterinary Budget to support three new Veterinary Education Awards.
The HBLB Board approved the recommendations of the Veterinary Advisory Committee to commit £250,000 from each of the 2008 and 2009 Veterinary Budgets (total £500,000) to support the final two years of the Equine Genetics Programme.
The HBLB Board approved a sum of £8,000 from the 2007/08 Veterinary Budget to support the Ninth International Colic Symposium.
Point To Point Grants 2008
The HBLB Board approved an allocation of £309,000, accepting the BHA proposals for the distribution of Point-to-Point Grants in 2008, to be targeted at the provision of adequate medical and veterinary facilities, as well as racecourse preparation and safety.
Racecourse Improvements
(a) Loans: York Racecourse
The HBLB Board approved a £1.0m interest-free loan to York from its Capital Fund towards the provision of track development and drainage works.
The HBLB Board also approved a Capital Credit Grant of £1,818,326 towards the above project.
(b) Capital Credits: Ascot, Chester, Lingfield and Southwell Racecourses
Ascot : The HBLB Board approved a Grant of up to £628,095 from accumulated Capital Credits to meet its cost of converting part of the Grandstand to accommodate a restaurant for Tattersalls customers.
Chester: The HBLB Board approved a Grant of up to £3,179,941 from accumulated Capital Credits to meet the cost of providing improved facilities for Owners and Trainers and improvements within the Tattersalls Stand.
Lingfield: The HBLB Board approved a Capital Credit Grant of up to £9,604,365 towards the construction of new stables, stable lads' accommodation and entrance buildings.
Southwell: The HBLB Board approved a Capital Credit Grant of up to £751,154 towards:
(a) Vets Treatment Box and Sampling Units
(b) Replacement Stables
(c) Relocation of RaceTech Services Park
(d) Refurbishment of Main Grandstand – First Floor
(e) New Food Court Enclosure