Ascot to split from the Racecourse Association as governance rift deepens

Ascot racecourse has announced its decision to leave the Racecourse Association at the end of the year after calls for the RCA to address “structural governance concerns” by the end of April were not sufficiently delivered.

Earlier this year a number of high-profile racecourses and The Jockey Club collectively wrote to the Racecourse Association calling for an “urgent review” of its governance to support industry change.

Ascot, Goodwood, The Jockey Club, Newbury and York requested a proposal for reform by the end of April, with the objectives set out aimed at ensuring the board and voting representation is balanced and credible, that significant views from key racecourses can influence outcomes and that the organisation can act decisively on matters affecting the wider industry.

In a statement released on Monday morning, Ascot said it had decided to give notice to leave the RCA after “considerable consultation and consideration”, adding that while discussions since March have been “extensive and good natured”, changes to the RCA member voting structure and board representation have not been delivered.

Felicity Barnard, Ascot racecourse chief executive, said: “The decision to move away from the RCA was not taken lightly and was guided by our view that this is in the interests of the long-term health of the sport.

“In the period since March 3, we have engaged constructively with the RCA and remained clear and consistent with our request for governance reform; reform that we believe is necessary to reflect the evolving needs of our sport and its stakeholders.

“Regrettably, sufficient progress has not been made. We remain committed to working collaboratively within the industry to enable Ascot to continue to contribute to the shared success of the sport.”

The Jockey Club also issued a statement on the proposed RCA governance changes, saying it has decided to give the process “extra time” in the hope a potential solution can be found.

However, it did add that its RCA membership will not be renewed in 2027 if changes cannot be delivered by the end of July.

A spokesperson for The Jockey Club said: “We have been encouraged by the discussions so far to find a solution to the governance issue. Our belief remains that for the RCA to be effective and a positive force for good in racing we need to see the following changes – a board and voting representation that is balanced and credible, that significant views from key racecourses can influence outcomes and minority views can be recognised inside and outside the RCA and that the organisation can act decisively on matters affecting the wider industry.

“We recognise that to develop and agree specifics on each of these issues requires detailed consideration and potential compromise from all parties and as such we are committing to continue to take part in ongoing discussions and support the 12-week governance review that has been proposed, with a view to the RCA Board committing to reaching firm conclusions as to the changes that can be delivered by the end of July 2026. Should this prove too difficult, it will be with some sadness that we will not renew our membership in 2027.

“It is our hope that a potential solution can be found by giving the process extra time, but this should not be interpreted as a vote for the status quo or a lessening of our desire for an RCA that can truly serve and represent courses across the pyramid of racing. Our sport needs us all working in the same direction playing an enabling role in the sport and in offering support for strong central leadership for British racing by the BHA.”