British Horseracing Authority bolsters whistleblowing service

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has updated its anonymous reporting service as part of an effort to further protect the integrity of the sport.

‘RaceWISE’ will cover the welfare of horses, as well as address safeguarding and other welfare concerns, focus on maintain equality for everyone involved in the sport, and commit to an overarching protection of integrity.

The BHA said the update will give those who work in, bet on and follow the sport more options to speak up and report potential breaches of the Rules of Racing or practices which concern them.

Previously known as ‘Racestraight’ for reporting specific integrity concerns, the new-look RaceWISE service will run as a free phoneline and online form. The BHA will operate the service in partnership between its integrity department and the Crimestoppers independent charity and anonymous reporting service.

The BHA will publicise the updated service in both public and restricted areas across racecourses, while with racecard and racecourse TV graphics will also be created as part of the campaign.

“The launch of RaceWISE broadens the scope of our previous reporting services; RaceWISE should also mean that we can be more strategic in terms of how we process and investigate any relevant intelligence that we receive, in order to keep racing fair and clean,” BHA head of integrity Chris Watts said.

“We are here to protect the honest majority and ensure that those who seek to gain an unfair advantage or act in a manner which could damage the integrity of our sport are held to account.

“If there are people out there who hear, or become aware, of any wrongdoing in British Racing we want them to feel confident that they can report it safely and securely. We will do all we can to protect the identity of those who contact us.”

Crimestoppers chief executive Mark Hallas added: “Transparency and openness are key to ensuring horseracing remains a trusted sport for those involved professionally and for the public to continue to enjoy.

“We know, however, that there is the potential for someone to break the rules which is why, as a charity, we are keen to offer this enhanced whistleblowing line.

“We will pass your Information to the BHA for them to investigate. You can choose to stay anonymous, or you have the option to leave contact details so that the BHA can speak to you again. If you do, your details will always remain confidential.”