The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) will prioritise new environmental standards across UK racing to ensure the sport remains sustainable and protected against the effects of climate change.

The Authority has published its new environmental plan, titled Racing Resilient, designed to safeguard environments for the long-term interests of the heritage sport. The strategy carries the support of the Racing Foundation, representing the well-being of horses, athletes, businesses, spectators and rural communities.

The plan will run over an initial five-year period and is described as science-based, evidence-driven, and coordinated across the industry. It has been shaped by extensive consultation with stakeholders, supply chains, training yards and racecourses.

Backed by the BHA and Racing Foundation stakeholders, Racing Resilient will priorities the following four key areas:

• Reducing carbon emissions – targeting direct operations, supply chains and transport, supported by tools such as the Stud Farm carbon calculator. 
• Preserving water availability – essential for both racing surfaces and horse cooling, underpinned by a full water impact study. 
• Protecting ecosystems – using racing’s extensive landholdings to restore habitats, enhance biodiversity, and capture carbon. 
• Minimising waste – through sustainable sourcing and whole life-cycle approaches, while engaging supply chains where alternatives are limited.
  

Implementation of the policy will be overseen by Katie Carr, the BHA’s Head of Environmental Sustainability, who stressed that “the success of British racing and breeding is intrinsically linked to the health of our natural environment,” adding that the new framework is about harnessing existing expertise “to mitigate risks and make a positive, lasting difference”.

“This is what this strategy is all about: how we harness this knowledge and expertise to mitigate risks, identify opportunities and make a positive and lasting difference. By doing so, we can help safeguard our environment, strengthen our resilience and sustain our sport for generations to come.”

The first phase will concentrate on data gathering, including carbon baselining, water and nature impact studies, and waste assessments. These insights will inform a more detailed action plan. Technology, training and education—such as carbon literacy programmes—will play a central role in embedding sustainability across racing operations.

Climate change is already impacting British racing, with more frequent floods, droughts and weather-related disruptions to fixtures. Risks extend to horse welfare, business continuity and supply chain stability.

Yet the sport also has advantages to build on. With custodianship of vast green spaces and expertise in land and animal management, racing is well placed to lead environmental improvements at a community level.

Tansy Challis, Chief Executive of the Racing Foundation, said the plan would help coordinate ongoing initiatives: “The Racing Foundation is proud to support the development of this strategy, which sets a clear direction for how the industry can meaningfully contribute to an environmentally-sustainable future.

“The strategy serves to coordinate much of the great work taking place in this area across the industry and drive progress as part of an aligned approach. By supporting this work, we are enabling racing to make a meaningful and positive impact for the benefit of horses, people and its communities.”