The latest Economic Impact Study of the British thoroughbred breeding industry, which is published today, outlines the key opportunities and challenges for the sector, providing a blueprint for future progress.
The study, commissioned by the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (TBA) from the international consultancy PwC, builds on reports published in 2014 and 2018. The report was co-funded by the Horserace Betting Levy Board and Racing Foundation.
While acknowledging the ramifications of wider geo-political events, the study reveals that British breeding has an impact of over £375m of gross value added to the rural economy, as well as being a world-leading producer of top racehorses and the foundation for a world-class racing programme.
Being the third in the series, the report enables greater insight to be gained into the current climate in which thoroughbred breeders operate through deeper analysis of factors affecting profitability and the overall health of the sector.
Over 7.5 million data points were analysed in the project, which reveals the progression of some established trends and the emergence of new ones, following the impact of both Brexit and Covid-19.
The report also notes the positive impact of industry intervention schemes, specifically the Great British Bonus, which has helped narrow the gap in average sales prices between colts and fillies at British sales.
However, ongoing issues with profitability are shown to be persistently troubling the sector, particularly in the middle and lower tiers of the market, where smaller operators continue to exit the industry.
Forecasts on foal crops and broodmare numbers in the report also show a steady but continual reduction without intervention.
Recommendations for improving the long-term future of the sector include the consideration of prize-money levels, new targeted industry incentives, creation of accessible ownership models, encouragement and support of the domestic stallion market, and the development of recruitment and retention strategies to meet the industry’s talent requirements.
Commenting on the report, TBA Chairman Julian Richmond-Watson says: “It is timely as it coincides with the racing industry’s development of a new long-term strategy, led by the BHA, which is an opportunity to shape racing’s future and strengthen our position as a world-leader in thoroughbred racing and breeding.
“The report will be a key evidence bank for this vital work, as industry stakeholders seek to work together to address the challenges for the long-term health of the sport. A high quality and sustainable supply of thoroughbred horses is a specific objective underpinning the whole strategy, and is a requisite for an attractive, competitive and quality racing product.”
TBA Chief Executive Claire Sheppard adds: “It is of fundamental importance that as the TBA, and as an industry, we take action based on a sound and robust evidence base and have a real depth of understanding of underlying trends across the whole industry.
“As this is the third study the TBA has commissioned, a comprehensive and longer-term picture of the key trends now exists, and the data have helped PwC to model into the future and map out what could happen if these trends continue and we do not take interventions.
“The long-term declining trend in the key indicators are an ongoing concern, but there are signs of hope for the future in the upturn in the 2022 British-born foal crop numbers and the positive impact of the Great British Bonus on sales prices and owner returns.
“The report demonstrates that incentives and strategic interventions can work. We must learn from this and take forward a plan with the support of breeders in particular and the racing industry in general as part of racing’s new strategy.”
View the 2014, 2018 and 2023 Economic Impact Studies here.