Ascot to quit Racecourse Association over UK governance concerns
Ascot Racecourse has confirmed it will leave the Racecourse Association (RCA) at the end of the year, citing a lack of sufficient progress on long-standing concerns over the organisation’s governance structure.
The decision follows months of industry tension after the resignation of British Horseracing Authority chair Lord Allen and the failure to establish an independent BHA board, prompting calls for wider structural reform across racing governance bodies.
In March, Ascot joined the Jockey Club and fellow major independent tracks Goodwood, Newbury and York in issuing a joint statement demanding an urgent review of the RCA’s governance framework and decision-making balance.
The group’s letter to RCA chairman Wilf Walsh called for reforms by the end of April to ensure balanced board and voting representation, stronger influence for key racecourses, and improved ability for the organisation to act decisively on industry-wide issues.
Ascot chief executive Felicity Barnard said the decision to withdraw was “not taken lightly,” adding that while discussions had been conducted constructively, “sufficient progress has not been made” to address what the racecourse sees as necessary reforms for the long-term health of the sport.
The Jockey Club separately confirmed it will extend its engagement with the RCA reform process but warned its membership will not be renewed in 2027 unless agreed changes are delivered by the end of July, increasing pressure on the industry body to reach a resolution.
