Supporting Lambourn’s Racing Future

Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting the Jockey Club Estate in Lambourn, where I met with Will Riggall, the estate’s manager, as well as trainers Clare and Daniel Kubler, and Jamie Snowden. It was a fantastic opportunity to hear directly from some of those at the heart of the racing community about the challenges they are currently facing.

We discussed several of the key issues currently impacting the racing industry, one of which was the financial strain on trainers. It’s no secret that prize money in British racing has long lagged behind other countries, such as France, where betting revenues are reinvested directly into the sport. This reinvestment structure gives trainers abroad a significant advantage, making it increasingly difficult for those here in the UK to sustain their operations in such a competitive environment.

Another critical concern raised was the difficulty in accessing affordable housing for stable staff. In a place like Lambourn, which is central to the racing industry, the lack of housing is creating significant barriers to bringing in new talent and keeping the workforce strong.

The trainers also highlighted the need for improved road safety in and around Lambourn, particularly given the large number of horses regularly using the roads. They stressed the importance of clearer signage and greater awareness for drivers to help protect both horses and those working with them.

We also touched on infrastructure issues like poor mobile connectivity in the area, which can pose serious risks in emergencies. In today’s world, having reliable signal is essential, and I’m keen to look into how we can work with mobile providers to address this.

Amongst many other things, the importance of apprenticeships and pathways into the industry was also discussed. Racing relies heavily on skilled workers, and improving training opportunities is key to attracting and retaining new talent.

There are challenges, no doubt, but there are also opportunities to make improvements. I’m committed to doing what I can to support our racing community, and I look forward to continuing these conversations as part of my support for this important industry.