JULIE HARRINGTON: "THE RESPONSE IS UNPRECEDENTED."
Julie Harrington, the Chief Executive at British Horseracing Authority, reacts to the launch of the new HorsePWR campaign on Thursday (April 4)
"The response to our HorsePWR campaign is unprecedented for racing. For the industry to rally behind this cause with such full-throated support is immensely heartening.
"We deliberately took a bold and innovative approach to tackling welfare concerns fully aware that it carried a risk of a negative response in some quarters.
"But the way the sport has readily embraced this new concept shows just how much everyone in it recognises that perceptions around welfare are a critical issue for our future.
"It also shows that we recognise the need to be open, transparent and to tackle welfare concerns head-on.
"We should have confidence in what we do and understand that it is through education and information that we will build trust in the sport.
"We are extremely grateful to all the organisations and individuals who have supported the campaign.
"This is just the start and it is important to recognise that the impact campaigns have should never be judged on one day alone.
"We want to grow the campaign and use it to reach wider audiences. We also call on the sport to continue to promote and support the campaign as much as possible. It is in everyone’s best interest to do so."