Racing Foundation and Horserace Betting Levy Board behind £759,000 HIPB activity funding

Horseracing Industry People Board lands £759,000 in activity funding for 2025 

The Horseracing Industry People Board (HIPB) has obtained £759,000 in funding towards its 2025 programme of activities – with the Racing Foundation and Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) monetarily supporting the firm’s upcoming initiatives. 

Earlier this year, the HIPB published a three-year plan to bolster the industry’s talent pool, titled ‘Our People, Racing’s Future’. Now, having earned substantial financial backing from crucial entities, the group can spring its strategy into action. 

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The £759,000 figure is split between a £489,929 pledge from the Racing Foundation and a £269,438 donation by the HBLB. Both groups are keen to assist the forward-thinking programme set out by the HIPB – and this funding shall allow the board’s plan to flourish.

According to a public statement by the HBLB, these grants will bolster ongoing initiatives and provide a launchpad for planned schemes. Substance misuse, training frameworks and workforce analysis stand as the three primary ‘new’ sectors in which this funding will be directed.

As for ongoing policy upkeep, the HIPB will collaborate with the Jockeys Education & Training  Scheme (JETS) to enhance jockey training infrastructure. 

In addition, the board is expected to appoint a portion of donated funds to improve “the working lives of carers and parents”, with a distinct focus on welcoming and retaining female workers in the industry. This is part of an in-house movement known as ‘Racing Home.’

Also on the docket is direct funding for recruitment within the HIPB programme team to aid in implementing the board’s multi-year plot. 

New programme director, Jon Pett, will oversee the programme’s team from May. Pett carries a wealth of experience in senior roles – with positions at Table Tennis England, British Cycling and Pentathlon GB among his recent ventures.

Speaking on the HIPB’s fresh funding, organisation chair Julia Tyson applauded the acquisition of Pett: “I am also delighted to welcome Jon Pett to the role of HIPB programme director. Jon is a highly experienced leader, with an impressive background in sport and a strong track record of workforce programme management and delivery.

“He will work closely with the industry people team within the BHA and industry stakeholders as we implement our strategy and start to make a positive and meaningful difference to the lives of racing’s workforce.”

Tyson emphasised the importance of this £759,000 grant, saying: “We are very grateful to the Racing Foundation and Horserace Betting Levy Board for providing this vital funding to support the HIPB’s immediate programme of activity for 2025.

“This is a significant additional investment in racing’s people, which will allow us to deliver new activity and accelerate work already underway, with an immediate focus on supporting those in horse-facing roles.

Racing Foundation CEO, Tansy Challis, stated that her team’s £489,929 donation “emphasises our commitment to the wellbeing, development and long-term sustainability of the racing workforce.” 

Alan Delmonte, HBLB CEO, touched on the fact that the company’s board has “supported the HIPB since its inception” in a short letter following the announcement of the group’s £269,438 package. 

In total, the HIPB has received £4.2m in financial contributions from wider industry partners to reinforce people-focused programmes in the racing and breeding sector throughout 2025.