Horserace Betting Levy Board
Statutory Functions: Levy CollectionImproving HorseracingAdvancing Veterinary Science and EducationSupporting Breeds Corporate Governance: Annual ReportPolicy Statement Codes of Practice: Codes of Practice on Equine Diseases Other Services: Online Services
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About the HBLB
The HBLB is a statutory body established by the Betting Levy Act 1961 and now operating in accordance with the provisions of the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1963 (as amended). Its role is to assess and collect monetary contributions from bookmakers and the Tote via a levy, which it then distributes for the improvement of horseracing and breeds of horses and for the advancement of veterinary science and education.
For the financial year 2008/09 the levy was distributed as follows:
| £'000 | |
|---|---|
| TOTAL | 101,975 |
| Prize money | 59,418 |
| Integrity Services | 24,978 |
| Other racecourse expenditure | 7,729 |
| Administration | 3,614 |
| Veterinary | 2,633 |
| Improvement of breeds | 1,917 |
| Training | 973 |
| Other improvements (net) | 449 |
| Bookmakers' Committee | 264 |
Bookmakers’ Committee
The Bookmakers’ Committee is responsible for making annual recommendations to the HBLB regarding the terms, rates and conditions which will apply to the next Levy Scheme. It has 13 members representing the major companies and trade associations in the betting industry.
Integrity Services
The HBLB provides grants to racecourses to help cover the British Horseracing Authority's costs of providing integrity services which include drug testing and research. Camera patrol and photo finish services grants are also paid to the racecourses.
Breeders’ Prizes
The promotion and success of British breeding on a global scale is assisted by the HBLB's provision of annual funding for a Breeders' Prizes Scheme.
Capital Fund
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The HBLB supports the improvement of racecourses by way of interest-free loans from its £51 million Capital Fund.
Industry Training and Education
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The successful breeding, training and racing of thoroughbreds relies on numerous grooms, riders and jockeys with specialist skills and knowledge. Their recruitment and training is substantially funded through the levy, as is Racing's schools education programme.
2010 Tristram Ricketts Fellowship
In 2009 the HBLB awarded a fellowship to an individual to further their understanding of horseracing and so enhance their effectiveness at work and their contribution to the sport. 2010 application details are now available.