Horserace Betting Levy Board

The Racing Foundation will again be investing in equine science research which has demonstrable practical benefits to Thoroughbred horseracing. Applications are being processed through the Equine Grants System with applicants being asked to indicate whether they wish their projects to be considered by the HBLB, the Foundation or both.  All applications will be subject to the normal HBLB review process.

The deadline for applications for research projects is 2pm on Monday 20^th June 2016.

The awards for 2017 will be approved in mid-December 2016.

SMALL PROJECT GRANTS

This fund supports research focusing on specific issues of direct and immediate practical importance to the health and wellbeing of the Thoroughbred.  The grants are open to individuals employed by veterinary schools, universities and research institutes, veterinary practitioners or elsewhere in the Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry.  HBLB is particularly interested in receiving applications from clinicians, farriers and others involved directly in the care of horses in training yards.  Projects are limited to one year and costs should not exceed £10,000.  Details on the application process can be found in the ‘Advancing Veterinary Science and Education’ section on the HBLB website.

The deadline for submission of applications is 2pm on Monday 5^th September 2016.

The awards for 2017 will be approved in mid-December 2016.

EDUCATION AWARDS

The process for applying for new Veterinary Research Training Scholarships and Senior Equine Clinical Scholarships to start in 2017 is open. 

• Veterinary Research Training Scholarships offer 3-year funding to pursue a PhD programme in any scientific or veterinary field relevant to equines and particularly the racing, breeding or rearing of Thoroughbreds.

• Senior Equine Clinical Scholarships allow veterinary graduates with at least 2 years’ practical experience to train for a higher qualification, such as a European Diploma, over 4 years. The qualification must be in an equine field with particular relevance to the Thoroughbred.

Applications for both types of award must be made by the prospective supervisor within an eligible institution, such as university veterinary school, other university department or research institute. Awards include a tax-free stipend to cover living costs and an expense allowance for research costs and other purposes directly relevant to the scholarship.

The deadline for submission of applications is 2pm on Monday 13^th June 2016. 

The awards for 2017 will be approved in mid-December 2016.

For full information and to apply, please download an application pack from the ‘Advancing Veterinary Science and Education’ section on www.hblb.org.uk.

EQUINE POST DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP

The HBLB is again inviting applications from recent veterinary PhD graduates for a post-doctoral fellowship.  The area of research must be focused on Thoroughbred racing, breeding or rearing.  The fellowship will be tenable for three years. 

The deadline for submission of applications is 2pm on Monday 20^th June 2016. 

The awards for 2017 will be approved in mid-December 2016.

For full information and to apply, please download an application pack from the ‘Advancing Veterinary Science and Education’ section on www.hblb.org.uk.

For further information please contact Annie Dodd, Grants Manager at the Levy Board, on:

020 7333 0043 or equine.grants@hblb.org.uk.

Notes for editors:

The Levy Board is a statutory body operating in accordance with the provisions of the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1963 (as amended). Its purpose is to assess and collect monetary contributions from bookmakers and the successor company to the Tote via a levy, which it distributes for the improvement of horseracing and breeds of horses, and for the advancement of veterinary science and education.

The outcomes of HBLB-funded work are published in peer reviewed scientific journals and lay summaries are available at racehorsehealth.hblb.org.uk.

The Racing Foundation was established in January 2012 to oversee the distribution of funds to charitable causes within racing following the sale of the Tote. The British Horseracing Authority, the Horsemen’s Group and Racecourse Association are the three joint Members of the charity, which is registered with the Charity Commission as a charity under the law of England and Wales (no. 1145297). Since inception, the Racing Foundation has granted just under £4million to charities associated with the horseracing and Thoroughbred breeding industry in the UK, supporting work in social welfare, education, training and participation, horse welfare, equine science research, and heritage and culture.

www.racingfoundation.co.uk​

The HBLB’s strategic research priorities, agreed with stakeholders, are:

1. Improved Methods of Preventing Current and Emerging Infectious Equine Diseases by the Development of More Effective Vaccines, Diagnostic Tools, Biosecurity and Management Strategies
2. Increased Safety, Health and Well-being of Racehorses through the Development of Better Training Environment, Stable and Racecourse Design and Surfaces, Riding Strategies, Management and Husbandry, Tack and Equipment
3. Prevention or Minimisation of Musculoskeletal Disease and Injury in Thoroughbreds through Advanced  Identification and Management
4. Enhanced Reproductive Efficiency, Health and Well-being of the Breeding Thoroughbred and Youngstock