30-day foal notification update

When a foal is bred for racing in Great Britain the breeder/owner must notify the General Stud Book (Weatherbys) of its birth and whereabouts within 30 days of its birth (day one being the date of birth).  Notification is FREE and should be done through the online portal: https://www.weatherbysgsb.co.uk/

Please be aware that 30-day Foal Notification is different from Foal Registration, this must still be completed with the General Stud Book in accordance with the legislative requirements and any other Rules of Racing.

CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE

If notification has not been received within the 30-day window, before the horse may be eligible to race the BHA may require a Certificate of Analysis reporting no evidence of the presence or use of a substance/method prohibited at all times in a sample collected by the BHA. You will be liable for the cost of sample collection and analysis = £625 + VAT.  The fee increases on a sliding upward scale depending on how late the notification is.  In exceptional circumstances, for example where an individual or company continually fail to comply with the requirement, a foal may not be approved as eligible to run in Great Britain.

For more information please contact [email protected]

Whilst the TBA understands this requirement has added to the actions required of breeders leading to the issue of a passport, 30-day foal notification is in the best interests of the Thoroughbred industry as a whole, as well as to breeders themselves.  It provides the key to timely traceability of horses at all stages of their lives, to strengthen and further demonstrate our industry’s absolute commitment to the highest possible welfare standards.  In addition, it is of vital importance that we demonstrate that our systems enabling traceability of all Thoroughbreds are at the very least equivalent to the best amongst EU member countries in achieving a favourable outcome to negotiations aiming to maintain the essential free movement of Thoroughbreds in Europe when the UK leaves the EU, and between ourselves, Ireland and France, in particular.  Effective systems to provide traceability are rightly seen as instrumental in dealing with disease risks and in maintaining high standards of health and welfare. 

The notification is of considerable help to the BHA in ensuring that all Thoroughbreds wishing to enter races in Britain are free of prohibited substances. 

The BHA have a separate link on its website, a search tool (BHA POTRO) intended as an aid to check eligibility to race under the Rules of Racing with reference to 30-day foal notification requirements only.  To check whether you have notified your foal’s birth go to https://selim.britishhorseracing.com/potro/