Her Majesty remembered at the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association's 105th Annual General Meeting
A tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II preceded the opening of the 105th Annual General Meeting of the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association on Wednesday, 14 September at Sandown Park racecourse.
TBA Chairman Julian Richmond-Watson reflected on The Queen’s outstanding contribution and long-standing support of thoroughbred breeding in Britain, her success as an owner-breeder across the decades, and her longstanding tenure as Patron of the Association which commenced in 1954.
Paying respect and giving thanks on behalf of the thoroughbred breeding community Richmond-Watson said: “Her Majesty was the most ardent supporter of thoroughbred breeding and racing, and we were most fortunate to have such a Patron for such a long period of time.
“Her knowledge and interest ensured the Royal Studs enjoyed considerable success throughout her lifetime, and this along with her outstanding contribution to the industry was acknowledged in 2014 with the presentation of the TBA’s Andrew Devonshire award.
“The breeder of numerous winners, including five Classic victories, The Queen continually looked to improve the breed and as an owner had the finest year numerically in 2021 in terms of winners on the track, where she was honoured with the TBA Silver Salver.
“On behalf of the entire thoroughbred breeding community we send our heartfelt condolences to The Royal Family at this difficult time. The nation has lost a most treasured monarch and our sport its most respected, admired and loyal Patron.”
A two-minute silence was observed prior to the commencement of the pared back Annual General Meeting (AGM), where the TBA’s book of condolence was also available for members to sign.
The meeting’s official matters of business included the approval of the minutes of the previous AGM, re-election of the auditors, confirmation of membership fees for 2023, and the appointment of trustees.
There were two candidates for the two vacant positions on the board of trustees and therefore no election was required. Jessica Westwood was appointed as a new trustee whilst Anita Wigan returns to the board for a second term.
TBA Trustee Jessica Westwood said: “The TBA is very important to me, it supports my industry and my future, as well as that of my clients, and I hope that by joining the board of trustees I can help encourage the next generation of breeders.”
TBA Trustees also updated members on activities in key areas such as the Thoroughbred Industry Brexit Steering Group, equine health and welfare, education and training, and the Great British Bonus scheme.
In his annual address, the Chairman spoke of the critical importance of British racing’s governance in terms of the wider sector’s long-term future and the need for a strong vision and clear strategy in order to negotiate the sport’s key challenges effectively.
He called on all constituents at the forthcoming strategy industry workshops to work together for the benefit of the sport, noting the precarious position in which the industry currently finds itself.
Richmond-Watson said: “We are at a crossroads in British racing and breeding and unless we act now the gradual decline we are currently seeing will accelerate and we will lose our pre-eminent position in the racing world and with that the interest from the general public and overseas investors.”
Questions from the floor were accepted at the end of the meeting where trustees were invited to answer questions on their areas of interest. The TBA’s Annual Report was also formally launched and can be viewed on the website; www.thetba.co.uk/about-us/agm.
Members were invited to stay for an afternoon of racing at Sandown Park which hosted Breeders’ Day as part of National Racehorse Week. Activities previously scheduled to raise awareness of the industry, its people and the thoroughbred were re-dedicated and held in honour of the late Queen.