Weatherbys to introduce an E-Passport

Weatherbys has announced that an E-Passport, which it has been working on for the past two years, will be available for use in 2021. Elements of the passport have been accessible to breeders, such as the Digital Equine Movement System (DEMS) facility, while the vaccination and movement functionality was utilised by the BHA and HRI with their ‘Return to Racing’ protocols. 

Claire Sheppard, TBA CEO, said: "We are working very closely with Weatherbys on a larger number of projects - and the Weatherbys E-Passport is central to many of these through the part it can play in identification, traceability, health and welfare benefits for the thoroughbred. Indeed the equine movement element of this technology was vital at outset of the COVID-19 pandemic as it was used to track the movement of thoroughbreds during the breeding season."

Designed to ensure the efficient cross-border movement of sport, racing and breeding horses from 2021, the E-Passport will go live to the UK and Irish thoroughbred market in 2021 when it will include stallion, mare and foal registration, pre and post racing vaccinations and medications along with ownership updates and full identification.