news Philip Freedman appointed Chair of Retraining of Racehorses (RoR)

The British Horseracing Authority and Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) have today confirmed that Philip Freedman will succeed Paul Roy as the new Chair of the charity.

Philip Freedman is a lifelong owner and breeder and has held senior positions within racing administration for over twenty years, most recently on the sport’s tripartite Member’s Committee as the Chair of the Horsemen’s Group. His term will begin on 1 January 2021.

Paul Roy has been Chair of RoR since July 2013, during which time the charity’s activities have increased substantially. Pre-Covid, in 2019, British racing’s official charity for the welfare of retired racehorse offered over 500 educational events for the owners of former racehorses, staged in excess of 300 competitions or classes across 15 equine disciplines catering for all levels of ability from grassroots to elite and provided a safety net and care for any thoroughbreds in need of charitable support.

The appointment of a new Chair comes in the wake of the strategy published by the racing industry’s Horse Welfare Board (HWB) in February 2020. The HWB strategy identified the need for British Racing to have greater awareness of the risks associated with aftercare and increase resources and focus in this area.

Philip Freedman said:

“I am delighted to be taking over as Chair of Retraining of Racehorses. As someone who has spent much of their life working with horses and within the racing and breeding industries, I recognise the importance of ensuring that the horses we breed and train for racing are also provided with a fulfilling second career.

“Under Paul’s stewardship RoR has made considerable progress and become a highly respected organisation throughout the wider equestrian world and with fellow equine welfare charities. I am looking forward to building on that progress and working with the Horse Welfare Board to help them deliver the industry’s welfare strategy."

Paul Roy said:

“It has been a great honour to Chair RoR for the past seven years, and I’m proud of the progress that has been made to improve the welfare and aftercare of thoroughbreds.

“I wish Philip, the trustees and the team the best of luck as they look to ensure that through the work of RoR British racing remains a world leader in the aftercare of retired racehorses.”