Greg Swift

Director of Communications & Corporate Affairs at British Horseracing Authority

[British Horseracing Authority @BHAHorseracing]

It is completely understandable that decisions taken by BHA officials may prompt passionate debate and be subject to robust scrutiny.

This is the nature of elite sport and something we do not shy away from.

However, we will never accept vile and unacceptable abuse directed towards BHA officials. This is a growing problem, especially on social media.

Some of the recent commentary under our posts is simply appalling. Everyone involved in British racing deserves to be treated with respect.

[Nick Lightfoot @Nick__lightfoot]

Loads in here and varied.

Online abuse and its effects plays a significant part of this + reflections and reactions to what is going on in British racing at the moment.

@BHAHorseracing 👇

[British Horseracing Authority @BHAHorseracing]

🎙️ A bumper edition of The BHA Podcast is here!

🐎 Anglo-Irish Jumps Classification 2025/26
📱 The scourge of online abuse of racing's participants
🚨 How the sport is responding to the threat of increasing equine flu cases

Listen now: https://t.co/Kog60wi84q

[British Horseracing Authority @BHAHorseracing]

🎧 You can listen and subscribe to The BHA Podcast on all the major streaming services: https://t.co/zZJQW5IiqQ

[Nick Herbert @nickherbertcbe]

Immense damage to horse racing has already been done by affordability checks.

There has been no proper evaluation of the pilots and it appears that they will be green-lighted by @GamRegGB with no Parliamentary debate or scrutiny.

The checks are directly contrary to the Government’s declared support for racing.  So I urge @lisanandy to step in and revisit an ill-targeted policy which, after all, wasn’t the Government’s in the first place.

My speech in @UKHouseofLords

[British Horseracing Authority @BHAHorseracing]

Gold Cup hero Gaelic Warrior has finished top of the end-of-season Anglo Irish Jumps Classification with a rating of 180.

Full details: https://t.co/Wbro6tGHL8

[Julian Smith @JulianSmithUK]

I’ve joined MPs from across the country to call for a pause to new 'affordability checks' on betting.

With Ripon Racecourse on our doorstep, I understand just how important racing is to our local economy, jobs and community.

There are serious concerns that these proposals haven’t had enough scrutiny and could be intrusive for customers, harm racing, and push people towards illegal betting.

We’ve written to the Culture Secretary urging Ministers to review the impact before any rollout.

I’m keen to hear your views - please do share your thoughts below 👇

[British Horseracing Authority @BHAHorseracing]

The BHA has confirmed that in light of rising equine flu cases across the country, only horses from licensed training yards will be permitted to enter racecourse property on raceday.

The decision, taken following consultation with independent infection control experts, will result in the abandonment of all scheduled Hunter Chase races from 20 May.

🔗 Full details: https://t.co/cBBxwgP8n8

[British Horseracing Authority @BHAHorseracing]

💬 "It's essential that we take all necessary steps to protect the thoroughbred herd."

James Given explains more about why the decision has been made to limit raceday access to horses from licensed training yards.

Full details: https://t.co/8Wclo0De74

[British Horseracing Authority @BHAHorseracing]

🎧 British racing’s week of volunteering gets underway

Lucy Gurney is the Community Engagement Manager @RacingTogether and she sat down with #BHAPodcast host @Nick__lightfoot to explain how people can get involved during Community Week 2026.

https://t.co/2vZbMyTvO1

[Racing Together @RacingTogether]

📢Community Week 2026 starts today!

We’re proud to kick off a week celebrating racing’s nationwide commitment to giving back.

Don’t forget to:
📸 Send us your photos/videos
🏷️ Tag us and use #RacingTogether

For more guidance visit: https://t.co/0mXLTPTyAd

[ITV Racing @itvracing]

"Owners are so important to racing. It's important that we look after them" ☺️

Earlier today, Rishi caught up with the @RacehorseOwners to talk shared ownership 🗣️

[British Horseracing Authority @BHAHorseracing]

ℹ️ See our latest guidance on equine influenza & what we can all do to reduce the risk of infection:

🔗 https://t.co/sjVziXrLHr

@EIDS_Cambridge tracking shows that equine flu cases continue to rise across the UK in the non-thoroughbred population.

Follow these simple steps to help stop the spread 👇

[British Horseracing Authority @BHAHorseracing]

We agree with @LouieFrench that there are serious questions as to whether introducing state mandated affordability is either necessary or proportionate, and that the case has not been made that this policy will be an improvement on the current status quo.

We continue to urge the Government to intervene and scrap this well intentioned but ultimately misguided policy.

[The PJA @PJAOfficial]

If you’re struggling, taking action starts with one simple step: reaching out. Talking to someone. Anyone. In the last four years, over 150 jockeys have done so and accessed support via Sporting Chance. It’s not unusual. You’re far from alone.

#MHAW #TakeAction

[British Horseracing Authority @BHAHorseracing]

This project has been run in partnership with the BHA as part of Project Beacon.

We are delighted to be joint-hosting the event tonight and our thanks go to @yorkracecourse for accommodating us.

More info about Project Beacon can be found here: https://t.co/kggbru9oo9

[British Horseracing Authority @BHAHorseracing]

🤝 We're supporting #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek.

Racing Welfare are available for 24/7 support for those working in or retired from the horseracing industry by calling 0800 6300 443 or by downloading the @Racingwelfare app.

#TakeActionStartAConversation

[Racing Welfare @Racingwelfare]

This Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re encouraging everyone in racing to take action 💚

Whether it’s checking in with a friend, organising a catch up, or taking time for your own wellbeing, every conversation matters.

[Betting and Gaming Council @BetGameCouncil]

Join us and thousands of others - 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 and write to your MP today urging them to reconsider the current approach to frictionless checks 👇

https://t.co/ISEFO7hgcG

[British Horseracing Authority @BHAHorseracing]

In an article on @politicshome, Sally Jameson MP rightly highlights concerns about the likely impact of new state mandated affordability checks on the British racing industry, and @DoncasterRaces in her constituency.

Following a period of extensive regulatory change that has grown the illegal market, now is not the time to add this additional layer of regulation into the UK betting market.