Racing in Britain has a long and distinguished history dating back to at least the 17th century when the Stuart kings began to take an interest in the sport. Its variety, its traditions and its accumulated practical expertise are unique. Its racecourses present top quality racing in beautiful settings, each one posing a different test for the thoroughbred and offering fresh delights for owners and racegoers alike. Newmarket, Goodwood, York, Epsom, and Ascot each has its own distinct character and long history. Britain is also home to some of the world’s leading bloodstock sales: Tattersalls, founded in 1766, is its oldest bloodstock auctioneer.
This is a world of glamour and excitement, of dreams and ambitions, founded on centuries of sporting tradition. Great British Racing International (GBRI) is your gateway to this world.
GBRI is dedicated to promoting British racing to the international community. A not-for-profit subsidiary of the British Horseracing Authority, the body responsible for administering and regulating British racing, it is funded by the industry to represent its interests abroad. Racing in Britain is big business, worth about £4.1 billion a year to the UK economy and employing, directly and indirectly, 85,000 people across the country. Foreign investment has long played a major role in British racing, and it is important that it continues if the sport is to prosper in years to come.
British racing presents the international owner with a chance to compete at the highest level. According to one American owner-breeder, ‘British racing festivals are the global gold standard. The quality of racing and bloodstock on display will reverberate around the world in the pedigrees of future champions.’ This is partly the result of the talent, knowledge and experience on offer in the ranks of British trainers whose collective record far exceeds that of their European counterparts.
It is GBRI’s role to help aspiring owners with every aspect of their entry into the world of British racing. While buying the right horse and sending it to the best trainer is clearly important, much of the appeal of racehorse ownership lies in the exciting lifestyle that goes hand in hand with it. GBRI never forgets that having fun in great style is a crucial part of the experience.
California-based owner Mariam told GBRI in June 2021, ‘Your hospitality is truly off the charts; it’s been a stellar experience and we haven’t even gotten to race day yet!’ Mariam was among the fortunate few from overseas who attended last year’s renewal of Royal Ascot, the jewel in the crown of British racing. GBRI, working in partnership with Ascot Racecourse, provided expert assistance to ensure the travails of the Covid era were no barrier to a spectacular week topped by a visit to the Berkshire course to watch exciting young filly Quick Suzy run in the prestigious Queen Mary Stakes.
Quickly away from the stalls, Quick Suzy flew up the Ascot straight to snatch victory, sealing a truly memorable experience for Mariam. Her pride and joy in the winner’s enclosure was there for all to see. With GBRI’s help, her dream of becoming a part of British racing history came true.
Almost four centuries in the making, British racing is vibrant and exciting as it’s ever been – and GBRI is here ensure its future remains bright.
