Matt Chapman: Racing is being ripped apart by a survey I’m not allowed to see – what’s there to be scared about?

WHY the secrecy over the survey BHA?

And why won’t racing’s participants – the trainers, jockeys, owners, breeders and punters – demand to see the figures the BHA is seemingly relying on for its current mission statement?

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Chappers says the silence is deafening – everyone in racing needs answers[/caption]

The silence is incredible.

This is the survey that the chief executive used at the Asian Racing Conference when they told the world a significant number of 18-24-year-olds think racing is cruel.

I can’t tell you how important it is we see the numbers, who was asked, the wording of the questions and how many people took part.

A multi-million, neigh billion-pound industry is having its insides ripped apart on data none of us are allowed to see. Why?

BHA refuse to speak to me.

I’ve never had anyone scared by me, but it seems those in charge of British racing are terrified.

I suppose it’s sort of flattering.

BHA have, of course, done one or two cherry picked interviews but still we don’t have any of the answers we all need.

So here I go again.

BHA will you please via, I suspect, your right arm Great British Racing, reveal the survey you are quoting.

And if you refuse, rather than just saying ‘no’ will you give us a reason?

What have you got to hide?

While you are at it perhaps you will also publish the data on the whip putting people off going racing? What are the numbers? Where did you find this information? What evidence do you have?

Now I’ve started, what’s your data on allowing horses in your words ‘to respond’ with the use of the ProCush whip.

All the details on Cheltenham Festival 2023 from tickets to cost of a pint

How have you come to the figure of three strides. What’s the science on this?

BHA continues to defend its power-crazed actions without backing up anything it says with substance.

The odd thing is not all they have done is crazy. I’m not against them. But I will ask for answers.

The Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs, Greg Swift, tells me: “The Chief Executive will have no scope (for interviews) next week.”

Yet they had time for annual leave while the sport was imploding. While jockeys feared riding a horse in away to the best of its ability.

And while punters were giving up on the game.

Someone once said: “Leaders who refuse to be questioned choose not to learn. The higher you climb, the more people hesitate to challenge you. Silencing dissent is a step towards becoming a dictator.”

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