Ascot will leave the Racecourse Association at the end of 2026 after concluding that the governance changes it wanted from the body have not been delivered, creating a fresh fault line in British racing’s power structure.
Key Facts Summary
- Announcement Date: Monday, May 4, 2026
- Racecourse: Ascot
- Decision: Ascot has given notice to leave the Racecourse Association at the end of 2026
- Core Reason Given: governance reform sought by Ascot was not delivered to its satisfaction
- Wider Context: the dispute follows March calls from major racecourses for RCA governance reform after the resignation of Lord Allen as BHA chair
- Next Step: the RCA is set to undertake a 12-week governance review
Ascot Confirms Departure After Reform Push Stalls?
The Berkshire track said on Monday, May 4, 2026 that it had given notice to leave the Racecourse Association, the trade body that represents British racecourses.
The move follows a reform push that began in March, when Ascot joined other major tracks in calling for changes to the RCA’s governance.
On Monday the Sporting Life reported that Ascot said it wanted a board and voting structure that was balanced and credible, an environment in which major racecourses could influence outcomes, and an organisation able to act decisively on issues affecting the wider sport.
While the Racing Post also reported that Ascot’s decision raises wider questions about how British racing is governed and about the RCA’s future role within that structure.
Ascot chief executive Felicity Barnard said the decision had not been taken lightly and was made in what the racecourse sees as the long-term interests of the sport.
She said Ascot had engaged with the RCA since March 3 but that sufficient progress on reform had not been made.
Barnard said:
“The decision to move away from the RCA was not taken lightly and was guided by our view that this is in the interests of the long-term health of the sport.
“In the period since March 3, we have engaged constructively with the RCA and remained clear and consistent with our request for governance reform; reform that we believe is necessary to reflect the evolving needs of our sport and its stakeholders.
“Regrettably, sufficient progress has not been made. We remain committed to working collaboratively within the industry to enable Ascot to continue to contribute to the shared success of the sport.”
March Tensions Turned into a Formal Split
The background to Monday’s announcement stretches back to the governance turmoil that followed Lord Allen’s resignation as BHA chair in March.
BloodHorse’s March 4 daily edition, citing Racing Post reporting, said Ascot, Goodwood, Newbury and York joined the Jockey Club in seeking a formal review of the RCA and asked for a reform proposal by the end of April 2026.
Racing Post reported that the RCA is now set to undertake a 12-week governance review.
It also said the Jockey Club would continue in the talks but warned it would not renew its membership at the end of the year unless it is satisfied with the outcome.
However, it’s not yet clear whether other racecourses that backed the March letter will follow Ascot’s lead.
Why It Matters
Ascot is one of British racing’s most influential racecourses, so its exit from the RCA is more than an administrative change.
The move puts fresh pressure on the sport’s governance model at a time when British racing is already wrestling with questions about representation, decision-making and central leadership.
