Horserace Betting Levy Board

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Current Document: Advancing Veterinary Science and Education
One of the HBLB’s statutory functions is to apply levy income for purposes conducive to the advancement or encouragement of veterinary science or veterinary education.

In the 47 years from 1962 to 2009, the HBLB has funded some £43.3 million into equine veterinary science and education with aim of improving the health and welfare of the racing and breeding Thoroughbred horse. This investment has led to significant advances in the understanding, prevention, treatment and management of a wide variety of diseases, injuries and issues affecting the Thoroughbred.

The veterinary investment is allocated between the two core purposes of veterinary science and veterinary education. Over the last five years, funding has been allocated within the following percentage ranges:

veterinary science - 60-75% of veterinary investment

• Research projects: 45-59% of budget
  
• Infectious disease services: 12-20% of budget
  

veterinary education – 15-25% of veterinary investment

• Education awards: 14-17% of budget
  
• Support for education and research: 1% of budget
  
• Liaison with industry: 1% of budget
  

Veterinary expenditure of £2m this year will be allocated for the following purposes:



The HBLB is advised on its veterinary investment by the Veterinary Advisory Committee (VAC). Every year, the VAC consults representatives of the racing industry and the equine veterinary profession to identify the research scope and priorities for the benefit of the Thoroughbred.

The HBLB's annual veterinary newsletter reports on its investment and is widely distributed to research institutes, vets in practice and the racing and breeding industries.

HBLB funding of equine veterinary science and education ensures the availability of the knowledge and skills that are essential to the health and welfare of the horses on which the racing industry ultimately depends.