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<p>The Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) is an arms-length body of DCMS which is
responsible for collecting a statutory Levy from betting operators which it distributes
in line with its statutory duties to support British horse racing. In April 2017,
the Government implemented significant reforms to the Levy, resulting in a £45m increase
in statutory Levy income in 2017/18.</p><p> </p><p>The HBLB provides over £200,000
annually for the Equine Influenza Programme, and a further £150,000 towards the Equine
Infectious Disease Surveillance Programme, provides British racing with expert information
and provisions to minimise the impact of equine diseases and respond quickly to outbreaks.</p><p>
</p><p>HBLB has committed to pay a contribution to owners or trainers for the costs
incurred where the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) recently required test samples
to be taken for equine influenza, including the cost of the swabs and the veterinary
fees involved. In addition, HBLB has committed £321,500 to support the rescheduling
of replacement races and fixtures following the recent suspension, and will continue
discussions with the BHA regarding funding for further races and fixtures as required.
The BHA have now scheduled a number of additional fixtures from February 20th onwards.</p><p>
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