Ascot will follow through on their threats to leave the RCA at the end of the year.
The royal racecourse announced their intention to move away from the RCA (Racecourse Association) on Monday morning, posing major questions with regard to the governance of the sport in the UK going forward.
Numerous racecourses - of which Ascot were chief amongst - signed off an a letter to the RCA chair in March, requesting an urgent review into the organisation's governance.
The call for change came following the resignation of Lord Allen from his position as chairman of the BHA earlier this year.
The RCA will undergo a 12-week governance review, one that will be crucial to the body going forward amid threats from the Jockey Club to follow in the footsteps of Ascot should they not be satisfied with the outcome.
Felicity Barnard, chief executive of Ascot, released a statement to announce the decision, saying: "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."
The likes of Goodwood, Newbury, York and Chester were all signatories on the initial letter sent to the RCA chair - although it is not yet confirmed whether or not they will join Ascot in departing the body at the conclusion of the year.
The RCA is currently a key pillar in the governance of British racing and, according to the BHA, is a member of the governing body until it is no longer "the person most representative in Great Britain of the interests of owners of racecourses."
However, it cannot be removed as a member unless the BHA can put forward an alternative group for racecourses.
Ascot - who host the Royal meeting between 16-20 June this year - are not the first track to leave the RCA after Plumpton announced its own departure in 2024.
