Ascot Racecourse is set to leave the Racecourse Association (RCA) at the end of the year, due to the fact that “sufficient progress has not been made” to address concerns about the organisation's governance structure.In March, following Lord Allen's resignation as chair of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and the failure to establish an independent BHA Board, a joint-statement was released by the Jockey Club and four large independent racecourses – Ascot, Goodwood, Newbury and York – which called for an urgent review of the governance structure at the RCA.In a letter written to the chairman of the RCA, Wilf Walsh, the signatories requested measures by the end of April that would deliver a Board and voting representation that is balanced and credible; an environment where significant views from key racecourses can influence outcomes; and an organisation that can act decisively on matters affecting the wider industry.Discussions with regards potential reform at the RCA had been ongoing, but they have now concluded without an agreement being reached to satisfy those at the helm at Ascot.“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,” said Ascot Racecourse chief executive Felicity Barnard.“In the period since 3rd March, 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 post Ascot to Leave Racecourse Association Due to Governance Structure Stalemate appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.