BHA Stops Deva Racing Entries Following Complaints from Syndicate Members

Last Updated on July 29, 2026

The British Horseracing Authority has stopped Deva Racing from making entries or declarations for horses trained in Britain following concerns raised by syndicate members.

The action was confirmed in a statement issued to the Racing Post on 23 July 2026.

The BHA said: “We can confirm that the BHA has put a stop on entries and declarations being made for Deva Racing Syndicate horses trained in Britain. We encourage any concerned syndicate members to contact the BHA on intel@britishhorseracing.com.”

It added that it would make no further comment at this stage.

The decision does not, by itself, prove the claims being made against Deva Racing or its director, Ryan Tongue. No disciplinary findings have yet been published by the BHA.

Members Report Unpaid Prize Money

Reports in the Daily Mirror and Racing Post say that members have raised concerns about prize money they believe is due to them.

The allegations also include claims that shares in some horses may have been sold beyond the available ownership percentage. These claims have not been proven in a court or through a published BHA disciplinary hearing.

Imperial Emperor has been at the centre of much of the reporting. The gelding was bought from Godolphin before becoming a leading dirt performer in Dubai for trainer Bhupat Seemar.

He has won several major races and contested the Dubai World Cup twice. His total earnings have been reported as close to £1.5 million, including around £760,000 during his latest campaign.

Syndicate member Tom Walton told the Daily Mirror that members had not received the prize money they expected from that campaign. He also made claims about the number of shares sold in the horse.

Trainer James Owen told The Racing Post that he felt sorry for the members and hoped everyone would receive the money due to them.

Ryan Tongue has not publicly responded to the allegations. Tom Walton told the Daily Mirror that Tongue had informed the BHA he would try to make the payments within 60 days and was experiencing ill health.

What Can the BHA Do?

The BHA regulates syndicates operating under the Rules of Racing in Britain. All public syndicates must follow its Syndicate Code of Conduct, while anyone responsible for the finances, management or public promotion of such a syndicate must hold the required licence.

The code requires every member to be given a clear contract. This should explain their ownership percentage, the costs involved, how income will be divided, how decisions will be made and how disputes will be handled.

Syndicates should also provide clear financial information. Where members pay a set fee, records should show income generated by the horse, including prize money, so each member can see whether they have received the sum linked to their share.

Prize money paid to a syndicate should enter its racing account and be passed to members under the terms of the syndicate agreement.

Following a significant win, the BHA can ask the syndicator to explain when members will be paid, how the payments will be made and how each sum has been worked out. A written reply should normally be supplied within 14 days.

Failure to meet a BHA requirement may lead to regulatory or disciplinary action. Failure to follow the Syndicate Code can also be considered when the BHA decides whether someone remains suitable to manage a syndicate.

How the BHA Can Help Members

Syndicate members who believe the Rules of Racing or the Syndicate Code may have been broken can report their concerns to the BHA.

In this case, the BHA has specifically asked concerned Deva Racing members to email intel@britishhorseracing.com.

The BHA can investigate possible breaches of racing rules and take regulatory action. However, its own code states that it does not act as a mediator in private disputes between a syndicator and members.

This means that reporting a matter to the BHA may not, on its own, recover money. Anyone seeking repayment may also need independent legal advice about their contract and possible civil action.

Stronger Protection for Shared Ownership

British racing has brought in tighter checks for those running public syndicates and racing clubs. The licence process includes checks on contracts, accounts, business plans and available funds.

This case may test how well those rules protect members when concerns arise.

The great majority of racing syndicates give members a positive and enjoyable link to the sport. The BHA’s task is to support that trust by acting firmly when credible concerns are raised, while also allowing all sides a fair chance to respond.

For anyone thinking of buying a share, the main lesson is to read the full contract, confirm exactly what is being purchased and check how prize money, horse sales and financial reports will be handled.