Weatherbys is one of the most trusted and recognised organisations in the world of horseracing and breeding, with over 250 years’ experience in racing administration & governance, the General Stud Book, bloodstock data & services, printing services and scientific testing.

We have been at the heart of Thoroughbred administration since the dawn of racing and we are still as passionate and committed to the growth of horseracing around the world.

We have recorded the development of the Thoroughbred since 1791 with the General Stud Book, which we still publish every four years. We also continue to publish the Racing Calendar – the longest running sporting publication in history, first published in 1773.

At the heart of the industry from the outset, today we administer racing under contract from the governing British Horseracing Authority, as well continuing our role registering all Thoroughbred horses in Britain and Ireland within The General Stud Book.

Alongside these core responsibilities, we provide services to racecourses, owners, trainers, breeders and others interested in the sport, including bespoke development of systems to new and emerging racing nations.

In Ireland, we have one of Europe’s premier DNA and genomic testing laboratories, offering a range of tests to multiple animal species.

In 1770 Northumbrian lawyer James Weatherby was appointed by the Jockey Club as their Secretary and Keeper of the Match Book at Newmarket.

During James’ tenure, the family gained responsibility for administration to the sport’s fledgling governing body, ownership and publishing rights to the sport’s almanac, The Racing Calendar, the role of “Stakeholder”, providing accounting services to the sport and proprietorship of the General Stud Book.

Although the Jockey Club handed its governance responsibilities to the British Horseracing Authority, Weatherbys has remained the constant racing administration presence under contract.

Weatherbys is a family business, now in its seventh generation, which has grown and flourished alongside the sport of horse racing and the very development of the Thoroughbred racehorse itself.

Our growing involvement in science and technology sets the course for the business but we will always remember the roots of the business where the Thoroughbred, the customer and the industry always come first.