The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has revealed a fresh governance framework for the sport, intended to aid the sector in crafting and putting into action a new plan to ensure the long-term prosperity of horse racing.
This framework encompasses a commercial board and an integrity advisory board, coupled with a new industry planning group to assist in propelling the sport’s key strategic goals.
The commercial board will convene on a monthly basis to supervise the operations of the existing fixtures and funding panel, racing panel, and betting strategy panel, and to formulate industry strategy areas with a commercial emphasis. This will encompass horseracing product, promotion of the sport, and initiatives focused on key stakeholders such as horse owners and bettors.
The board will be led by David Jones, an independent non-executive director of the BHA, and will feature BHA chief executive Julie Harrington and BHA chief operating officer Richard Wayman, alongside Racecourse Association (RCA) chief executive David Armstrong, Arena Racing Company chief executive Martin Cruddace, and Jockey Club chief executive Nevin Truesdale.
The Integrity Advisory Panel will offer strategic counsel to the BHA Board and propose solutions for matters concerning horse racing honesty. The panel will convene four times annually.
The panel will be composed of BHA’s Jones, independent disciplinary official Patrick Russell, BHA Chief Regulatory Officer Brant Dunshea, and BHA Director of Integrity and Regulation Tim Naylor. BHA’s independent non-executive director, Raji Park, will preside over the panel.
Furthermore, an industry working group will contribute to strategy on areas such as horse well-being, industry personnel, equality, diversity and inclusion, corporate social responsibility, public acceptance and environmental sustainability.
The working group will be led by Harrington and will comprise three members appointed by the Racehorse Owners Association (RCA) and the Thoroughbred Group of the BHA respectively. BHA’s Director of Strategy and Change, Alison Enticknap, and representatives from the Horserace Betting Levy Board and the Horserace Foundation will also take part in the working group.
“The accomplishment of the new governance framework is a substantial step in the British horse racing industry’s strategic development to guarantee future success,” stated Harrington.
“This new framework not only provides a platform for advancement but also clarifies the BHA’s role as the governing and regulatory body of the sport.”
RCA and the Thoroughbred Group are convinced that this revised framework will empower us to make more informed decisions regarding our operations and strategic direction.”
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