The TDN’s Emma Berry to Succeed Simon Sweeting as Chair of British EBF

[Wandering Eyes]

The TDN's Emma Berry will succeed Simon Sweeting as chair of the British EBF in January 2026.

Berry, who joined the Thoroughbred Daily News as European editor in 2015, previously worked as deputy editor of Pacemaker magazine, deputy editor and racing editor of Horse & Hound, bloodstock editor of Thoroughbred Owner Breeder and associate editor of Bloodstock Notebook. She also completed a stint for Darley at Dalham Hall Stud for three years.

A small owner-breeder with two broodmares, Berry sits on the BHA Flat Pattern Committee and is a member of the judging panel for the British Horseracing Hall of Fame.

“The European Breeders' Fund has been a long-running success story as racing's original self-help scheme,” said Berry. “It wouldn't exist without the stalwart support of the stallion owners, and in turn the breeders who support those horses, and it is the finest example of how racing can benefit through a unified approach from its participants.

“The significant financial support that the British EBF has given racecourses in this country for more than 40 years is evidence of that, and as the sport faces a period of uncertainty it is now more vital than ever. It is an honour to succeed Simon Sweeting in this role and, with my fellow trustees, I thank him for the time and commitment he has devoted to the British EBF.”

Berry replaces Overbury Stud manager Sweeting, who has served two terms as chair and been a trustee since 2015. During his tenure, Sweeting has overseen the introduction of the British EBF 2yo Series worth over £2 million, including its two finals run at Goodwood and York.

Sweeting added, “It has been a privilege to represent British stallion owners on the board of the British EBF and guide the organisation through its recent successes and challenges, including that of Covid, where we were able to remain operational throughout and successfully allocated over £1.4 million to prize-money at a very difficult time for the sport and wider industry.

“During my tenure, we have seen the launch of the successful British EBF £100,000 2yo Finals, the implementation and expansion of the popular high-value development races, bolstering the novice and maiden programme, and we have taken over the support of the Junior Hurdle project from the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association.

“I thank my fellow trustees and the executive for their diligence and enthusiasm and look forward to following the next chapter of this remarkable organisation's support of British racing.”

The British EBF also welcomes three new trustees in 2026: stallion master Roisin Close of Worcestershire-based Chapel Stud, renowned owner-breeder Colin Bryce and Thoroughbred Breeders' Association vice chair Kate Sigsworth.

Leaving the trusteeship after their successful terms are Gary Middlebrook and Claire Sheppard.

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