Lord Allen Resigns as Chair of the BHA

[Wandering Eyes]

Lord Charles Allen has resigned as chair of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) after six months in the role, having been unable to achieve the governance change that he proposed when taking up his post on September 1.

Lord Allen was first nominated as chair in November 2024, but the start of his tenure was delayed as the BHA said that he wished to “continue meeting stakeholders to better inform his vision for the sport”.

Three months later than was originally planned, Lord Allen stepped into his position at the helm of the BHA after its member organisations (Racecourse Association, Racehorse Owners Association, Thoroughbred Breeders' Association and Licensed Personnel) unanimously agreed that there should be a completely independent Board and that the BHA should have a commercial remit.

However, in a statement issued by the BHA on Tuesday, it was confirmed that unanimous support for those two goals – which is required in order to make changes to the BHA Articles – had not been possible to achieve among the members who currently nominate representatives to the Board. It was this impasse which has ultimately led to Lord Allen's decision to step down.

He said, “Horseracing is an amazing sport with great potential and over the last year I have met some incredibly passionate people who love the sport who believe to survive and prosper that change is needed. I also want to pay tribute to the hardworking and dedicated BHA team. I wish the sport well for the future.”

The BHA Board is now set to meet to determine what interim arrangements will be put in place.

David Jones, the senior independent director of the BHA, added, “The Board would like to thank Charles for the time and effort that he has put into the role helping us to develop a vision that is aspirational and achievable, and we regret that we were unable to put in place at this time the governance changes that would have enabled us to progress this. I have enjoyed working with him and wish him continued success.”

The post Lord Allen Resigns as Chair of the BHA appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

View the full article