British Horseracing Authority

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British Horseracing Authority
Predecessor
Formation31 July 2007;17 years ago (2007-07-31)
TypeSport governing body
Private company limited by guarantee [1]
Purpose Horse racing
HeadquartersHolborn Gate, 26 Southampton Buildings, London, England, WC2A 1AN
Region served
Great Britain
Chair
David Jones (interim Chairperson) [2]
Chief Executive
Brant Dunshea (acting)
Affiliations International Federation of Horseracing Authorities
Website www.britishhorseracing.com

The British Horseracing Authority, also known as the BHA, is the regulatory authority for horse racing in Great Britain.

Contents

It was formed on 31 July 2007, after the merger of the British Horseracing Board (BHB) and the Horseracing Regulatory Authority (HRA).

Stated objectives are to: "provide the most compelling and attractive racing in the world; be seen as the world leader in race day regulation; ensure the highest standards for the sport and participants, on and away from the racecourse; promote the best for the racehorse; and represent and promote the sport and the industry."

It is a member of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities. The BHA's current interim chair is David Jones, who took over when Joe Saumarez Smith stepped down due to ill health in January 2025. Lord Allen was due to succeed as chair on 1 June 2025. [3] but delayed his start in the role until later in 2025. [4]

Overview

The British Horseracing Authority performs a number of functions. These include:

Integrity

The Authority's Integrity Services Department performs some of its most well-publicised duties. These include:

Careers In Racing

Careers In Racing
Sport
Horseracing
Location
75 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6LS
Founded
2005
Chairman
Atholl Duncan
Chief Executive
Nick Rust
Head of Industry Recruitment & Training
Zoe Elliot
Website
www.careersinracing.com

Careers In Racing (also known simply as CIR) is an industry-owned brand managed by the Industry Recruitment & Training department of the British Horseracing Authority. [5] Careers In Racing acts as the recruitment and training portal for horse racing and thoroughbred breeding in Great Britain. Careers In Racing was launched in 2005 in response to a recommendation made by the Stable and Stud Staff Commission chaired by Lord Donohugh. [6] The commission highlighted the need for a governing body led recruitment and training strategy to help address staff shortages and improve retention of existing staff. Its objectives are:

Its website was launched in January 2006 and gives an overview of the careers and training available within the Racing and Breeding industries and offers a free online jobs board.

Training Initiatives include:

Charity

Retraining of Racehorses

In April 2000, British Horseracing launched Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), the official charity for the welfare of horses who have retired from racing through injury, old age, or a lack of ability.

References

  1. "BRITISH HORSERACING AUTHORITY LIMITED overview". GOV.UK. Companies House . Retrieved 7 September 2024.
  2. Barber, Bill (30 January 2025). "Health Leads Saumarez Smith to Step Down as BHA Chair". The Blood-Horse . Retrieved 31 January 2025.
  3. "BHA chair steps down as his cancer spreads". BBC Sport. 30 January 2025. Retrieved 31 January 2025.
  4. Wood, Greg (30 May 2025). "British racing's leadership in disarray after Lord Allen delays arrival at top". The Guardian.
  5. "British Horseracing Authority :: The 1st place for British Horseracing". Archived from the original on 14 May 2008. Retrieved 20 April 2008.
  6. "Careers in Racing". Careersinracing.com. Retrieved 4 March 2019.
  7. "Racing Excellence". Archived from the original on 6 January 2019. Retrieved 5 January 2019.