Brant Dunshea appointed permanent BHA chief

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has confirmed the permanent appointment of Brant Dunshea as its Chief Executive Officer.Dunshea has been leading the BHA in an acting capacity since December 2024 following the departure of Julie Harrington.He has held several senior positions at British racing’s governing and regulatory body since joining the organisation in March 2015, most recently as Chief Regulatory Officer prior to being appointed acting CEO.The BHA board has also approved the appointment of David Jones as Interim Chair. This follows the resignation of Lord Charles Allen on Tuesday March 3.Jones assumes the role for a second time, having previously filled the position between Joe Saumarez Smith stepping down in January 2025 and Lord Allen formally joining the BHA in September of the same year.He was appointed to the BHA Board in January 2021 as Senior Independent Director, with extensive experience of British racing and the regulation of the sport, including as a BHA steward for more than a decade.Steps will now be taken to recruit a permanent BHA Chair.

David Jones, Interim Chair of the BHA, said:“While it is clearly regrettable that agreement could not be reached around governance reform, the sport’s leaders have recognised the need for change. I do believe this is possible, and we must all work to achieve it, in the interests of the sport and the livelihoods that depend on our industry.“The process to recruit a permanent chair will commence shortly. My hope is that this can be achieved as quickly as possible.“The BHA will continue to lead British racing with energy and integrity, and I am delighted that the Board has agreed to appoint Brant as the CEO.“He has proven he is a dynamic and hugely respected leader, and I look forward to working closely with Brant, the Executive and the hard-working, dedicated team at the BHA during a significant year for the sport."

Brant Dunshea, Chief Executive Officer of the BHA, said:“I am delighted to be appointed Chief Executive Officer of the BHA.“It is no secret that the sport has experienced a challenging period as it faces up to the process of change at a governance level, but I want to be clear that this has not stopped the BHA and the industry making important progress to safeguard the long-term health of British racing.“The past year has seen growth in racecourse attendances, the success of the Axe The Racing Tax campaign, major initiatives to ensure more horses are raced and retained on our shores and continued improvements in horse and human welfare.“I know that the incredible team at the BHA shares my deep passion for our sport and is committed to securing a brighter and more sustainable future for our people and horses.“It is a huge privilege to be given this opportunity to lead such a knowledgeable and dedicated team at a time of great opportunity for British racing.”

Commenting on the appointments, the BHA’s member organisations (Licensed Personnel, Racecourse Association, Racehorse Owners Association and Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association) said:“We are pleased that the BHA board has confirmed Brant’s permanent appointment as CEO, a decision that is unanimously supported by the BHA’s member organisations.“This brings welcome stability for BHA staff and the racing industry, at a time where the organisation is leading vital work aimed at growing our sport and securing a sustainable future for our people and horses.“We also thank David for again assuming the role of interim chair of the BHA, while steps are taken to recruit permanently into this position.“While agreement could not be reached at this time on governance changes, senior leaders across the sport remain committed to working collectively to achieve reform that works in the best interests of British racing as a whole.”