Julie
is to step down from her role as chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority after four years in the role.
To facilitate a smooth changeover,
has agreed to stay in the position until the end of the year, although she said she had made the decision to leave her post “some time ago”.
The BHA is already looking for a replacement for outgoing chair, Joe Saumarez Smith, who will step down in May 2025.
Harrington said: “With so much now in place to develop and grow the Industry Strategy, which will secure a brighter future for British horseracing, it felt like the right time to move on and let someone else steer the sport through its next exciting phase.
“It has been a huge privilege to lead the BHA during what has been a period of real change as the sport has developed and implemented shared strategies for a sustainable future, and an ability to speak with one united voice.
“I love working in horseracing, it is an amazing sport to be involved in. I will always be a fan and you can expect to see me at the races in the years ahead. I am proud of the progress the industry has made over the past three years, especially in improving the governance structure, and I hope that racing’s stakeholders will continue to work together cooperatively to attract new audiences, further improve the customer experience and grow the sport.
“I am confident that if the sport continues to foster the sense of unity and shared purpose that we have developed over the past few years then great things can be achieved.
“My future plans are likely to include a move to a varied non-executive career. Although I took the decision to stand down some time ago, I have agreed to stay on until the end of year to allow a smooth transition to a new CEO.
“The BHA board is already engaged in the search for Joe’s successor as chair and informing the board of my intentions now gives the nominations committee the opportunity to plan an orderly handover, consider the complementary skills of candidates and allow the new Chair to be part of the final stages of CEO recruitment.
“British Horseracing is one of the cornerstones of our sporting and cultural heritage. I will be forever thankful to have had the opportunity to be a part of it, both during my tenures at Northern Racing, on the BHA board and most recently as CEO of the BHA. I wish it every success in the years to come.”
Matt Hancock, Josh Apiafi, Matthew Imi and Nevin Truesdale are the joint 8/1 favourites with
to replace Julie Harrington as the next CEO of the British Horseracing Authority when she steps down from the role at the end of the year.
Harrington announced today that she will be departing the BHA at the end of 2024, having spent four years there as CEO, with Apiafi, Imi, Truesdale and Hancock immediately installed as the frontrunners in the market on Tuesday afternoon.
Apiafi was also touted for the CEO position at the Jockey Club, with his competitor Nevin Truesdale the man stepping down from that role, whilst Imi is the most experienced of the three having been CEO of At The Races for 19 years, stepping down in November 2023.
Also in the running to succeed Harrington are Louise Stewart, Julian Thick and Juliet Slot, with the trio all priced at 10/1.
Sam Boswell, spokesperson of BetVictor, said: “Julie Harrington today announced that she will be leaving the British Horseracing Authority at the end of 2024 and we already have four frontrunners to assume her role.
“Heading the leading quartet with the most experience is former At The Races CEO Matthew Imi who held that position for almost 20 years, whilst fellow competitor Nevin Truesdale held the same title at the Jockey Club for four years before announcing that he will be stepping down later this year, lining up perfectly with Harrington’s departure.
“Also leading the way are Sky Sports Racing presenter Josh Apiafi and, somewhat surprisingly, former Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and West Suffolk MP Matt Hancock, who has presided over Newmarket during his 14 years in charge of the constituency.
“The leading four all offer very different options for the BHA. With Hancock, Imi, Truesdale, and Apiafi making the running, it’ll truly be a test of who can get their nose over the line first when the BHA make their decision.”
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