BHA names Brant Dunshea as chief executive on a permanent basis following upheaval caused by Lord Allen resignation

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The BHA has moved to provide some much-needed certainty at the governing body following the upheaval of recent weeks by naming Brant Dunshea as its chief executive on a permanent basis.

Dunshea had been carrying out the role of chief executive in an acting capacity since December 2024, following the departure of Julie Harrington.

The news follows this week's resignation of BHA chair Lord Allen after just six months in the role, the culmination of weeks of speculation and a standoff between British racing's main stakeholders.

Dunshea has held several senior positions at the BHA since joining the organisation in March 2015, most recently as chief regulatory officer before taking over from Harrington.

He said he was delighted to take up the role on a permanent basis.

Dunshea added: "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.”

David Jones has assumed the role of interim chair at the BHA for a second time

The BHA board also approved the appointment of senior independent director David Jones as its interim chair, a position he held previously between Joe Saumarez Smith stepping down in January 2025 and Allen formally joining the BHA in September. 

Jones 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."

The BHA's member organisations – Licensed Personnel, the Racecourse Association, Racehorse Owners Association and Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association – said they unanimously supported the decision to appoint Dunshea on a permanent basis.

They added: "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."

Read these next:

Shaping the battle lines in British racing - what happens next after Lord Allen's departure from the BHA? 

Honeymoon, acrimony and divorce: how racing turned on Lord Allen in just six months 

Lord Allen fallout: independent BHA board remains the aim for the Thoroughbred Group but 'it may take longer than originally expected' 

The architects of chaos: racing's leaders own this failure completely 

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