David Armstrong to step down as chief executive of the Racecourse Association at the end of the year

David Armstrong will step down as chief executive of the Racecourse Association (RCA) at the end of the year after six years heading up the organisation.

Armstrong, 60, took over the running of the racecourses’ trade body in February 2019, when he was also appointed to the BHA’s board as a member-nominated director.

Armstrong said: “It has been a privilege to lead the RCA and to work alongside such a dedicated team and our member racecourses. Together we have navigated some of the most challenging times the industry has faced, while also delivering real progress and innovation. 

“I'm incredibly proud of what we have achieved and remain confident the RCA will continue to go from strength to strength. I would like to thank colleagues, stakeholders and friends across the industry for their support, and I look forward to seeing British racing thrive in the years ahead.”

During his time at the helm of the RCA, which represents the interests of every British racecourse except Plumpton, Armstrong has helped steer the sport’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic in 2020-21, its response to affordability checks and to potential betting taxation increases in this autumn’s budget.

Since changes to the governance structure of British racing were announced in 2022, Armstrong has also sat on the sport’s powerful commercial committee, which advises the BHA board, the ultimate decision-maker in racing.

However, under changes required by Lord Charles Allen – the new chair who started his role on Monday after a three-month delay – the BHA is working towards creating an independent board, which acting chief executive Brant Dunshea said could be implemented "by the end of the year".

Dunshea said: “David has played an important role in representing racecourses during a period of change for the sport. He led the RCA through the challenges of the pandemic and has been a key player in all of the sport’s major decisions, including developments around governance and working collaboratively on an industry strategy. He’s made a significant contribution.” 

Charles Allen: took over as BHA chair on MondayCredit: Getty Images for the Invictus Ga

Under Armstrong's stewardship, racecourses' contributions to prize-money in Britain reached record levels in 2024 with £100,673,329 invested through executive contributions. In addition, RCA data for the first six months of 2025 showed attendances had grown by five per cent year-on-year following drop offs in previous years.

The RCA and its members are also set to play a key role in the cancellation of racing next Wednesday as part of the sport's 'Axe the Racing Tax' campaign against the potential harmonisation of rates paid by bookmakers on online products.

Four fixtures have been moved from their scheduled date on September 10, and Armstrong said following the move: “The RCA is fully supportive of the unprecedented strike action. Such action is a last resort, but it is imperative the government is clear on what will happen should the proposed harmonisation of online gambling tax come to pass."

The RCA's role in representing racecourses has come under question in the last year. Peter Savill, owner of Plumpton, withdrew from the organisation saying it did “not appear to share the same philosophy as Plumpton” on prize-money and cooperation with racing professionals.

There has also been speculation in light of the changes being brought in by Lord Allen that other members of the RCA, including the Jockey Club, may also secede from it.

The RCA said on Wednesday that the process for finding a successor for Armstrong would begin “in due course”.

RCA chair Wilf Walsh said: “David has been an outstanding leader of the RCA and played a pivotal role in guiding the industry through the Covid pandemic and the subsequent strategic and governance re-shaping. 

“He has been a strong and effective advocate for racecourses throughout his tenure, and he leaves with our sincere thanks and best wishes for the future.”

Read these next:

Charles Allen has not just made change inevitable - he has left the RCA and ROA fearing for their future survival

Former RCA chief believes Britain's racecourses will come to agreement over governance proposals 

Britain's racecourses said to be supportive of Lord Allen and awaiting governance proposals 'with interest' 

Sign up to receive On The Nose, our essential daily newsletter, from the Racing Post. Your unmissable morning feed, direct to your email inbox every morning.