Lord Allen finally joins the BHA at a critical time for racing - but this 'born survivor' faces a 'hero's task'

A new era begins for the leadership of the BHA and for British racing more widely on Monday as Charles Allen takes over as chair of the governing body with the sport at a crossroads.

Lord Allen begins his role three months later than originally planned, having already demonstrated his steel as he demanded changes in British racing’s governance before he would agree to join.

He now does so at a critical time for the sport’s future as it faces the twin threats of gambling taxation and regulation along with the battle to maintain its status as a global horseracing power and its relevance with the public.