Thoroughbred Group calls on sport to align itself behind Lord Allen's vision for British racing

The Thoroughbred Group has called on British racing to align behind Charles Allen's vision for the future after the long period of uncertainty over whether the incoming BHA chair would actually join the governing body ended on Monday evening.

The news that Allen will take up his role at the BHA on September 1 was also welcomed by Betting and Gaming Council chair Michael Dugher, who said he hoped it would lead to a more "hard-headed commercial approach" and an end to "petulant demands for handouts".

Lord Allen's appointment was confirmed following weeks of haggling over his plans to shake up the sport's governance, culminating in this week's pivotal BHA board meeting.