Peter Savill quits ROA board weeks after losing out on BHA chair bid

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Peter Savill has resigned from the board of the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) just weeks after failing in an attempt to return as BHA chair.

Savill, 79, said he believed the time was right to step away from public involvement in the racing industry and that the sport required strong and decisive leadership at a time of upheaval.

In a statement on the ROA website, Savill said: “I have decided that the time is right to step away from public involvement in racing industry affairs which includes stepping down from the board of the ROA, although I suspect I may still be tempted to offer the occasional observation from afar.

“I have spent 14 years working, directly and indirectly, on behalf of British racing and it's now time to call it a day. I have also enjoyed almost 50 wonderful years as an owner and breeder and, for over half that time, as the owner of Plumpton racecourse. It has been a privilege to contribute to a sport that has given me so much pleasure.

“Nothing would give me greater satisfaction than to see British racing arrest its decline and prosper once again. It will require strong leadership, bravery and decisive action. Those who are trying to make a living for themselves and their families in racing deserve nothing less. They have been let down for far too long.”

Savill was elected to the ROA board last year having previously headed the Professional Racing Association, a splinter organisation which set out to pressure racecourses into boosting prize-money contributions and arrange payments to trainers for media appearances.

In January last year, trainers had threatened to boycott live interviews on ITV unless an arrangement was struck – as is already the case for jockeys – before a last-minute climb down.

Subsequently, Savill launched an audacious attempt to return to the top of British racing politics as BHA chair following the resignation of Lord Allen in March. After holding six regional roadshows to explain his vision for the sport, Savill claimed he received written backing from more than 250 racing professionals.

Peter Savill (second left) after being appointed to the ROA board last year

However, having made the three-candidate shortlist for the position, Savill was the first eliminated from contention with the vacancy eventually filled by Simon Cox.

Savill was highly critical of the interview process, saying those who interviewed him had “no interest at all in my detailed plan” and that the nominations committee appeared to be interested “only in style rather than substance”.

Confirmation of Savill’s departure from the ROA was registered with Companies House on Monday, and the ROA said in a statement that it thanked him for his contribution to the body.

It added: “Peter has been a passionate and committed contributor to British racing for many decades. His considerable experience as an owner, breeder, racecourse owner and industry representative has brought valuable insight and perspective to the ROA board, and we're grateful for the time, experience and commitment he's given to the ROA representing the interests of owners.

“The ROA board sincerely thanks Peter for his valuable contribution and wishes him the very best for the future.”

Savill is the second member of the ROA board to resign this year after vice president Alan Spence stood down from his position in March after losing a high court case linked to gambling debts.

Read more:

Peter Savill gets the backing of 200 racing figures as he bids for sensational return as BHA chair 

'There was no interest in my plan' - Peter Savill slams interview process after his BHA chair application is rejected 

'Dismayed and dumbfounded' - senior racing figures in disbelief over Peter Savill's BHA rejection 

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