BHA appoint American Cathy O'Meara to role of head of raceday officials

Cathy O'Meara will take up the new role of head of raceday officials at the BHA, British racing's governing body announced on Friday.

O'Meara, who will begin her new position within the next two months, joins the BHA after a 13-year stint at the US Jockey Club, where she held the position of manager of industry initiatives and was responsible for events including the Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse summit.

The BHA's interest in O'Meara as a candidate for the new position was first highlighted in the Racing Post last month.

An accredited steward for the National Steeplechase Association, O'Meara also represented the USJC on the IFHA International Harmonisation of Racing Rules Committee and sits on various other US bodies relating to integrity, racing surfaces and medication and testing.

Brant Dunshea, chief regulatory officer for the BHA, said: "Cathy brings significant experience to the role and is an extremely versatile and well-regarded operator. Having worked closely with horses throughout her life, including as a trainer, Cathy brings a great balance of experience to this role.

"This experience should stand her in good stead for the role, which will include significant collaboration with the sport’s stakeholders and participants in order to help further develop our raceday officiating standards and procedures."

The new role will assume management of the BHA's team of raceday officials with a renewed focus on improving policy and on-course operating procedures.

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