Understanding works both ways when it comes to role of BHA in wider landscape

The news that Nick Rust is to step down as chief executive of the BHA emerged more than four weeks ago, but the search for his successor has yet to crank into full gear.

It is understood headhunters have yet to be appointed and there has been talk of a beauty parade to find the right candidate to find the right candidates.

As the BHA has said Rust will not stand down until the end of the year, the urgency to get on with the search is not so great, although if the next incumbent is coming from outside the organisation they are likely to have a six-month notice period.