Trainers among 130 applicants for expanded disciplinary panel

More than 130 applications have been received, from a broad range of backgrounds, for the expanded licensing and disciplinary panel that was among the key recommendations of the review of the BHA's procedures undertaken last year by Christopher Quinlan, QC.

Senior legal figures, including former judges and current barristers, as well as ex-trainers, ex-jockeys, current trainers who might be prepared to give up their licences and vets are among those to have applied to join the panel, which Quinlan recommended should comprise no fewer than 22 members of diverse capabilities.

Brian Barker, QC, who was appointed the first judicial panel chairman in December and took up his new role in January, said: "I’m delighted by the number and quality of applications we have received for the roles of disciplinary and licensing panel members and chairmen.

"It is a testament to the importance and good reputation of British racing that we were able to attract such a broad range of applicants, ranging from judges and barristers through to former trainers, jockeys and others with a good knowledge of horseracing.

"My intention is that the new, expanded panel will be in place to sit on inquiries before the end of July. They will play a significant role in the upholding the integrity of the nation’s second largest sport and it is important that we recruit the best possible candidates and prepare them fully for their new role."