British Horseracing Authority appoints Raj Parker to board

Parker will take on the role of independent non-executive regulatory director from 1 January 2022.

He will step in to replace Sir Paul Stephenson, who joined the BHA board in 2015. Stephenson’s term ends on 31 December 2021.

“We are delighted to welcome Raj to the board. His prodigious experience in regulatory matters and sports law will be a valuable asset to the goard and to the sport,” said BHA chair Annamarie Phelps.

“We are also extremely grateful for the contribution made by Sir Paul Stephenson to the sport over his six years at the BHA. He has played a pivotal role in what has been a period of significant change when it comes to regulation and compliance within British racing. He is a person of utmost integrity who carries the respect and appreciation of everyone on the board.”

Parker is experienced in sports integrity and governance issues, having worked on high-profile cases across multiple sports, and currently sits on the Football Association’s Judicial Panel, and as an independent anti-corruption hearing officer for the Tennis Integrity Supervisory Board. He is also a senior advisor at the Financial Conduct Authority.

“I’m extremely excited to be joining the board of the BHA at this particular time, and becoming involved in the horseracing industry,” said Parker.

“I very much look forward to helping the board with its commitment to effective regulation and integrity and to ensure that the sport continues to be clean, fair, and well governed.”