British racing leaders reveal new governance structure
The structure includes a Commercial Committee and Integrity Advisory Committee, while a new Industry Programme Group was also created to help drive forward the sport’s main areas of strategic focus.
The Commercial Committee will meet monthly and oversee the work of the existing Fixtures and Funding Group, Racing Group and Gambling Strategy Group, as well as develop areas of the industry strategy with commercial focus. This will include the racing product, promotion of the sport and initiatives regarding key stakeholders such as owners and bettors.
Chaired by BHA regulatory independent non-executive director, David Jones, the committee will include BHA chief executive Julie Harrington and BHA chief operating officer Richard Wayman, as well as Racecourse Association (RCA) CEO David Armstrong, Arena Racing Company CEO Martin Cruddace, and Jockey Club CEO Nevin Truesdale.
The Integrity Advisory Committee will provide strategic advice and make recommendations to the BHA Board on matters relating to the integrity of the sport and will meet four times a year.
Committee members include the BHA’s Jones, independent disciplinary officer Patrick Russell, BHA chief regulatory officer Brant Dunshea, and BHA director of integrity and regulation Tim Naylor. BHA regulatory independent non-executive director Raj Parker will chair the committee.
BHA Industry Programme Group
In addition, the Industry Programme Group will contribute to strategy on horse welfare, industry people, equality, diversity and inclusion, corporate social responsibility, social licence and environmental sustainability.
The group will be chaired by Harrington and comprise three members appointed by each of the RCA and the Thoroughbred Group members of the BHA. Also sitting on the group will be BHA director of strategy and change Alison Enticknap, and representatives of the Horserace Betting Levy Board and Racing Foundation.
“The agreement of a new governance structure is an important step along the road to developing an industry strategy to secure the future prosperity of racing in Britain,” Harrington said.
“This new structure not only provides a platform upon which progress can be established, but also clarifies the BHA’s role as the sport’s governing body and regulator. Acting on behalf of our members at the RCA and the Thoroughbred Group, I am confident that this structure will lead to better informed decisions on commercial and strategic matters.”