Summary
- Lord Charles Allen of Kensington stepped into his new role as chair of the British Horseracing Authority with confidence and determination.
- The new chair was set to take over in June.
- BHA's newly appointed chair is passionately committed to shaping the future and advancing the legacy of British horseracing.
The British Horseracing Authority, the governing force behind horse racing in Great Britain, is excited to announce that its leadership has changed hands. As of September 1, 2025, Lord Charles Allen of Kensington has officially stepped into the role of chair, ready to guide the organization with vision and determination.
The new chair thanked the interim chair for his leadership
The new chair steps in to follow David Jones, who admirably filled the role of interim chair for the BHA since February. This became necessary when our permanent chair, Joe Saumarez Smith, courageously stepped down due to illness. Tragically, Saumarez Smith passed away in early February, leaving behind a legacy since he first took on the chair role in March 2022 and served as a dedicated non-executive director from December 2014. The incoming chair expressed heartfelt appreciation, saying, I want to honor David Jones for his outstanding leadership as interim chair, along with Brant Dunshea, our acting chief executive, and his colleagues, whose unwavering commitment has been essential in guiding the organization over the past year.
British horseracing unites against tax changes amid plans for future growth
Lord Allen shared his vision for the future of British racing, emphasizing that horse racing is more than just a sport—it’s a vital industry. While he values the tradition and legacy that have been built, along with the high standards and integrity maintained, the new chair envisions transforming British racing into a dynamic commercial and cultural leader. He foresees a sport that not only grabs global attention but also draws in new audiences, captivates local fans, supports its community, and continuously leads in the compassionate treatment of horses. He believes that with strong governance and ambitious goals, this vision is attainable and eagerly anticipates collaborating across the industry to make it a reality. In his role as the new chairman of the BHA, Lord Allen highlighted that approximately 85,000 people are either directly or indirectly linked to the horseracing sector. His appointment coincides with a proposed protest against planned tax changes impacting British horseracing. In opposition to the tax increase, racing activities will come to a halt on September 10, 2025. Lord Allen expressed his admiration for the industry's unity in voicing, Axe the Racing Tax. He remarked, Halting all races on this day is a monumental action, but it will illustrate our deep concerns for the sport on numerous levels.
