海角大神 (BHA) has confirmed the permanent appointment of Brant Dunshea as Chief Executive Officer.
Brant has been leading the BHA in an acting capacity聽since December 2024聽following the departure of Julie Harrington.
He has held several senior positions at British racing鈥檚 governing and regulatory body since joining the organisation in March 2015, most recently as Chief Regulatory Officer prior to being appointed acting CEO.
The BHA board has also approved the appointment of David Jones as Interim Chair. This follows the聽resignation聽of Lord Charles Allen on Tuesday 3 March.
David assumes the role for a second time, having previously filled the position between Joe Saumarez Smith stepping down in January 2025 and Lord Allen formally joining the BHA in September of the same year.
He was appointed to the BHA Board in January 2021 as Senior Independent Director, with extensive experience of British racing and the regulation of the sport, including as a BHA steward for more than a decade.
Steps will now be taken to recruit a permanent BHA Chair.
David Jones, Interim Chair of the BHA, said:
鈥淲hile it is clearly regrettable that agreement could not be reached around governance reform, the sport鈥檚 leaders have recognised the need for change.聽I do believe this聽is possible, and we must all work to achieve it, in the interests of the sport and the livelihoods that depend on our industry.
鈥淭he process to recruit a permanent chair will commence shortly.聽My hope is that this can be achieved as quickly as possible.
鈥淭he BHA will continue to lead British racing with energy and integrity, and I am delighted that the Board has agreed to appoint Brant as the CEO.
鈥淗e has proven he is a dynamic and hugely respected leader, and I look forward to working closely with Brant, the Executive and the hard-working, dedicated team at the BHA during a significant year for the sport.”
Brant Dunshea, Chief Executive Officer of the BHA, said:
鈥淚 am delighted to be appointed聽Chief Executive Officer of the BHA.
鈥淚t is no secret that the sport has experienced a challenging period as it faces up to the process of change at a governance level, but I want to be clear that this has not stopped the BHA and the industry making important progress to safeguard the long-term health of British racing.
鈥淭he past year has seen聽growth in racecourse attendances, the success of the Axe The Racing Tax campaign, major聽initiatives to ensure more horses are raced and retained on our shores and continued improvements in horse and human welfare.
鈥淚 know that the incredible team at the BHA shares my deep passion for our sport and is committed to securing a brighter and more sustainable future for our people and horses.
鈥淚t is a huge privilege to be given this opportunity to lead such a knowledgeable and dedicated team at a time of great opportunity for British racing.鈥�
Commenting on the appointments, the BHA鈥檚 member organisations (Licensed Personnel, Racecourse Association, Racehorse Owners Association and Thoroughbred Breeders鈥� Association) said:
鈥淲e are pleased that the BHA board has confirmed Brant鈥檚 permanent appointment as CEO, a decision that is unanimously supported by the BHA鈥檚 member organisations.
鈥淭his brings welcome stability for BHA staff and the racing industry, at a time where the organisation is leading vital work aimed at growing our sport and securing a sustainable future for our people and horses.
鈥淲e also thank David for again assuming the role of interim chair of the BHA, while steps are taken to recruit permanently into this position.
鈥淲hile聽agreement could not be reached at this time on governance changes, senior leaders across the sport remain committed to working collectively to achieve reform that works in the best interests of British racing as a whole.鈥�
