The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has confirmed that Lord (Charles) Allen has resigned as Chair after member organisations failed to agree on proposed governance reforms.
Lord Allen was nominated as Chair in late 2024 following a search process and took up the role in September 2025.
He assumed the position after the BHA’s member organisations, including the Racecourse Association, Racehorse Owners Association, Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association and Licensed Personnel, unanimously agreed that the regulator should move to a completely independent board structure and adopt a commercial remit.
However, the members, who currently nominate representatives to the board, were unable to reach unanimous agreement on changing the BHA’s rules to enable those reforms. A change to the Articles requires full support from all member bodies.
As a result, Lord Allen has stepped down from the role.
BHA Senior Independent Director, David Jones, said: “The Board would like to thank Charles for the time and effort that he has put into the role helping us to develop a vision that is aspirational and achievable and we regret that we were unable to put in place at this time the governance changes that would have enabled us to progress this.”
Jones added: “I have enjoyed working with him and wish him continued success.”
Lord Allen said: “Horseracing is an amazing sport with great potential and over the last year I have met some incredibly passionate people who love the sport who believe to survive and prosper that change is needed.”
He added: “I also want to pay tribute to the hardworking and dedicated BHA team. I wish the sport well for the future.”
The BHA has not yet outlined the process or timeline for appointing a successor.
Earlier this week, the regulator expanded its anonymous reporting service through new messaging capabilities, allowing individuals to raise integrity and welfare concerns via text and WhatsApp.
The update formed part of broader efforts to strengthen oversight mechanisms within British racing.
A change to the BHA’s Articles requires unanimous approval from all member organisations, reflecting its federated governance structure
