BHA appoints Brant Dunshea as CEO and David Jones as Interim Chair

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has named Brant Dunshea as its permanent CEO. 

Dunshea has been the Acting CEO since Julie Harrington left the company in December 2024, and has been with the company since May 2015. 

He has also held the roles of Head of Raceday Operations, Director of Integrity & Regulatory Operations and Chief Regulatory Officer during this time. 

On his appointment, he said: “I am delighted to be appointed Chief Executive Officer of the BHA.

“It 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.

“The past year has seen growth in racecourse attendances, the success of the Axe The Racing Tax campaign, major initiatives to ensure more horses are raced and retained on our shores and continued improvements in horse and human welfare.”

While one interim position has been made permanent, the reverse has happened elsewhere on the Board. 

David Jones will step into the role of Interim Chair, succeeding Charles Allen, while the BHA searches for a permanent replacement. 

This is the second time that Jones has held this position, the first time being when Joe Saumarez Smith stepped down in January 2025, before Allen joined later that year. 

On this return appointment, Jones said: “While it is clearly regrettable that agreement could not be reached around governance reform, the sport’s leaders have recognised the need for change. I do believe this is possible, and we must all work to achieve it, in the interests of the sport and the livelihoods that depend on our industry.

“The 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.

“He 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.”