British Horseracing Authority appoints Brant Dunshea as permanent CEO

The British Horseracing Authority has confirmed the permanent appointment of Brant Dunshea as its chief executive officer, marking a significant leadership decision for the governing and regulatory body of British horse racing. The announcement follows a period of transition within the organisation and comes shortly after the unexpected resignation of Lord Charles Allen as chair.

Alongside the confirmation of Dunshea’s leadership role, the authority has also appointed David Jones as interim chair while the organisation begins the process of identifying a permanent successor for the position. The leadership adjustments are taking place during a time when the British racing industry continues to evaluate its governance structure and long term strategic direction.

The British Horseracing Authority stated that these appointments are intended to provide continuity and stability for the organisation as it continues working with stakeholders across the sport.

Leadership transition at the British Horseracing Authority

The decision to formally appoint Brant Dunshea as chief executive follows several months during which he served in the role on an interim basis. Dunshea assumed the acting CEO position in December 2024 after the departure of former chief executive Julie Harrington.

During his time as interim CEO, Dunshea oversaw several operational and regulatory initiatives while guiding the organisation through a period of governance discussions and industry reform proposals. His permanent appointment signals the board’s confidence in his leadership and familiarity with the operational framework of British racing.

Dunshea first joined the British Horseracing Authority in March 2015. Over the years he has held several senior roles within the organisation and has been involved in both regulatory oversight and strategic development initiatives. Before stepping into the chief executive position on an interim basis he served as chief regulatory officer, a role that placed him at the centre of the authority’s work on race regulation, integrity and compliance.

His extensive experience within the organisation has positioned him as a familiar figure for industry participants, racecourses and regulatory partners.

Interim chair appointed during governance review

At the same time as confirming the new CEO, the British Horseracing Authority announced that David Jones will serve as interim chair while the organisation conducts a search for a permanent chair.

Jones has previously performed the role on an interim basis. Earlier in 2025 he stepped in temporarily following the resignation of Joe Saumarez Smith, who stepped down from the chairmanship on health grounds in January of that year. Lord Charles Allen later assumed the chair position in September 2025 before his recent departure.

Jones brings considerable experience to the role. He joined the BHA Board in January 2021 as senior independent director and has longstanding involvement in the British racing sector. His background includes more than a decade serving as a steward for the British Horseracing Authority, providing him with a deep understanding of both the regulatory environment and the operational structure of the sport.

The authority indicated that the recruitment process for a permanent chair will begin shortly.

Governance reform discussions within British racing

The leadership changes come during an ongoing period of dialogue within British racing regarding governance structures and industry coordination. Discussions among stakeholders have centred on how decision making processes and leadership roles can evolve to better support the sport’s long term sustainability.

Although agreement has not yet been reached on certain governance proposals, the British Horseracing Authority has emphasised that stakeholders remain committed to continued collaboration.

David Jones acknowledged the challenges involved in achieving consensus while also expressing confidence that progress remains possible.

He 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.”

Jones also emphasised that the search for a permanent chair will begin soon. According to his statement, the organisation intends to move forward efficiently in order to provide long term leadership clarity.

Confidence in Brant Dunshea’s leadership

Jones also welcomed the appointment of Brant Dunshea as permanent chief executive, noting his leadership qualities and experience within the organisation.

He said, “The process to recruit a permanent chair will commence shortly. My hope is that this can be achieved as quickly as possible. 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.”

Jones added that Dunshea has earned significant respect within the sport and that the board looks forward to working closely with him and the executive leadership team.

“He has proved 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.”

A challenging but productive period for the sport

Brant Dunshea acknowledged that British racing has experienced a complex period as governance discussions have unfolded. However he also highlighted several developments that he believes demonstrate the resilience and ongoing progress of the industry.

He said, “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.”

Dunshea pointed to multiple positive indicators for the sport over the past year. These include increased racecourse attendances across several major events and industry initiatives designed to strengthen the domestic racing environment.

He referenced the success of the Axe The Racing Tax campaign which sought to highlight financial pressures affecting the racing industry. The campaign attracted significant support from stakeholders who believe that fiscal policy decisions can play a key role in the future competitiveness of British racing.

Industry initiatives supporting the future of British racing

In addition to advocacy efforts, the British Horseracing Authority has also been involved in several programmes aimed at strengthening the sport’s long term sustainability.

One area of focus has been ensuring that more racehorses remain active within the domestic racing circuit. Industry leaders have been exploring ways to encourage owners and trainers to continue racing horses within the United Kingdom rather than transferring them to international markets.

Another priority has been ongoing improvements in welfare standards. These initiatives address both equine welfare and the wellbeing of individuals working within the industry including jockeys, trainers and stable staff.

Dunshea emphasised that the people working within the organisation remain deeply committed to the sport’s future.

“I 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. It 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.”

Stability for staff and industry stakeholders

The British Horseracing Authority noted that confirming the leadership structure is expected to provide stability for employees and for the broader racing community.

Racing organisations often depend on coordinated leadership between regulatory bodies, racecourses, trainers, owners and other industry participants. Clear leadership within the governing authority can therefore play an important role in ensuring that strategic initiatives continue without disruption.

According to the authority, the board believes the new appointments will help maintain organisational focus while discussions regarding governance reform continue.

The organisation reiterated that senior leaders across British racing remain committed to working collectively in order to identify governance arrangements that serve the interests of the entire industry.

Looking ahead for the British Horseracing Authority

As the British Horseracing Authority moves forward under its updated leadership structure, several key priorities remain on the agenda. These include supporting the economic sustainability of racecourses, maintaining strong regulatory oversight and ensuring that welfare standards continue to evolve alongside industry expectations.

The recruitment of a permanent chair will be an important next step. Once that appointment is made the authority is expected to continue engaging with stakeholders across the sport to refine governance structures and strategic priorities.

Industry observers note that the combination of leadership continuity through Dunshea and temporary oversight from Jones provides a practical framework for navigating this transitional period.

Conclusion

The permanent appointment of Brant Dunshea as chief executive officer represents a significant step in stabilising leadership at the British Horseracing Authority during a period of organisational transition. Having served in multiple senior roles within the authority since 2015, Dunshea brings extensive experience and institutional knowledge to the position.

While recent governance discussions have presented challenges, both the authority and industry stakeholders continue to emphasise collaboration and long term progress. The interim appointment of David Jones as chair provides additional continuity while the organisation searches for a permanent leader for the board.

Taken together, these developments suggest a renewed focus on stability, strategic coordination and the future growth of British racing. With leadership now more clearly defined, the British Horseracing Authority appears positioned to continue its regulatory responsibilities while working with the wider industry to strengthen the sport’s sustainability in the years ahead.

FAQs

What is the British Horseracing Authority?
The British Horseracing Authority is the governing and regulatory body responsible for overseeing horse racing in Great Britain including race regulation integrity and industry coordination.

Who is Brant Dunshea?
Brant Dunshea is the newly appointed chief executive officer of the British Horseracing Authority. He previously served as interim CEO and held the role of chief regulatory officer.

When did Brant Dunshea become permanent CEO?
The British Horseracing Authority confirmed Brant Dunshea as permanent CEO in 2026 after he served in the role on an interim basis since December 2024.

Why was an interim chair appointed at the BHA?
David Jones was appointed interim chair following the resignation of Lord Charles Allen. The organisation plans to recruit a permanent chair through a formal selection process.

Who is David Jones in British racing?
David Jones is a senior independent director on the BHA Board with extensive experience in the racing sector including more than a decade serving as a BHA steward.

Why did Lord Charles Allen step down as chair?
The British Horseracing Authority announced his resignation but did not provide detailed reasons beyond governance discussions within the industry.

What governance changes are being discussed in British racing?
Industry stakeholders have been exploring potential reforms to governance structures to improve decision making and long term sustainability across the sport.

What initiatives has the BHA highlighted recently?
Recent initiatives include the Axe The Racing Tax campaign improvements in welfare standards and programmes aimed at retaining more racehorses within British racing.

How does the BHA support horse welfare?
The authority works with industry participants to develop welfare standards for racehorses and ensure safe conditions for both horses and people working in the sport.

What are the next steps for the British Horseracing Authority?
The organisation will begin the recruitment process for a permanent chair while continuing strategic initiatives to support the future sustainability of British racing.