Chief executive to leave British Horseracing Authority early next year

Paul Bittar, the chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), is to leave the role early next year.

Paul, who was previously chief strategy officer at Racing Victoria and chief executive of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, took up the position at the BHA in September 2011.

He is credited as improving the sport’s financial position and re-establishing the BHA’s strategic and regulatory role.

“Paul has been instrumental in building the foundations for racing’s future growth, has established stronger regulation and integrity of the sport and improved its overall health,” said Steve Harman, chairman of BHA.

“His wisdom and knowledge of racing matters is hugely valuable and he has contributed much to the next steps of both BHA and racing generally.

“Paul is reviewing a number of options which he is considering for his next role, and I know he will make a big impact in whichever of the positions he chooses.”

Paul added that he is “proud of what the BHA has achieved” in the past few years and that it would be with “some sadness” that he leaves.

“Despite its obvious challenges, British racing is a world class sport to be involved in and it has been a privilege to have held the post,” he said. “I love the quality and diversity of the racing staged in this country, I’ll never tire of it and nowhere else can rival it in that regard.

“The outlook for British racing is significantly more positive now than it was at the close of 2011 and I firmly believe that the reputation of BHA has also improved. We have created a platform from which the sport can really grow and thrive.”

His successor is due to be announced in the autumn.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (14 August, 2014 issue)

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