British Horseracing Authority launched
British racing got a new governing body today (31 July), as the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) was formally launched.
The BHA takes over from both the British Horseracing Board (BHB), set up in 1993, and the Horseracing Regulatory Authority (HRA), set up in 2006, and will combine the BHB’s governance responsibilities with the HRA’s regulatory functions.
The BHA is chaired by investment banker Paul Roy, who owns horses such as St Leger winner Sixties Icon and 2000 Guineas second Dutch Art.
Nic Coward, chief executive of the new organisation, said: “The British Horseracing Authority is a fresh start, with the backing of all sectors of the industry. We are here to listen, and to take a lead, looking to achieve the best for British Horseracing in all that we do.”
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A St Andrews’ graduate, Catherine joined Horse & Hound in 2002 and stayed for 11 years in a variety of roles until she went freelance in June 2013. She rejoined the team part-time in November 2016 as hunting editor. She pretty much lives on the hunting field or at the racecourse, but also loves eventing, as a journalist, press officer and competitor. She was H&H’s sole accredited journalist at the London Olympic Games and has reported from major race meetings and eventing, showjumping and dressage championships and shows round the world, and has hunted all over Britain and Ireland.