British racing’s leaders have agreed upon a new governance structure for the sport, which will allow for the development and implementation of a new industry strategy to secure racing’s future.
Following a Racecourse Association (RCA) EGM on November 14, a restructure of the BHA’s corporate governance arrangements has been agreed, with new Articles of Association to be adopted following the signing by the sport’s Member bodies of a special resolution and new Members’ Agreement.
The new structure enshrines, as standing committees of the BHA’s Board, a new Commercial Committee and Integrity Advisory Committee, with a new Industry Programme Group also created, all three designed to drive forward the sport’s main areas of strategic focus.
Julie Harrington, Chief Executive of the BHA, said: “The agreement of a new governance structure is an important step along the road to developing an industry strategy to secure the future prosperity of racing in Britain.
“This new structure not only provide a platform upon which progress can be established, but also clarifies the BHA’s role as the sport’s governing body and regulator. Acting on behalf of our members at the Racecourse Association and The Thoroughbred Group, I am confident that this structure will lead to better informed decisions on commercial and strategic matters.”
As was agreed following a meeting of the Industry Strategy Group in September, the BHA will lead on the development and delivery of a new industry strategy, with this work underpinned by the new governance structure.
Meeting monthly, the Commercial Committee will oversee the work of the existing Fixtures and Funding Group, Racing Group and Gambling Strategy Group and develop areas of the industry strategy with a commercial focus, including the racing product, promotion of the sport and initiatives regarding key stakeholders such as owners and bettors.
Also feeding into the Board will be the Integrity Advisory Committee, which will provide strategic advice to the Executive, and make recommendations to the Board, on matters relating to the integrity of the sport and will meet four times a year.
The Industry Programme Group, meanwhile, will contribute to strategy relating to horse welfare, industry people, equality, diversity and inclusion, corporate social responsibility, social licence and environmental sustainability. The Group will meet at least six times a year.
