The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has today outlined details of a number of changes within its Executive team, designed to best position the organisation to deliver on its responsibilities towards the sport, and play its part in the future growth of British Racing.

 

The restructure is the result of a review carried out by the BHA’s Chief Executive Nick Rust, now five months into the role, in conjunction with the existing Executive team. The organisation has been developing a set of strategic goals, and associated business plan for the next 18 months, details of which will be published next month.

 

A new position of Director of Racing and Operations is being created, to assume responsibility for the Fixture List, Race Planning and Handicapping, the management of the BHA’s relationship with Weatherbys, and also responsibility for some of the BHA’s corporate services functions, and the delivery of the BHA’s overall development programme, formed from its business plan for the next 18 months. The Fixture List and an associated holistic approach to the Race Programme, which are very important for the health and development of our sport, will be the key areas of focus for this new role.

 

Ruth Quinn, currently Director of Racing, is to take up the new position of Director of International Racing and Racing Development, commencing on 1 July. The role will be critical in maintaining Britain’s position as the home of the best quality racing in the world, and will involve liaison with overseas racing jurisdictions and investors, development of the Pattern, and leadership of other strategic racing developments. Ruth has unique experience and capabilities in these areas, and will also provide significant input to the Director of Racing and Operations on strategic matters.

 

Will Lambe, currently Director of Public Affairs and Policy, is to become Director of Corporate Affairs, retaining responsibility for leading and co-ordinating the sport’s Government Relations, and focusing on the work required to implement a fair and sustainable funding mechanism from Betting to Racing through the Horserace Betting Right. He will also work closely with Nick Rust on the development of industry strategy matters under the proposed Members Agreement, and associated Members and Executive Committees.

 

A Director of Communications is to be appointed, to form part of the BHA’s Executive team, and assume responsibility for the BHA’s External, Internal and Digital Communications, and the development of a strategic plan to support the objectives of both the sport and the BHA. It is intended that the role of Media Manager, currently occupied by Robin Mounsey, will remain as the central point of contact for the press, and continue as the primary spokesperson for the organisation.

 

Internal and external candidates are being sought for both new positions, with Nolan Partners, an Executive Search firm highly experienced in the sector, assisting Director of People and Development Carole Goldsmith with the recruitment.

 

Adam Brickell, Director of Integrity, Legal and Risk, has recently announced a significant review of the Integrity department’s structure, processes and policies, more details of which will be confirmed in the coming days. In order to allow Brickell to focus more fully on this critical area, Medical responsibilities are to transfer to Jamie Stier, Director of Raceday Operations and Regulation. Chief Medical Advisor Dr Jerry Hill will report to Stier, who also now chairs the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities’ Horse Welfare Committee. Chief Veterinary Officer Jenny Hall will continue to perform this critical role for the organisation, and the sport.

 

All of the changes – which alongside other reorganisation taking place within the BHA are cost neutral against its 2015 Budget – will be effective on or before 1 July.

 

BHA Chief Executive Nick Rust said:

“We are in a pivotal period for the sport, and by extension the BHA as its governing and regulatory body. It remains a privilege to lead this organisation, and I am clear that we exist to deliver for and on behalf of British Racing.

 

“We are close to finalising our own strategic objectives and associated business plan for the next 18 months, to complement the work underway on the industry’s Strategy for Growth and, just as importantly, align with the proposed way of working under the forthcoming Members Agreement.

 

“Working closely with my Executive colleagues, and on the back of an induction that has taken me to all corners of this sport, I have had the opportunity to identify what I believe is the best structure to enable us to command the confidence of our member organisations as well as the varied customers of British Racing. As is the case across the industry, there are lots of capable and passionate people within the BHA, ambitious for this sport.”