Adam Brickell, Director of Integrity, Legal and Risk for the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), said:

“Yesterday, an Appeal Board of the British Horseracing Authority granted Jim Best a stay of implementation of the Disciplinary Panel’s decision of 4 April 2016. This was to allow time for further evidence to be produced in relation to a claim by Mr Best’s representatives that “the hearing was conducted in a way which was substantially unfair and prejudicial to the appellant”.

“The Disciplinary Panel system which the BHA operates has been subject to legal scrutiny in the past and found to be a fair process. However, the BHA fully understands that the perception of fairness, independence and impartiality of its disciplinary process is important, notwithstanding the reality, and is happy to provide further information to the Appeal Board on this matter. The BHA has also undertaken to review the setup of its Disciplinary Panel as part of the recent Integrity Review to address perceptions of fairness.

“While Jim Best’s representatives have raised new issues for the Appeal Board to consider, no new evidence has been provided regarding the substance of the case against Best. It is in everyone’s interest that the appeal is heard as soon as possible and we are doing everything we can to make that happen.”

Notes to Editors

1. The Appeal Board Chairman’s reasons for the decision can be found here: https://www.britishhorseracing.com/press_releases/appeal-board-findings-regarding-application-stay-penalty-jim-best/