The British Horseracing Authority (BHA), the sport’s governing and regulatory body, has today announced that regulatory and sports law specialist Raj Parker has been appointed to its Board.

Raj takes up his role as an Independent Non-Executive Regulatory Director on 1 January, and will replace Sir Paul Stephenson, who joined the BHA Board in 2015 and whose term expires on 31 December.

Raj has had significant experience in integrity and governance issues for sporting institutions, is a Senior Adviser at the Financial Conduct Authority and has handled many investigations involving integrity issues.

Outside of sport he has undertaken judicial roles in criminal trials and financial services cases.

Raj Parker said:

“I’m extremely excited to be joining the Board of the BHA at this particular time, and becoming involved in the horseracing industry. I very much look forward to helping the Board with its commitment to effective regulation and integrity and to ensure that the sport continues to be clean, fair, and well governed.”

BHA Chair Annamarie Phelps said:

“We are delighted to welcome Raj to the Board. His prodigious experience in regulatory matters and sports law will be a valuable asset to the Board and to the sport.

”We are also extremely grateful for the contribution made by Sir Paul Stephenson to the sport over his six years at the BHA. He has played a pivotal role in what has been a period of significant change when it comes to regulation and compliance within British racing. He is a person of utmost integrity who carries the respect and appreciation of everyone on the Board.”