The BHA Podcast: Episode 3 – Aintree reflections and more with Brant Dunshea and James Given

On episode three of The BHA Podcast, Nick Lightfoot is again joined by Acting CEO Brant Dunshea, who discusses Britain’s weighing rooms, use of the GoingStick and his thoughts following an eventful Grand National festival.
The BHA’s Director of Equine Regulation, Safety and Welfare, James Given, then stops by for a deeper dive into the events which lead to the death of Celebre D’Allen following the 2025 Grand National, as well as to reflect on his time in his job and hopes for the future.
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LISTEN NOW: Episode 3 — Aintree reflections and more with Brant Dunshea and James Given
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Listen again: Episode 2 — Cheltenham and Aintree plus Richard Wayman
The BHA Podcast returned for a second episode as the Grand National Festival at Aintree neared.
Acting CEO Brant Dunshea joined host Nick Lightfoot to discuss the National Trainers Federation AGM. Nick then sat down with Director of Racing Richard Wayman to reflect on racing’s performance in 2024, consider how the 2026 fixture list may look and ask whether the Mares’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival should be looked at.
Finally, following a number of false starts at the recent Cheltenham Festival, Nick asked the BHA’s Head of Stewarding, Shaun Parker, for his views on events at Prestbury Park and asked whether he has any concerns heading into Aintree.
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Listen again: Episode 1 — Racing’s political engagement with Brant Dunshea
First up to face Nick’s questions were Greg Swift and Victoria Morgan, the BHA’s Director of Communications and Public Affairs and Head of Policy & Advocacy respectively. In a wide-ranging interview, they discussed the impact of affordability checks, levy reform and the art of lobbying in Westminster.
Acting CEO Brant Dunshea also stopped by to tell Nick what he sees as the biggest threats to racing in the coming years, reflecting on his own experience since taking on his new position and also shared some memories about the life and legacy of the late former BHA Chair, Joe Saumarez Smith.
Finally, we took a look back at last month’s Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, sponsored by Godolphin.
Spotify: Episode 1
Apple Podcasts: Episode 1
Amazon Music: Episode 1
Audible: Episode 1
Acast: Episode 1
Soundcloud: Episode 1
YouTube Music: Episode 1