Jim Walker joins British Horseracing Authority board
Walker replaces Charlie Parker as one of two member-nominated directors on the board.
UK.- The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has confirmed the appointment of Dr Jim Walker to its board with immediate effect. He takes the position of Charlie Parker, whose six-year term on the board has concluded.
Dr Walker is an economist by profession and is chair of the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA). He joins as one of two member-nominated directors on the board on behalf of the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, Racehorse Owners Association and licensed personnel.
He has been an owner of racehorses for over 30 years. He joined the Board of the ROA in 2023 and became the association’s chair in October 2025.
David Jones, Interim Chair of the BHA, said: “We’re pleased to welcome Jim to the Board. He is not only a passionate advocate for racehorse owners but also brings a good understanding of the wider industry to the table, alongside his proven business acumen.
Walker said: “I am delighted to join the BHA Board, representing the interests of racehorse owners alongside breeders and licensed personnel.
“As an economist, I am well versed in an appreciation of how policy can impact an industry, and I hope I can bring some insights in that vein to the BHA Board table. I look forward to contributing constructively with board colleagues to grow the sport, deliver long-term sustainability and foster innovation for British racing’s future.”
The appointment comes as the BHA prepares for the feared impact of Financial Risk Checks for gambling in Britain. The organisation argues that the introduction of the new requirements will disproportionately affect big-spending horse bettors at a time when the industry is already struggling with a downturn in revenue.
The Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) expects a fifth consecutive year of rising income from British betting, with horserace betting levy receipts for the year ending March 31 forecast to reach £110m. That would be the highest figure since reforms were introduced in 2017.
However, the racing sector is frustrated by the government decision that the Horseracing Betting Levy will remain unchanged. The BHA argues that racing still receives “less than 3 per cent” of the gambling industry’s returns.
