Lord Charles Allen steps down as British Horseracing Authority chair amid reported conflicts
The BHA has reportedly struggled to agree on governance reforms.
UK.- The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has announced that Lord Charles Allen has resigned as chair after only six months in the role, dealing another setback to the racing industry. The decision is reportedly connected to struggles to agree on governance reforms.
Allen was nominated in November 2024 and began his tenure in September 2025. Previous chair Joe Saumarez Smith died in February last year.
BHA member organisations, the Racecourse Association, Racehorse Owners Association, Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, and Licensed Personnel had agreed to introduce a fully independent board and to expand the BHA’s commercial remit. However, calls for reform have reportedly led to internal conflicts.
Reflecting on his departure, Lord Allen said: “Horse racing is an amazing sport with great potential and over the last year I have met some incredibly passionate people who love the sport who believe to survive and prosper that change is needed. I also want to pay tribute to the hardworking and dedicated BHA team. I wish the sport well for the future.”
Allen’s career began at the broadcaster Granada in 1991, where he rose to Group Chief Executive by 1996. He remained in senior roles through the company’s merger and later demerger with Compass Group, leaving in 2006. That same year, he became Chief Adviser to the Home Office and joined the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG).
Since 2007, he has chaired Global Media and Entertainment, owner of major UK radio brands such as Capital, Smooth and Heart. He has also chaired the Labour Party’s Executive Board and the British Red Cross and currently serves as chairman of Balfour Beatty and THG.
His resignation comes ahead of the Cheltenham Festival, known as the pinnacle of National Hunt racing. It follows the recent exit of Chris Batterham as chair of Racing Digital, a technology programme backed by Weatherbys. It leaves the BHA without a chair as the racing sector continues to wait for reforms of the betting levy. It’s been suggested that Brant Dunshea, currently the BHA’s interim CEO, could be a candidate for the role.
David Jones, Senior Independent Director of the BHA, commented: “The Board would like to thank Charles for the time and effort that he has put into the role helping us to develop a vision that is aspirational and achievable, and we regret that we were unable to put in place at this time the governance changes that would have enabled us to progress this. I have enjoyed working with him and wish him continued success.”
The Betting and Gaming Council said: “The Betting and Gaming Council wishes Lord Charles Allen well following his resignation as Chair of the British Horseracing Authority. Although he was only in the role for a short period, he took on the position at an important time for British racing and brought with him considerable experience and a clear desire to help the sport navigate its challenges.
“We are grateful for his contribution during his time as Chair. The BGC remains committed to working closely and constructively with the BHA and wider racing stakeholders to support a thriving and sustainable future for British horse racing.”
