From 'upstart caterer' to 'consummate' chairman, Lord Allen will need all his skills at the BHA

In Lord Allen the BHA has appointed someone who was once described as "the consummate chairman, seemingly of anything".

That ability and versatility, which has been demonstrated in his long, varied and storied business career, will come in very useful when he takes over as chair of British racing's governing body in June. Given the number of roles he already has, so will his ability to juggle his various commitments. Somewhat fortunately in that regard, Allen is a man who has been described as "seemingly all business, all the time".

When the BHA advertised for its next chair during the summer, it said the successful candidate would "need to be able to think commercially". A look through Allen's CV would suggest he thinks of little else.