'Greg Swift is a great asset to racing' - Liz Truss ally's arrival at BHA hailed

The BHA's desire to wield some influence within the corridors of power in Britain's parliament may be about to move a step closer after the appointment of a high-profile communications executive from the political world.

Greg Swift, once assistant editor of the Daily Express, will become the organisation's director of communications and corporate affairs in October, following a period as head of news and press secretary to foreign secretary Liz Truss, who is expected to become Britain's next prime minister.

His relationship with Truss is viewed as potentially significant in helping the sport establish a productive relationship with the government, which is due to publish its much-awaited gambling review this year.

Its proposals are expected to include the contentious issue of affordability checks, which some modelling estimates claim could hit British racing's finances by more than £100 million.

Described as a "keen horseracing fan", Swift will lead a restructured communications and corporate affairs department at the BHA.

He was also head of communications for the Department for Exiting the European Union, and at 10 Downing Street as the prime minister's deputy spokesperson and head of news.

Julie Harrington, chief executive of the BHA, said: "We are delighted to be able to attract someone of Greg's calibre to this role. Among Greg's responsibilities will be leading the sport's liaison with, and lobbying of, government and senior figures in the national media.

"The depth of his government contacts and political and media communications experience will be a great asset to the BHA and the sport.

Liz Truss: Greg Swift's relationship with her is viewed as crucial in helping racing have a productive relationship with governmentCredit: Handout

"The restructure of the communications and corporate affairs department has the objective of enhancing the BHA’s capacity in these areas, to allow us to be more proactive and build on the work of the experienced team that is already in place."

Swift said: "British horseracing is one of the brightest jewels in the UK's sporting crown, providing unrivalled entertainment and some of the most memorable moments in sport.

"I am delighted to be joining the great team at the BHA to deliver on the ambitions shared by all those who are involved in the industry."

Communicating on welfare initiatives is also likely to be high on Swift's agenda and hiring someone of his stature is something of a coup for the BHA, whose new chairman Joe Saumarez Smith recently stressed the importance of how racing must strike the right tone in its exchanges with politicians.

Speaking at an industry conference at Newbury in June, he said: "I have met a few government ministers recently as well as lots of officials from government departments.

"The one message that they have delivered is that when racing talks to government we need to do so with one voice."

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