Joe Saumarez Smith's term as BHA chair extended to 2025 following rule change

Joe Saumarez Smith has had his term as chair of the BHA extended until 2025 after the governing body changed its rules to allow him to stay on in the job.

Saumarez Smith, who took over as chair from Annamarie Phelps on June 1, had been due to step down in November next year following the end of his term on the BHA board, which he joined eight years ago.

He took up the position without the usual recruitment process this summer, with Phelps having left the governing body abruptly without seeking a second term.

At the time the articles of the BHA stated Saumarez Smith could serve no more than nine years on its board, a period which expired in the autumn next year.

However, the BHA's nominations committee, which consists of BHA independent directors David Jones, Laura Whyte and Raj Parker along with Charlie Parker and Wilf Walsh, the chairs of the Thoroughbred Group and Racecourse Association, recommended he stay on until May 31, 2025 in light of his work on a new governance structure and launching an industry strategy.

The BHA board unanimously supported the recommendation, while the governing body's members – the Racecourse Association, Racehorse Owners Association, Thoroughbred Breeders Association and licensed personnel – approved an amendment to the BHA's articles to allow for the extended term to be offered.

Saumarez Smith said: "I'm delighted and honoured to be asked by our shareholders to extend my term. I look forward to working with all of racing's stakeholders on the many issues facing the industry, especially relating to our long-term strategic direction. I am sure that together we can achieve many positive results."

Last week BHA chief executive Julie Harrington outlined the work that was taking place to formulate a long-term industry strategy to meet the challenges British racing faces, including uncompetitive prize-money, unattractive racing and a drain of equine talent abroad.

The work had required a change in the governance structure of the sport to allow the BHA to become the ultimate decision-making body in British racing.

Harrington said she was delighted Saumarez Smith's term had been extended, adding: "We have made great progress together in resolving the sport's governance structure and initiating work on an industry strategy.

"Now is the time for stability as we look to develop and implement the strategy, drawing on the advantages of the new governance structure to bring about radical change for the sport."

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