Equine welfare set to be key issue in long curtain call for outgoing Nick Rust

Nick Rust has decided it is time to pass the baton on to a new chief executive at the BHA but he still has the best part of 12 months to go before he leaves 75 High Holborn and there are a number of pressing issues that need to be dealt with.

The threat of huge disruption to racing from a no deal Brexit has receded – for the time being at least – but once the UK leaves the European Union the sport will need to work on the new arrangements for the movement of both horses and people after Brexit.

The sport's finances continue to be an issue – probably the biggest issue for many working in the sport – despite the breakthrough of levy reform.