BHA Extends Joe Saumarez Smith’s Term as Chair Until 31 May 2025

The Nominations Committee of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has recommended that Joe Saumarez Smith’s role as Chair of the BHA should be extended until 31 May 2025, and the BHA Board has unanimously supported this recommendation.

This represents a full three-year term from 1 June 2022, the date he was appointed as Chair.

Joe was initially appointed with a term to run until November 2023, which would have represented the expiry of his existing term of office on the BHA Board.

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However, in view of Joe’s leading role, working alongside BHA Chief Executive Julie Harrington, in achieving industry governance restructure and instigating the launch of an industry strategy, the Committee have recommended that his term should be extended.

As part of this process, the BHA’s Members approved an amendment to the BHA’s Articles, to allow for the extended term to be offered.

Joe 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.”

Julie Harrington, Chief Executive of the BHA, said: “I am delighted that Joe’s term as Chair has been extended. 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.”