THE 2026 Cheltenham Festival will showcase the best of British racing next week, but the power struggle among the sport’s main stakeholders continues to damage the industry’s ambitions and hinder its potential for growth.

After just six months in the post, Lord Allen resigned as chairman of the British Horseracing Authority [BHA] this week.

The move was not a surprise as it was widely-known that the chairman’s stated aim of replacing BHA board members who had been nominated by industry stakeholders with independent board members had hit the rocks.

It’s understood that the Racecourse Association (RCA) is particularly reluctant to give away some of its rights. However, Allen’s failure to deliver a new-look board has prompted some of Britain’s biggest tracks to break ranks and demand reform of the RCA.

Ascot, Goodwood, Newbury, York and the Jockey Club (which owns 15 racecourses including Cheltenham, Aintree, Epsom, Sandown and Newmarket) issued a joint-statement calling for a formal governance review of the RCA, requesting a proposal for reform by the end of next month.

Their objectives include that “voting representation is balanced and credible” and that “significant views from key racecourses can influence outcomes”.

The group also make clear that they “support strong central leadership for British racing by the BHA, enabled by the establishment of an independent BHA Board”.

Dunshea permanent

Meanwhile, the BHA has confirmed the permanent appointment of Brant Dunshea as chief executive. Brant has been leading the BHA in an acting capacity since December 2024, following the departure of Julie Harrington.

He has held several senior positions at British racing’s governing and regulatory body since joining the organisation in March 2015, most recently as chief regulatory officer prior to being appointed acting CEO.

The BHA board has also approved the appointment of David Jones as interim chair. Jones previously filled the position between Joe Saumarez Smith stepping down in January 2025 and Lord Allen formally joining the BHA in September of the same year.

Steps will now be taken to recruit a permanent BHA chair.

Jones said: “While it is clearly regrettable that agreement could not be reached around governance reform, the sport’s leaders have recognised the need for change. I do believe this is possible, and we must all work to achieve it, in the interests of the sport and the livelihoods that depend on our industry.

“The process to recruit a permanent chair will commence shortly. My hope is that this can be achieved as quickly as possible.

“The BHA will continue to lead British racing with energy and integrity, and I am delighted that the board has agreed to appoint Brant as the CEO.

“He has proven he is a dynamic and hugely respected leader, and I look forward to working closely with Brant, the executive and the hard-working, dedicated team at the BHA during a significant year for the sport.”

Dunshea commented: “It is no secret that the sport has experienced a challenging period as it faces up to the process of change at a governance level, but I want to be clear that this has not stopped the BHA and the industry making important progress to safeguard the long-term health of British racing.

“The past year has seen growth in racecourse attendances, the success of the Axe The Racing Tax campaign, major initiatives to ensure more horses are raced and retained on our shores and continued improvements in horse and human welfare.”