Joe Saumarez

One of the two major vacancies at the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has been filled with the announcement that Lord Charles Allen will succeed Joe Saumarez Smith as chair from June 1 next year. The search is still on for a chief executive to replace Julie Harrington, who will leave her position at the end of 2024. Appointed from outside racing, Allen is currently chairman and trustee of the Invictus Games Foundation and was chairman of the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2000-2003, for which he was awarded a CBE. He...

Noted bloodstock agent, former trainer and well-known industry figure John Ferguson has been appointed to the Board of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), the sport's governing and regulatory body. He is one of two Member-Nominated Directors as nominated by the TBA, ROA and NTF (acting on behalf of Licensed Personnel). Ferguson takes over from Luca Cumani, whose term on the BHA Board has ended. Ferguson has held a wide variety of positions within the Thoroughbred industry. He served as stable staff and assistant to trainer Sir Michael Stoute and, on...