Lord Allen has far-reaching aims as he takes up BHA chair Lord Allen has officially begun his role as chair of the British Horseracing Authority, setting out ambitious plans for the sport’s future. Allen backs racing boycott over betting tax changes Lord Allen, who assumed his position as the new chair of the British Horseracing Authority, has offered his backing for the cancellation of next Wednesday’s racing in protest of proposed betting tax changes. In a statement, he said: “I am delighted the industry is coming together on September 10 to say ‘Axe the Racing Tax’. It is an historic step to cancel all racing on this date, but this will help us to explain just how concerned we are for the sport on many levels.” Allen stressed that racing is vital to communities across the UK and highlighted the potential dangers of the proposed levy: “Horseracing is a sport for everyone, not just for the few. There are 85,000 people dependent directly and indirectly on racing.” Vision for a modern and independent BHA Allen outlined his ambition to transform British racing into “a modern commercial and cultural powerhouse”, with sustainable finances and stronger global presence. He said: “My vision is not simply that we work to preserve this, but to develop British racing into a modern commercial and cultural powerhouse: a sport that commands attention on the global stage, attracts new audiences, inspires fans at home, supports its people, and continues to set the gold standard for the care of the horse.” Allen’s appointment was delayed from June 1 as he worked to make the BHA’s board independent of racecourses and industry participants. Reflecting on his preparation, he explained: “It is nine months since I was nominated for the role. In that time, I have had over 100 meetings with racing people… There was a consistent agreement during my meetings that things needed to change if racing was to prosper.” He concluded: “I am sincerely grateful to the Board of the BHA and its stakeholders that they agreed that change should start at the top and that we should have an independent board where everyone is focused on putting horseracing first rather than representing a vested interest.”
