The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has confirmed a leadership shakeup, with Brant Dunshea becoming permanent Chief Executive Officer and David Jones returning to the role of Interim Chair, just over six months after leaving it. 

Dunshea 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.

Prior to that, the University of Melbourne graduate held key roles at Australia-based statutory body Harness Racing Victoria, including General Manager of Integrity Service and Chief Operating Officer.

“I am delighted to be appointed Chief Executive Officer of the BHA,” said Dunshea.

“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.

“I know that the incredible team at the BHA shares my deep passion for our sport and is committed to securing a brighter and more sustainable future for our people and horses.

“It is a huge privilege to be given this opportunity to lead such a knowledgeable and dedicated team at a time of great opportunity for British racing.”

Jones to chair BHA once again

Jones has also resumed the role of Interim Chair, following this week’s high-profile departure of business mogul Lord Charles Allen. 

Jones only departed this position in August 2025, having served in the role between January and August before Lord Allen joined the organisation. 

He was appointed to the BHA Board in January 2021 as Senior Independent Director, with extensive experience of British racing and the regulation of the sport, including as a BHA steward for more than a decade.

Jones commented: “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.”

Lord Allen exited the role on Tuesday in a move that came as no surprise to onlookers, after a turbulent period in the role which included high-profile disagreements. The final straw was the inability for member organisations of the BHA to agree on a switch to a fully independent board and a commercial remit.

The former Chief Adviser to the Home Office had little background in the sport prior to taking up the mantle, but brought experience from all kinds of areas of business. 

However, his tenure, which set off on a rocky path with a delayed start, only lasted six months and has caused more concern for the UK horse racing scene. 

A horse racing homecoming for Hancock?

The search for a permanent Chair will continue, with former Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock one of several names being touted to take up the reins. 

The former Newmarket MP is among the frontrunners with bookmakers to land the job and is known to be an avid fan of the sport.

Back in 2012, when he was MP for West Suffolk, he won a charity horse race as a jockey at Newmarket, losing two stone whilst training for the event. 

Other names tipped for the role by bookmakers include ex-Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace and HR veteran Julia Tyson.