The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has confirmed that Lord Charles Allen has resigned as Chair after just six months in the position in another blow for the racing industry.

Lord Allen had been nominated as Chair in November 2024 and took up his post in September 2025, after member organisations of the BHA – which includes the Racecourse Association, Racehorse Owners Association, Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association and Licensed Personnel – unanimously agreed that there should be a completely independent board and that the BHA should have a commercial remit.

However the members, who currently nominate representatives to the Board, have not been able to reach agreement between themselves on changing the rules of the BHA, meaning that Lord Allen has handed in his resignation.

“Horse racing is an amazing sport with great potential and over the last year I have met some incredibly passionate people who love the sport who believe to survive and prosper that change is needed,” Lord Allen said. 

“I also want to pay tribute to the hardworking and dedicated BHA team. I wish the sport well for the future.”

More woe for the BHA

The news comes as yet another crushing disappointment for British horse racing and only a week before the highly-anticipated Cheltenham Festival. Just last month, Chris Batterham made an unceremonious exit as Chair of the BHA and Weatherbys-funded technology programme Racing Digital. 

Batterham, who “was asked to step down as Chair of Racing Digital by the Racing Digital Board”, but whose departure caused much controversy, brought proven experience of serving on the board of directors at multiple PLCs. Lord Allen’s experience, however, is much greater. 

The Kensington-based business mogul joined Granada in 1991, originally as Chief Executive Officer of Granada Television, before becoming Group Chief Executive in 1996. He stuck with the business in senior roles through its merger and then demerger with Compass Group, eventually leaving in 2006 – a year in which he became the Chief Adviser to the Home Office as well as a Member of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG).

Lord Allen has been the Chairman of Global Media and Entertainment since 2007, a company which owns and operates some of the biggest names in British radio, including Capital, Smooth and Heart. 

His other public-facing roles have included chairing the Executive Board of the Labour Party as well as the British Red Cross. 

He also serves as Chairman of two of the London Stock Exchange’s FTSE 250 constituents in Balfour Beatty and THG. 

Having the backing of an entrepreneur with the stature of Lord Allen will have been seen as a huge positive for the BHA, despite his lack of background in the sport, and there would have been hopes of a turnaround in fortunes for the UK’s horse racing scene as a whole. But those hopes have now been extinguished. 

Industry members have their say

There seems to be somewhat of a sombre mood from the BHA camp, as seen in the organisation’s announcement of Lord Allen’s departure. 

David Jones, Senior Independent Director of the BHA, said: “The Board would like to thank Charles for the time and effort that he has put into the role helping us to develop a vision that is aspirational and achievable, and we regret that we were unable to put in place at this time the governance changes that would have enabled us to progress this. 

“I have enjoyed working with him and wish him continued success.”

Jones’ sentiments have been echoed by the Betting and Gaming Council. A spokesperson for the council commented: “The Betting and Gaming Council wishes Lord Charles Allen well following his resignation as Chair of the British Horseracing Authority.

“Although he was only in the role for a short period, he took on the position at an important time for British racing and brought with him considerable experience and a clear desire to help the sport navigate its challenges. We are grateful for his contribution during his time as Chair.

“The BGC remains committed to working closely and constructively with the BHA and wider racing stakeholders to support a thriving and sustainable future for British horse racing.”

For Lord Allen, the decision will force a shift in focus towards responsibilities in his various ongoing roles. For the BHA, however, it is back to square one. 

As previously mentioned, Lord Allen was appointed to the position in November 2024. He was set to take up the post in June 2025, but this was delayed until September 2025 due to him wanting the organisation to have a fully independent board.

His departure will come as little shock to those familiar with the horse racing scene and has been in the wings for weeks now, due to reported conflict in the industry. 

It is yet to be seen who will take over the position, with some reports suggesting that Brant Dunshea, acting Chief Executive of the BHA, will be a frontrunner in the list of candidates.