Joe Saumarez Smith’s first day as BHA president has been marked by the news that British motorsport leadership has pledged to work out together a long-term strategy for the sport.
The agreement between the leaders of the BHA, the Racecourse Association (RCA) and the Thoroughbred Group came after ongoing discussions on the governance of the industry, so that the BHA will be responsible for coordinating the strategy. strategy on behalf of its shareholders.
Saumarez Smith succeeds Annamarie Phelps as British motorsport’s governing body on Wednesday. Phelps chose not to stay for a second term because of assurances that controversial proposals under which the BHA would be relegated to a regulatory role had been shelved.
Racing leaders say the strategy will focus on areas including prize money, racing programs, the livestock industry, ethnicity and equine, data collection and use in sport, and ownership. , integrity, customer engagement and sport marketing.
Saumarez Smith, 50, joined the BHA as a non-executive director in 2014. His term ends next September. “Ongoing discussions around industry governance have now paved the way for the development of a cross-sector strategic vision for the development of the sport, one that the industry agrees is essential,” he said. necessary”.
“There is a lot of good work being done by stakeholders but too often in isolation, and we all feel there is an opportunity for all involved to help shape that vision. with as the top player in the world racing tournament.”
RCA President Wilf Walsh said he looks forward to working to build “a clear, prioritized strategy. We need to make sure we’re committed to being agile and getting things done by leveraging the make the most of the passion, knowledge and viability in sport.”
His counterpart at Thoroughbred Group, Charlie Parker, admits there have been other attempts to come up with a strategic plan for the British race. He added: “I am delighted that the progress made in the restructuring of BHA has allowed us to announce this initiative, which will give the industry a real opportunity to respond. the enormous challenges we face.”
BHA chief executive Julie Harrington said she was pleased the industry had reached an agreement.
“I am delighted that we will now be able to begin work on this important project on behalf of — and in full collaboration with — the British racing industry,” she added.
Harrington also pays tribute to Phelps for all that has been achieved during her time at the BHA.
She added: “An agreement has now been reached with our industry on how to govern, the BHA’s role and responsibility to lead the development of industry strategy. This is a pivotal moment for the discipline. sports and one thing that shouldn’t happen is underrated.
“Annamarie has also demonstrated leadership throughout the Covid pandemic and the sport tackles multiple issues over the past three years, while promoting the sport’s focus on diversity, protection and education, training and well-being of our industry participants.
“Her dedication to the sport and her desire to always do the right thing with its participants is clear, and I’m sure she will carry with her appreciation and best wishes. best of everyone at BHA and the people she’s worked with in the industry.”
