The Chair of the British Equestrian Authority, Annamarie Phelps, CBE, will not seek a second term in the role and will step down from the BHA Council at the end of her term in May. Phelps will be replaced by the BHA’s Independent Non-Executive Director, Joe Saumarez Smith. He will begin his new role after Phelp’s term expires and will remain in that position until the end of his term in September 2023.
Annamarie Phelps said, “After discussions with the BHA Board of Directors, I have decided not to extend my term as BHA President beyond the end of my current term.
“This is a very important time for racing, with the post-pandemic recovery and the impending publication of the Gambling Act Review White Paper, both still very much on the sport’s agenda. . A major review of the BHA is also underway, which will ensure that the BHA is future-tested, effective, and has enough resources to serve the needs of the race.
“We are at a critical stage of discussions around a new governance structure that will provide clarity on the role of the BHA as a regulator and regulator.
“Therefore, I am pleased to have been able to develop the following core principles with BHA shareholders before I leave:
“First, it recognizes that the BHA Board of Directors will retain responsibility for regulatory and governance matters, with additional responsibility to lead industry development strategy on behalf of our shareholders. That it will retain its current level of independent representation, consistent with governance best practices. In addition, we have agreed that the tripartite decision-making structure will be reviewed.
“There is much work to be done over the next three months to ensure that these measures are fully and securely in place for my successor before I step down, which I hope will provide an appropriate decision-making structure. more appropriate, democratic and efficient for the future.
“It is a great privilege to lead the BHA during this challenging time for the sport sector, and to have recruited such an amazing CEO at Julie Harrington. I am extremely proud of what the racing team has achieved during this time.
“I want to thank the amazing BHA team for navigating the pandemic and keeping the show going behind the scenes, a role that is rarely acknowledged. It is a remarkable achievement that no match has been lost to Covid once British racing has become the first major sport to resume after its first lockdown in 2020.
“We have also successfully addressed a number of serious and complex issues of ethics and integrity that have set an important precedent for the future, laying the groundwork for greater diversity and inclusion in the disciplines. sports, enhancing the industry’s educational resources and protection provisions, and further enhancing our focus on the welfare of our horses and our people; All of which are essential for the sustained health and well-being of the race.
“I would like to thank everyone who has welcomed and supported me over the past three years, especially the racecourses, trainers, owners, riders, stable staff and breeders. raisers have shared their insights, aspirations and perspectives, both here and abroad. I fell in love with people, racing and especially horses. ”
Joe Saumarez Smith said, “On behalf of the BHA Board, I would like to thank Annamarie, who has brought an expansive perspective on other sports to the BHA Board. During her time as President, she has laid the groundwork for significant industry-wide change in several areas and helped us tackle a range of challenging issues, particularly the coronavirus pandemic and our governance. BHA. Agreement on some core governance principles is likely to be a defining moment for the industry. I look forward to continuing to work with Annamarie until the end of her tenure.”
