BHA chair Joe Saumarez Smith to step down with immediate effect

British Horseracing Authority (BHA) chair Joe Saumarez Smith has stepped down from his role with immediate effect due to ill health.

Saumarez Smith made the decision to vacate the chairmanship after being advised by his oncologist that he has leptomeningeal metastases.

Saumarez Smith was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2023. He had pledged to remain as BHA chair despite his diagnosis.

However, as per a BHA statement, the horseracing body said there is a now a “practical need for Joe to accelerate the transition from his role as chair and he has therefore taken the decision to resign”.

Saumarez Smith’s replacement, Lord Allen of Kensington, was confirmed in November. The former ITV CEO is due to assume the role in the summer.

BHA senior independent director David Jones will step up as interim chair until Lord Allen takes on the post on 1 June.

The BHA said Saumarez Smith would “remain available to assist with the transition of chair process” over the coming months.

Saumarez Smith was named BHA chair in June 2022, replacing Annamarie Phelps. He has served on the BHA’s board since 2014.

Speaking on his decision, Saumarez Smith said: “I am very disappointed to step down as chair of the BHA board but now the cancer has spread to my brain and I have been told that my lifespan is pretty limited, I feel it would be very unfair on horseracing if I did not hand over the reins immediately.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed both being on the BHA board for over a decade and being chair for nearly three years. It has been an immense privilege to have such a senior role in a sport I have loved since the age of eight.

“I did not want to stay on and make decisions that were potentially open to later challenge if questions were raised about whether the cancer had impaired my abilities.

“David Jones will do an excellent job in the interim and I think Lord Charles Allen will do a fantastic job with his highly impressive track record and enthusiasm for the sport.”

Brant Dunshea, acting BHA CEO, added: “It is a great sorrow to all of us that Joe has had to step down so suddenly because of his ill health.

“He has been an outstanding chair and board member of the BHA for more than a decade. But more than that, he has been a passionate, dedicated and powerful ambassador for the sport and British racing owes him a huge debt.

“Having worked with Joe for more than a decade his wise counsel, personal support and pure love of the sport will be deeply missed.”

Dunshea was named as interim CEO in December, as the BHA remains on the hunt for a permanent successor to former CEO Julie Harrington.

Harrington left the body on 31 December, having informed the BHA of her decision to depart in June 2024.

A recruitment process remains underway.

The post BHA chair Joe Saumarez Smith to step down with immediate effect first appeared on EGR Intel.

 Decision comes after advice from oncologist following further health complications, with senior independent director David Jones to become interim chair until Lord Allen’s arrival in June
The post BHA chair Joe Saumarez Smith to step down with immediate effect first appeared on EGR Intel.