Paul Barton, Head of Stewarding for the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has announced he will retire from that roll at the end of 2017. Previously a jumps jockey for 15 years, Barton was promoted to the BHA's head of Stewarding role in March of 2013, following 22 years of experience officiating at racecourses for the Jockey Club, Horseracing Regulatory Authority and BHA. The 63-year-old will have clocked almost 27 of officiating when he retires Dec. 31. Barton has been responsible for modnernising several aspects of stewarding, including the restructure of the raceday stewarding and the introduction of the stewards secretary role, as well as working towards the implementation of improved technology to assist raceday stewarding decisions.
“We would like to congratulate Paul on his forthcoming retirement and thank him for his long and distinguished service to the racing industry, both as a jockey and a Steward,” said Jamie Stier, Chief Regulatory Officer of the BHA. “Paul has brought a great many qualities to his role, in particular a calmness, stoicism and clarity of thought which have been invaluable during the many and varied incidents which he has faced during his time in charge of the stewarding team.” Added Stier, “His contribution will be greatly missed by all at the BHA and he leaves big shoes to fill. Paul has our best wishes for the future and we wish him luck in his endeavours to reduce that golf handicap. It is time for us to now look to the future. We will commence the process to find the next Head of Stewarding who will be responsible for the future leadership, structure and policies around stewarding in Britain.”
“I am most grateful to the BHA for having given me the responsibility to head up the Stewarding team which, despite the challenges the position brings with it, I have thoroughly enjoyed,” said Barton. “I appreciate the support I have been given while I have been in role from the entire BHA, but particularly from all those in my team–it cannot have always been easy for them. My decision to retire is a simple one, from a personal perspective I have, after a lot of consideration, decided that I have reached a time in my life when I would like to be able to spend some more time with my family and give more time to my other interests. While I consider that the time is right for me to step down from the Head of Stewarding role, I will do whatever I can to support and promote the aspirations of the BHA in their continued drive to uphold the integrity of the sport which has been so good to me.”
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