David Jones

Lord Charles Allen has resigned as chair of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) after just six months in the role, having been unable to achieve the governance change that he proposed when taking up his post on September 1. Lord Allen was first nominated as chair in November 2024, but the start of his tenure was delayed as the BHA said that he wished to "continue meeting stakeholders to better inform his vision for the sport". Three months later than was originally planned, Lord Allen stepped into his position at...

National Trainers Federation (NTF) chief executive Paul Johnson has been appointed to the Board of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). He assumes the role with immediate effect, while the process continues to implement agreed governance reforms, working towards the establishment of an independent board of directors. Joining the Board as one of the two member-nominated directors, Johnson has been nominated by the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association, Racehorse Owners Association and licensed personnel. He takes over from John Ferguson, whose term on the Board has concluded. Johnson's previous roles within British racing...

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has announced that Lord Allen of Kensington will start work in his post as chair of racing's regulators from September 1. The Labour peer was due to take up the role on June 2, but his tenure was delayed as the BHA said he wished to "continue meeting stakeholders to better inform his vision for the sport". The BHA board currently has an independent chair, four independent directors and four member-nominated directors - two from the racecourses and two nominated by the sport's participants -...

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) announced on Thursday that its chair, Joe Saumarez Smith, has made the decision to step down from his role with immediate effect, having been advised by his oncologist that he has leptomeningeal metastases. Senior independent director David Jones, who has previously deputised for Saumarez Smith, has assumed the role as interim chair of the BHA ahead of the formal handover to incoming chair Lord Charles Allen on June 1. Saumarez Smith, who became chair of the BHA in June 2022, having previously been on the...

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has assembled a 15-strong Whip Consultation Steering Group ahead of the forthcoming consultation regarding the use of the foam-padded whip in British racing. The group, which is chaired by BHA independent regulatory non-executive director David Jones, is comprised of a range of industry participants, vets and politicians, including champion trainer John Gosden and jockey PJ McDonald, as well as Roly Owers, CEO of World Horse Welfare. As part of the independent Horse Welfare Board's strategic plan, A life well lived - a new strategic plan...

David Jones has been appointed to the British Horseracing Authority Board as a Regulatory Independent Non-Executive Director beginning on Jan. 1, the BHA announced on Monday. Jones replaces three-term BHA board member Andrew Merriam. Previously a racecourse Stewards' Panel Chair with a decade spent as a steward, as well as three years as a member of the Racecourse Committee at Kempton Park, Jones has also been a racehorse owner. In addition, he is a member of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)'s New Competition Board and has worked with...