Joe Saumarez Smith steps down as Chair of British Horseracing Authority
British Horseracing Authority (BHA) Chair Joe Saumarez Smith has stepped down from his role with immediate effect, it was announced yesterday.
Joe made the decision following a diagnosis that his health has deteriorated. He has been advised by his oncologist that he has leptomeningeal metastases.
Following that diagnosis there is now a practical need for Joe to accelerate the transition from his role as Chair and he has therefore taken the decision to resign.
Senior Independent Director David Jones, who has previously deputised for Joe, has assumed the role as Interim Chair of the BHA ahead of the formal handover to incoming Chair Lord Charles Allen on 1 June.
Joe, who became Chair of the BHA in June 2022 having previously been on the Board since 2014, will continue to remain available to assist with the transition of Chair process.
He 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.”
In a joint statement, Philip Newton, Chairman of the TBA and Claire Sheppard, CEO of the TBA commented: "On behalf of the TBA and the breeding sector, we are immensely sorry to hear Joe's news, and we send our heartfelt best wishes to him and his family during this challenging time.
"Joe’s dedication and commitment throughout his time on the BHA board, and especially as Chairman, has been unwavering and we are incredibly grateful for the invaluable contribution he has made to the breeding and racing industry.
"His thoughtful approach to understanding every aspect of the sport and the vital role each plays, combined with his extensive knowledge of the gambling sector, has had a lasting positive impact.
On a personal level, we are particularly grateful for Joe’s ongoing support, counsel and friendship."