BHA chair Joe Saumarez Smith stepping down with immediate effect due to ill health

Joe Saumarez Smith has stood down from his role as chair of the British Horseracing Authority with immediate effect due to deteriorating health.

Saumarez Smith, who was diagnosed with cancer in June 2023, was appointed chair in June 2022, a role which was extended in December that year to the end of May 2025, representing a full three-year term. He has been assisting with the transition to the new chair, Lord Charles Allen, who assumes the role on June 1.

Senior independent director David Jones, who has previously deputised for Saumarez Smith, has assumed the role as interim chair until June 1.

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.”

He added: “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.”