Racing’s crisis intensifies as Lord Allen quits BHA role after just six months

• Labour peer leaves sport facing governance troubles

• Major tracks call for urgent review of their association

The British Horseracing Authority confirmed on Tuesday morning that Charles Allen has resigned as chair of the sport’s ruling body after just six months in the role. The news followed weeks of speculation that Lord Allen’s position had become untenable, due to his failure to get a final sign-off on plans to create a fully independent BHA board.

Allen said in a statement on Tuesday that “horseracing is an amazing sport with great potential and over the last year [since his appointment was announced in late 2024] I have met some incredibly passionate people who love the sport who believe to survive and prosper change is needed. I also want to pay tribute to the hardworking and dedicated BHA team. I wish the sport well for the future.”