Annamarie Phelps, the leader of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), has declared she will depart after her current term concludes.
Phelps has a notable career in British horse racing, which includes participation in the Olympics. She assumed the position in June 2019, having previously held roles on numerous governing bodies in the industry. The announcement arrives before the Cheltenham Festival.
Phelps stated: “It has been a great honor to guide the BHA during a difficult time for the sport and to have been able to select such an exceptional Chief Executive in Julie Harrington. I am incredibly proud of the collective accomplishments of horse racing during this period.”
She added that she was proud of how the organization had managed a number of significant obstacles during her time as Chair, including the COVID-19 outbreak.
“I want to express gratitude to the BHA team for their efforts during the pandemic and for the work behind the scenes to keep the show running, a role that is seldom recognized,” she said. “British racing became the first major sport to restart after the initial shutdown in early 2020 and we didn’t miss a single event due to the pandemic, which is a remarkable achievement.”
The organization has successfully tackled some serious, intricate ethical and integrity matters that have established significant precedents for the future, laid the groundwork for greater variety and inclusion across the sport, improved the industry’s educational resources and protections, and further solidified their focus on the well-being of horses and people; all of which are essential to the sustainable health and prosperity of horse racing.
Joe Summers-Smith, the current independent non-executive director, will assume the role of chairman after Philp’s tenure concludes in May, until his term concludes in September 2023.
Summers-Smith is currently the chief executive officer of Sports Gaming Limited, a London-based management consultancy for the gambling industry. He has over two decades of experience in the industry, owns shares in over 80 horses, contributes to various horse racing and gambling publications, and established Bede Gaming.
“On behalf of the BHA board, I would like to express my gratitude to Anne-Marie for bringing a broad perspective from other sports to the BHA board,” said Summers-Smith. “During her time as chair, she has laid the foundation for significant changes across the industry in numerous areas and assisted us in overcoming a number of difficulties, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic and the BHA’s own governance.”
The convergence of core governance principles marks a pivotal moment for the sector. I’m thrilled to collaborate with Annamarie until her tenure concludes.
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