BHA Names Brant Dunshea Permanent CEO After Leadership Shuffle

Brant Dunshea has been appointed permanent chief executive officer of the British Horseracing Authority, a move the BHA confirmed on March 6, 2026 that formalises a role he has effectively held since stepping into acting leadership in late 2024. The appointment follows a period of board turbulence that saw the sudden resignation of Lord Charles Allen and the installation of David Jones as interim chair, with the organisation set to begin recruiting a permanent chair shortly.

Dunshea assumed acting responsibilities after Julie Harrington’s term ended on December 31, 2024, a timeline the BHA initially linked to a delay in naming a new CEO so the then-new chair could play a role in recruitment. Some profiles list Dunshea’s acting appointment as January 2025, but BHA documents and public statements trace his interim stewardship to December 2024 as the sport navigated proposed governance changes.

Administratively, Dunshea is a long-serving BHA executive. He joined the authority in March 2015 as Head of Raceday Operations, was promoted to Director of Integrity and Regulatory Operations in September 2016, and became Chief Regulatory Officer in April 2018. As chief regulatory officer he oversaw integrity, compliance and raceday regulation across British racing and represented Britain on the Executive Council of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, as Vice Chair of the European and Mediterranean Horseracing Federation, and as Chair of the European Horseracing Scientific Liaison Committee.

Before moving to Britain, Dunshea worked in Australia in senior roles at Harness Racing Victoria, including chief operating officer with responsibility for commercial and operational functions. His academic background includes a Bachelor of Legal Studies from Victoria University and a Graduate Diploma in Sports Law from the University of Melbourne, with specialisation in international sports law and racing industry regulation.

The leadership change comes amid disagreements over governance reform. Interim chair David Jones, who has taken the role following Lord Charles Allen’s departure, acknowledged the breakdown in consensus and called for collective work to advance change. Jones said: “While it is clearly regrettable that agreement could not be reached around governance reform, the sport’s leaders have recognised the need for change. I do believe this is possible, and we must all work to achieve it, in the interests of the sport and the livelihoods that depend on our industry. The process to recruit a permanent chair will commence shortly. My hope is that this can be achieved as quickly as possible. The BHA will continue to lead British racing with energy and integrity, and I am delighted that the Board has agreed to appoint Brant as the CEO. [...] I know that the incredible team at the BHA shares my deep passion for our sport and is committed to securing a brighter and more sustainable future for our people and horses. It is a huge privilege to be given this opportunity to lead such a knowledgeable and dedicated team at a time of great opportunity for British racing.”

The BHA framed the appointment as a stabilising step. The organisation said: “While agreement could not be reached at this time on governance changes, senior leaders across the sport remain committed to working collectively to achieve reform that works in the best interests of British racing as a whole.” Dunshea has pointed to improved racecourse attendances, industry advocacy around betting taxation, and initiatives to strengthen welfare and keep horses in the domestic racing system as priorities he has pursued while in interim charge.

Operationally, the immediate tasks are clear: recruit a permanent chair, steady executive oversight across integrity and raceday regulation, and press the policy and welfare initiatives Dunshea advanced during his interim tenure. With his permanent appointment, the BHA moves from interim stewardship to a defined leadership phase as the organisation seeks to grow the sport and secure a sustainable future for British racing and the people who depend on it.