Unwell British Horseracing Authority chair resigns following “powerful” decade in role

Racecourse Association

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has announced the immediate departure of its chair, Joe Saumarez Smith. 

Saumarez Smith has taken the decision to resign after being diagnosed with leptomeningeal metastases by his oncologist – marking a decline in his health. 

Word of his ill health was first revealed in mid-2023 when the BHA told shareholders that the chair would undergo treatment for lung cancer. As per a press release from the body, there is now a “practical need” to quicken his transition from chair following this latest diagnosis. 

The 53-year-old has represented the BHA since 2014, initially serving on the organisation’s board. His successful stint with the group led to a promotion to chair in 2022 – and he will continue to be available throughout the transition process in order to deliver a seamless exit as interim chair, David Jones, temporarily covers the position. 

Jones, who has deputised for and closely collaborated with Saumarez Smith, will oversee BHA chair duties until 1 June. Lord Charles Allen shall undertake the role beginning from that date. 

Speaking on his sudden resignation, 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 horse racing 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 challenges if questions were raised about whether the cancer had impaired my abilities.”

He also discussed his comfort with the interim and full-time chairs, saying: “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.”

BHA acting-CEO Brant Dunshea commented on Saumarez Smith’s departure: “It is a great sorrow to all of us that Joe has had to step down so suddenly because of his ill health.”

Dunshea lauded Saumarez Smith for his work at the BHA, saying: “He has been an outstanding chair and board member of the BHA for more than a decade. But more than that, he has been a passionate, dedicated and powerful ambassador for the sport and British racing owes him a huge debt.

“Having worked with Joe for more than a decade, his wise counsel, personal support and pure love of the sport will be deeply missed.”