SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has reaffirmed its ‘full and unequivocal support’ for CEO Nick Rust after a number of concerns over his leadership from trainers were reported in a Sunday Telegraph article.
Back in January, Rust confirmed that he would be stepping down from the BHA after holding the position of CEO for six years. However, the Sunday Telegraph reported that a number of high-profile trainers had contacted BHA chair Annaamarie Phelps to voice their concerns over the continued suspension of racing and Rust’s leadership.
In a statement, the BHA said: “The BHA Board met briefly this morning to discuss media reporting of criticism of the BHA and its Chief Executive. The Board – which includes members nominated by the organisations representing horsemen and racecourses – understands the pressures on all in racing at present and recognises that BHA executives benefit from constructive feedback from participants.
“There will be very few sports or businesses in which similar dialogue isn’t going on given the nature of the crisis. The Board asks that to be done in accordance with racing’s values, to be respectful and not single out individuals unfairly for carrying out their role.
“The racing industry, like everyone at this time, puts the health of the public and our participants first. This was clear in our decision to suspend racing and is a central focus of our planning for resumption.
“Our CEO Nick Rust and his team are acting in support of decisions taken by an industry group, endorsed by the BHA’s Members Committee and enacted by the BHA Board. Our staff are focusing their efforts right now on planning for the resumption of racing as soon as possible. They are working in full collaboration with trainers, racecourses and others.”
No date has yet been confirmed for the return to racing, with the sport being on hold since 17 March. The BHA has since outlined plans to resume the sport behind closed doors as part of a phased reintroduction once government approval has been given.
The statement continued: “Good progress has been made and racing will have detailed proposals incorporating expert medical opinion to present to the government as it prepares to review the current restrictions. It is encouraging to see the positive results of our dialogue with the government in weekend media reports of the government’s desire for sport to resume.
“Nick, his team, and the industry colleagues with whom they are working so closely, are looking forward and are united in wanting the sport to resume as soon as it is possible. They have the Board’s full and unequivocal support.”
