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Dr Jerry Hill MBE has announced that he is retiring from his role as Chief Medical Adviser of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) after almost nine years.
Having played a critical role in improving medical and healthcare standards across the sport, Hill is not set to depart from the association until later this year in order to support the transition and assist with the recruitment and induction of his successor.
BHA Acting CEO, Brant Dunshea, emphasised that Hill has made a ‘significant and lasting impact’ on British racing.
He continued: “His passion, knowledge and leadership have helped shape a progressive approach to jockey health and medical care.
“He also played a crucial role in guiding our decision making and our engagement with the government as the sport navigated the challenges of the pandemic, for which we are all hugely grateful.”
Hill joined the BHA in 2014 having been Senior Racecourse Medical Officer at Lingfield Park racecourse and a Squad Doctor for the England football teams at the FA.
He had also been a member of the FA Medical Committee and former Sports Physician at the 2012 London Olympics.
During his time with the BHA, Hill forged several relationships across the sport and has also been described as a tireless advocate for jockey’s and riders’ welfare. He also worked on coordinating the BHA’s efforts around physiotherapy, strength and conditioning, nutrition, and mental health care as standard practice.
“On behalf of the BHA and everyone in British racing, I want to thank Jerry for his outstanding service and wish him the very best for his retirement,” Dunshea continued.
“I am also grateful that Jerry has agreed to remain in post until his successor can be found, and to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities.”
Welfare one of several concerns for BHA
The BHA’s high praise for Hill’s contributions to the organisation demonstrates the importance of rider and horse welfare plays in the modern sport – which has faced some controversies in these areas in recent years.
Notable protests have occurred at meetings like Cheltenham and the Grand National, two of the biggest betting events in the calendar. British horse racing has had to put a lot of effort into medical matters to alleviate these concerns, which it has to contend with on top of declining attendances and other financial issues.
The BHA stressed that Hill played a ‘vital’ role in the development of enhanced on-course medical care and physiotherapy services, working with racecourses. He also worked with several associations to ensure that jockey and rider wellbeing remains central to the sport’s healthcare provision.
The BHA also praised Hill for his efforts during COVID-19, with the development of return-to-racing protocols ensuring that the sport was given the green light to be the first to return to professional action.
The BHA is currently undergoing a refresh of its welfare board, and last week began advertising a new Chair position.
As part of its commitment to upholding the highest standards of equine welfare across the sport, the organisation also announced three independent roles.
Brant Dunshea, Acting CEO, said: “These key appointments to the Board will ensure that we continue to evolve, drive best practices, and maintain the trust of the public and our stakeholders.”
