After four years as the CEO of British Horseracing Authority, Julie Harrington has announced her resignation.
Harrington’s official tenure ends at the end 2024. She has agreed to remain until the end the year in order to help with the transition of a new CEO.
Harrington was responsible for a variety of changes in both the BHA as well as the wider British horseracing. Harrington also worked to advance the people strategy of British horseracing and garner support for its long-term strategy. Harrington launched the Horseracing Industry People Board as part of the People Strategy.
Harrington says that she feels it is the perfect time for her to step down as CEO because of this growth.
She explained that “with so many things in place now to develop and grow industry strategy which will ensure a better future for British Horseracing it seemed like the best time to move forward and let someone other steer the sport into its next exciting stage.”
It has been an immense privilege to be the BHA’s leader during a time of great change, as sports have developed and implemented strategies to ensure a future that is sustainable and a voice with one voice.
Harrington said that she was proud of the progress made by horseracing, especially in terms of its governance strategy. The strategy, which was adopted in November 2022, involved the restructuring of BHA corporate governance agreements. This paved the road for the implementation of the Industry Strategy.
She continued, “I enjoy working with horseracing. It is an incredible sport.”
The industry’s progress over the last three years has been impressive, particularly in terms of improving governance. I am confident that stakeholders can continue to collaborate to grow racing, attract new audiences and improve customer service.
BHA Chair Joe Saumarez Smith is also moving on
Harrington’s next move, she said, would be to take on a role that is not executive.
The BHA announced Harrington’s resignation along with the news that Joe Saumarez Smith would be leaving his position as chairman. Smith’s tenure as chairman will end in 2025. Last month, the process of finding his successor began.
Harrington stated that by resigning, the committee can organise an easy handover. It will also allow Smith’s successor to take part in the final phases of CEO recruitment.
Smith stated that Harrington’s tenure was influential both for the BHA as well as British horseracing.
He said that during Julie’s term, the BHA and sport governance were completely transformed. Her influencing skills were key, especially behind the scenes. She also helped to make positive changes to the Gambling Act White Paper, which was a serious threat to our sport.
The BHA was generally pleased with the policy recommendations included in the white paper on the review of the Gambling act, which was released last April. Harrington cited the fact that a review was confirmed of the horseracing wagering levy.
Harrington, however, expressed caution at the start of May about the pilot affordability checks announced by the GB Gambling Commission. This pilot allows the Commission to see if it is able “to refine the data-sharing processes before assessments will be rolled out on a real environment”. The pilot will run for six months.
