BHA Appoints Labour’s Lord Allen as Its New Chairman
Lord Allen of Kensington has been confirmed as the new Chairman of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). The 67-year-old is due to assume his post on 1 June 2025 and will reportedly work closely with current Chairman Joe Saumarez Smith in the coming months before taking up the role to ensure a smooth transition.
Lord Allen of Kensington will be the next Chairman of the BHA. © BHA
“As a highly experienced Chairman and one of the most prominent business leaders of his generation, Lord Allen brings a wealth of experience to the role, including in the financial and commercial sectors, Government, broadcast, international companies and global sports events,” said the BHA when announcing the appointment.
The BHA is responsible for the governance, administration and regulation of horseracing. Its remit includes licensing, fixture list and race planning, handicapping, racing administration, medical services, equine welfare, industry recruitment, training and retention. Joe Saumarez Smith has led the organisation as its Chairman since June 2022.
A Man of Steel with a Voice
Allen was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2003 New Year Honours “for services to the XVII (2002) Commonwealth Games”. He was knighted in the 2012 New Year Honours “for services to the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics”.
On 1 August 2013, it was announced that Allen was to become a Labour peer in a list of new appointments to the House of Lords – taking the title ‘Baron Allen of Kensington in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea’. In May 2016, Allen was also appointed as a member of the Lords Communications Committee.
The Scotsman began a distinguished career in the steel industry. He progressed to broadcasting and media with Granada TV in 1991 before taking senior roles in leading companies in the sector, including EMI, Virgin Media, and Endemol – best known in the UK for its shows, The Voice and Big Brother.
A Busy Labour of Love
Lord Allen is clearly a man who likes to keep busy. Chairman of the Manchester Commonwealth Games between 2000-2003, he oversaw London’s bid for the 2012 Olympics and was Board Director on the Organising Committee. On a similar theme, he is currently Chairman and Trustee of the Invictus Games Foundation.
From 2006 to 2008, Lord Allen was Chief Adviser to the Home Office when Gordon Brown was Prime Minister. In 2012, he was appointed by then-leader Ed Miliband to the position of Chairman of the Management Board of the Labour Party, which recently returned to power.
Allen’s current positions include Advisory Chairman to global independent investment bank Moelis & Company, Chairman of multinational infrastructure group Balfour Beatty PLC, and Chairman of e-commerce retailer THG (formerly The Hut Group).
Relations with a Global Racing Superpower
Most notably, Lord Allen is currently Chairman of Global Media and Entertainment Limited, a British media company described as the owner of the “largest commercial radio company in Europe.”
It has rapidly expanded through several historical acquisitions and now operates seven core radio brands, including Capital, Heart and LBC. According to a 2022 Guardian story, “Global [Media and Entertainment Limited] made its first move buying Chrysalis Radio, home to Heart, Galaxy and LBC, for £170 million” in 2007. Michael Tabor, John Magnier and JP McManus reportedly backed the deal.
Tabor owns BetVictor, one of the UK’s most trustworthy online betting sites. Alongside Magnier, he is also part of horseracing’s powerhouse Coolmore Partnership.
JP McManus, a former bookmaker, has the biggest string of national hunt horses on either side of the Irish Sea. His colours have been carried to victory over 4,000 times and he won the 2024 Grand National.
Michael Tabor’s son, Ashley Tabor-King, owns Global Media and Entertainment Limited. He was awarded a CBE in the 2024 New Year Honours for “services to media and entertainment”.
A Candidate of Outstanding Calibre
In a statement, the BHA said: “The appointment of Lord Allen follows an extensive and competitive process overseen by the BHA’s Nominations Committee, which makes recommendations to the BHA Board on suitable candidates. The Nominations Committee comprises of representatives from the Thoroughbred Group and racecourses, as well as independent members.”
The Chairman of the BHA Nominations Committee – and the BHA’s Senior Independent Director – David Jones, said: “Lord Allen is a very experienced Chairman, and I am delighted that we have appointed a candidate of such outstanding calibre.”
“His record speaks for itself, and his impressive leadership skills, financial and commercial acumen, broadcast experience, and an understanding of Government will bring a fresh and independent perspective to the BHA’s work.”
A Fresh Perspective to Beat Betting Decline?
Of his latest role, Lord Allen said: “I am honoured to be appointed to the role of Chair of the British Horseracing Authority at this important time for the organisation. I look forward to building a strong relationship with the new CEO, the Board, and all our stakeholders, delivering the vision of building the commercial and reputational aspects of the sector.”
“My love of horses stems from learning to ride as a youngster and enjoying the sport of horseracing over many years. My knowledge, skills and experience from various sectors, including media and entertainment, and having led many regulated and sporting organisations will hopefully stand me in good stead to bring a fresh perspective to this incredible sport.”
One of the items that will be at the top of Lord Allen’s agenda is the popularity of the sport of horse racing as a betting medium. Last month, a BHA report declared year-to-date betting turnover on horseracing is down by 9.5%, while the average gambled per race had fallen by 6.9%.
