The BHA Podcast

The BHA Podcast returns for a second episode as the Grand National Festival at Aintree nears.Acting CEO Brant Dunshea joins host Nick Lightfoot to discuss the recent National Trainers Federation AGM. Nick then sits down with Director of Racing Richard Wayman to reflect on racing’s performance in 2024, consider how the 2026 fixture list may look and ask whether the Mares’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival should be looked at. Finally, following a number of false starts at the recent Cheltenham Festival, Nick asks the BHA’s Head of Stewarding, Shaun Parker, for his views on events at Prestbury Park and asks whether he has any concerns heading into Aintree.Both Richard and Shaun answered questions direct from our listeners in this latest episode and we want to keep hearing from you. If you have a question for us then please email podcast@britishhorseracing.com and we will endeavour to answer as many as we can on future episodes.

Welcome to The BHA Podcast, hosted by Nick Lightfoot. In a brand new show, direct from the British Horseracing Authority, he speaks to senior leaders within the sport’s governing body to get their thoughts on the biggest issues facing racing.First up to face Nick’s questions are Greg Swift and Victoria Morgan, the BHA’s Director of Communications and Public Affairs and Head of Policy & Advocacy respectively. In a wide-ranging interview, they discuss the impact of affordability checks, levy reform and the art of lobbying in Westminster.Acting CEO Brant Dunshea also stops by to tell Nick what he sees as the biggest threats to racing in the coming years, reflect on his own experience since taking on his new position and also share some memories about the life and legacy of the late former BHA Chair, Joe Saumarez Smith.Finally, we take a look back at last month’s Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, sponsored by Godolphin.The BHA Podcast wants to hear from you. If you have any questions for the BHA then you can email them to us at podcast@britishhorseracing.com and we will endeavour to answer as many as possible in future episodes.Episode one:00:00 A welcome from our host, Racing TV's Nick Lightfoot.00:45 An introduction to the new podcast by Robin Mounsey, Head of Communications at the BHA.06:15 Greg Swift and Victoria Morgan, the BHA’s Director of Communications and Public Affairs and Head of Policy & Advocacy respectively, discuss the impact of affordability checks, levy reform and the art of lobbying in Westminster.36:25 Gabi Whitfield, Head of Welfare Communications at Great British Racing talks about HorsePWR, the industry-led initiative aimed at increasing public engagement with British horseracing and reinforcing confidence in the sport’s high welfare standards.37:20 Acting CEO Brant Dunshea also stops by to tell Nick what he sees as the biggest threats to racing in the coming years, reflect on his own experience since taking on his new position and also share some memories about the life and legacy of the late former BHA Chair, Joe Saumarez Smith.01:03:00 A look back at last month’s Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, sponsored by Godolphin.Music: davidcuttermusic.com | @dcuttermusic

Host Nick Lightfoot speaks to Robin Mounsey, the BHA's Head of Communications, about the new podcast from the British Horseracing Authority. We also want to hear from you. If you have any questions for the BHA then you can email them to us at podcast@britishhorseracing.com and we will endeavour to answer as many as possible in future episodes.Music: davidcuttermusic.com | @dcuttermusic