The BHA Podcast

In a special episode of The BHA Podcast, host Nick Lightfoot is joined by the BHA's Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs, Greg Swift, to reflect on the Gambling Commission's announcement that it will implement financial risk assessments on punters.It features contributions by Dan Carden MP, Sally Jameson MP, Charlotte Cane MP, Louie French MP, Esther McVey MP and Helen Maguire MP, all speaking at yesterday's future of horseracing debate at Westminster Hall (on Tuesday 7 July).======BHA statement regarding Gambling Commission announcement on financial risk assessmentsSpeaking in regards to the Gambling Commission’s announcement that it intends to implement affordability checks on bettors in the United Kingdom, Brant Dunshea, Chief Executive of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), issued the following statement (Tuesday 7 July):“We are hugely disappointed that the Gambling Commission will implement affordability checks which will have severe financial implications for British racing and the UK economy and subject racing bettors to unwarranted levels of intrusion.Over a number of years, and through several consultations, British racing has engaged in a spirit of huge goodwill to honestly advise the Government about the potential impact this policy would have on our sport and its fanbase.These concerns were shared by the betting industry, politicians, campaigners and policy makers, who warned of devastating unintended consequences on two major industries that are worth billions of pounds to the UK economy and employ more than 200,000 people across Britain.We understand these checks have been proven by the Gambling Commission’s own pilot to not be ‘fully frictionless’ as originally promised by successive Government ministers.Rather than protecting consumers, these checks will have the opposite effect: driving more customers to the illegal market – which puts them at much greater risk of gambling-related harm – and starving the Treasury of much needed tax revenue.Objective evidence from across the globe makes clear that this decision is one of self-harm on an immense scale that will have damaging economic and societal implications.For this decision to be taken unilaterally by the Gambling Commission shows a clear abdication of duty by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, which has failed to grip this process or properly consider the damaging consequences of the decision.Read the statement issued by BHA CEO Brant Dunshea here: https://www.britishhorseracing.com/press_releases/bha-statement-regarding-gambling-commission-annoucement-on-financial-risk-assessments

Align The Stars stayed on strongly to take the Jenningsbet Northumberland Plate under Daniel Muscutt for trainer Charlie Johnston and owner Tony Farmer on Saturday.Tommy Churchyard sat down with BHA Handicapper Adam Barnes for his assessment of the five-year-old gelding's performance at Newcastle Racecourse. 

We're back after a remarkable Royal Ascot, full of great performances and no little drama. Host Nick Lightfoot looks back on it all with BHA Chief Executive Brant Dunshea and Head of Stewarding Shaun Parker, as well as finding out how the BHA has responded to the extraordinary heatwave in Britain. Michelle Douglas also joins the show to discuss the upcoming 2026 British Horseracing Development Programme. Find out more about the Programme and this year's participants here: https://viewer.joomag.com/british-horseracing-development-programme-2026/0381624001780411926/p18?short====The British Horseracing Development Programme starts at the beginning of July with a free two-week residential induction course in Newmarket, a market town in the county of Suffolk, often referred to as the Home of British Horseracing. The course is packed with lectures, tours and visits.There are usually placements in Marketing, Digital, Journalism and Sales, to name a few. Placements are subject to change and when you apply, you will be asked to submit your preferred area of interest and your career aspirations.Approximately 16 to 20 places are available each year, in a variety of organisations, in locations across the UK. The programme provides an invaluable source of talent to the industry. Many of the programme’s alumni have established careers in a wide range of roles; management positions at racecourses, broadcasters, the trade press, bloodstock sales and also at the British Horseracing Authority.Find out more: https://careersinracing.com/course/british-horseracing-development-programme/

Ombudsman won the Prince of Wales's Stakes for a second successive year after delivering a memorable performance on the second day of Royal Ascot. Having had a few days to reflect, we sat down with the BHA's Head of Handicapping Dominic Gardiner-Hill to assess his impressive victory and confirm his new mark following 'the best performance we've seen in the world in 2026.'

Scandinavia battled past Trawlerman for a thrilling victory in the 2026 Gold Cup on the third day of Royal Ascot, handing trainer Aidan O'Brien his 100th success at the meeting.Tommy Churchyard caught up with BHA Handicapper shortly after the race to get his early thoughts on the contest. 

Could that be his best performance yet? Ombudsman made it back-to-back victories in the Prince of Wales Stakes in impressive fashion under William Buick on the second day of Royal Ascot.We caught up with BHA Handicapper Dominic Gardiner-Hill to get his immediate reflections on the race, plus an assessment of Bow Echo's success in the St James's Palace Stakes on the opening day. 

Christmas Day cruised to victory under Ronan Whelan in the 247th running of the Betfred Derby on Saturday, handing trainer Aidan O’Brien his 12th success in the British Classic.Bay City Roller and jockey Oisin Murphy landed the Coronation Cup for trainer George Scott earlier in the day while on Friday, Thundering On secured victory in the Betfred Oaks, partnered by Dylan Browne McMonagle for Joseph O'Brien.Host Tommy Churchyard was joined by BHA Handicapper Mark Olley to discuss all the action from the two days Epsom Racecourse. ====Mission statement for BHA handicappingFairEvery horse will be treated fairly and with the highest level of integrity at all times, strictly on the merit of its form and using good handicapping practice.TransparentBHA Handicapping will be accessible and understandable for all customers. BHA methodology will be published, demystified and actively communicated.AccountableBHA Handicappers will be available to participants to provide logical and reasonable explanations for their decisions via the appropriate channels at the appropriate time.ConsistentUsing robust data analysis, the BHA Handicapping department will monitor and publish its work to ensure a consistent and equitable approach for all customer groups.ProgressiveThe BHA Handicapping department will conduct research and analysis to ensure its policies are optimal in achieving a fair outcome for horses racing in British handicaps.

With the debate continuing following the decision by the Stewards at Epsom to declare favourite Benvenuto Cellini a non-runner following the Betfred Derby, BHA Chief Executive Brant Dunshea joins host Nick Lightfoot to explain what happened at the start of the world's most famous flat race.===Needless to say, the incident involving the declaration of Benvenuto Cellini as a non-runner in this year’s Derby has caused significant debate. The strength of feeling is understandable given the magnitude of the race.The purpose of this blog is to set out the background and rationale regarding the introduction of this rule, and to address some of the comments and concerns that have been raised.From 1 May 2024 we introduced an amendment of Rule (H)6 in order to allow the BHA Stewards to declare a non-runner in any race beginning from starting stalls if they believe that a horse has been denied a fair start.The change aligned Britain with the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) model rule and the approach applied by most other major racing nations. Its introduction followed engagement with and feedback from industry stakeholders, including participants and the betting industry.The rationale behind the rule is that it is unfair to the betting public to lose their money on a horse who is prevented from starting on equal terms.Read the full blog: https://www.britishhorseracing.com/non-runners-at-the-start/