The role of the Chair of the British Horse Racing Association (BHA) has been something of a poisoned chalice in recent years. The position was made vacant in March as Lord Allen resigned after just six months in the job.
Simon Cox formally began his role as the Chair of the sport’s governing body on Thursday, and released a statement focusing on ‘growth’, as opposed to ‘managing decline.’
Cox began the statement on the BHA website stating: “I am a lifelong racing fan and it is an honour and privilege to be today taking the role of Chair of the sport’s governing body.”
Cox has been involved with racehorses beyond the last decade, having horses in training with Ian Williams. He’s already associated with the breeding aspect, having shares in Logician at Shade Oak Stud.
“British racing is a wonderful sport” continued Cox. “Many of the world’s best horses, jockeys, trainers, staff, courses, festivals and races are all here. British bloodstock is globally renowned, and we are fortunate to be home to some of the most successful and committed owners and breeders.
“Having seen six consecutive quarters of attendance growth it is clear that racing retains its popularity and its well-established place in the British public’s collective conscience. The foundations exist on which to strengthen our position as a national institution and as a world leader in racing and sport”
“It is no secret that the sport faces challenges” – Simon Cox
British racing has not yet reached a catastrophic climax, but few would disagree it’s heading the right way toward stability. The product is undoubtedly an attractive one, but the ingredients required to provide the product are gradually turning sour.
Simon Cox acknowledged the hardships aligned with the role, but stated “My long-term priority is growth for British racing. This needs to feature the right mix of attracting new fans and retaining our existing ones, attracting domestic and international viewing and betting audiences, continuing the rise in racecourse attendances, and incentivising racehorse breeding and ownership and attracting investment into the industry.
“My short-term priority is to shift the focus away from internal-facing negotiations. And towards how we present our sport to our audiences in the best, most compelling way possible.
“To do that we have some immediate matters that need attention. Which include the sport’s governance. The delivery of a unifying vision and strategy, defending and improving how the sport is funded.
“It is no secret that the sport faces challenges. The foal crop, betting, ownership and revenue streams are all areas under pressure.
“However, my view is simple: British racing should be focusing our efforts on growth, not just managing decline. Our standing in the pantheon of sporting heritage, our contribution to the economy, our importance to communities nationwide and the important part we play in maintaining the role of the horse in British society all demand it.”
As expected, Cox’s statement has promised a fruitful redemption of the sport both internally and externally. However, at such a hostile time, British Horse Racing needs such discourse to be implemented in abundance, as opposed to be yet another empty vessel of promises to edge it closer to a deteriorating cliff edge.