British Horseracing has announced that Lord Allen has resigned as chairman of the governing body after less than a year in the job.

Lord Charles Allen was nominated for the post in late 2024 following a search and officially took up the post in September last year.

In a statement confirming his resignation, Lord Allen said: “Horse racing is an amazing sport with huge potential and over the past year I have met some incredibly passionate people who love the sport and believe that change needs to be made in order to survive and thrive.

“I would also like to pay tribute to the hardworking and dedicated BHA team. I wish the sport all the best for the future.”

Lord Allen took over after the BHA’s member organizations (the Racecourse Association, Racehorse Owners’ Association, Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association and Licensed Persons) agreed there should be a fully independent board and that the BHA should have a commercial remit.

Members currently nominating board representatives have been unable to agree on changes to BHA rules to achieve these two goals, as the changes would require unanimous support. Accordingly, Lord Allen resigned.

David Jones, senior independent director at BHA, said: “The Board is grateful for the time and effort Charles has invested in helping us develop an aspirational and achievable vision. We regret that we are currently unable to implement the governance changes that would have enabled us to make progress. I am delighted to be working with him and wish him continued success.”

The BHA Board of Directors will discuss and determine what interim arrangements will be put in place.