More horsemen on the BHA Board? Interesting, but fraught with a considerable difficulty.  Something to do with consensual decision-making. It means that if a board member does not agree with the majority, he or she has to accept defeat without complaining. I believe that is the way the BHA runs itself. I have a feeling that this is what caused two previous “horsemen” board-members (Mark Johnson and Jim McGrath) to resign.

End of story? No way. Pure mathematics also suggests a problem. The Board consists of 18 members, or thereabouts, only one of whom has ever spent serious time in a serious job at the racing coalface. The rest are accountants, lawyers and possibly professional “non-executive directors”. Their expertise seems to cover every aspect of mercantile endeavour. They must have huge brains.

In this context let us consider the plight of the BHA’s CEO, Mr Nick Rust. Hand-picked for the job because of his knowledge of bookmaking (a lifetime involvement in same), I imagine it was hoped that he would persuade his erstwhile colleagues to part with large sums of money in order to replenish racing’s coffers on a regular basis for ever and ever.

Sadly this has not happened, largely because of Brexit and similar obstacles beyond the control of a mere mortal, be he ever so talented. However the CEO’s job involves more than just finance, and Mr Rust is largely unqualified in the many aspects of horsemanship in general and racing in particular. He needs help – and help is available.

Not many months ago a call went out for “racing-savvy” people to come to the aid of the BHA in the matter of creating a judicial system for racing that was competent and fair. At that time the system was a disgrace. Among those who stepped forward was Jenny Pitman, whose character and career as a trainer identify her as somebody of exceptional gifts. Wonderful for the judicial system, but what a waste of the very best material.

If Mr Rust had access to the wisdom that Mrs Pitman possesses he could get on with the non-financial  aspects of his job,  confident  that making a mistake was highly unlikely. But a “gagged” Mrs Pitman would almost certainly go the same way as Messrs Johnston and McGrath.

Next case: the whip. Mr Rust has proved half-hearted in his attitude towards this bone of contention.  He may be unaware that Nick Skelton is not only an Olympic Gold Medallist showjumper. He is also the father of the brothers Skelton who are such a feature of the current NH racing scene.

Mr Rust may also be unaware that father Skelton was closely involved in the development of “the padded whip” in the 1990s. All else being equal, time spent with Skelton Senior might inspire the CEO to take a more positive approach to defending the biggest contribution to animal welfare ever made by a sporting authority. Once again, a seat on a board would be a waste of a priceless asset.

I sum up. In my humble opinion, just one horseman out of 18 table-thumpers is a recipe for mediocrity, and consensual decision-making is not the only way to run an industry. Nor is it unusual for an intelligent leader to enjoy the advantages provided by a small group of trusted lieutenants.

Best wishes,

DONEC