HE’S HERE. Racing’s Messiah. The saviour.
Lord Allen has today taken over as BHA Chairman, and, according to racing’s leaders, he will take the sport to a new era of prosperity.
Lord Allen is the man in charge of racing in Britain – and two issues above all others demand addressing now he is officially in the role
The celebrations have already started.
Betting and Gaming Council chief executive Grainne Hurst said: “The appointment of Lord Charles Allen as chair of the BHA is great news for the sport.
“Charles will bring the kind of authority and leadership that racing has been crying out for.”
Will he? Do you believe that? Evidence for this is what?
Firstly, don’t get me wrong here. I want Charles Allen to be the special one. And if he can do it working the odd day here and there then fair play.
But how could Hurst possibly know if what she says is factual or not? Basically it’s just words.
It’s just what people say when someone takes over a job of supposed authority.
Indeed, we haven’t only heard it before, we have heard it time and time and time and time again.
What was said about former BHA chief executive Julie Harrington on her arrival at BHA?
Well, chair Annamarie Phelps enthused: “This is a vital leadership role for the organisation and British racing.
“Julie’s hands-on knowledge of horseracing, coupled with her governance and business experience, make her the ideal person to carry on with the task of restoring sustainable prosperity after the Covid crisis.
“We’ve got the right person, for the right job, at the right time.”
Really? Laughable.
How about Nick Rust, another BHA chief executive?
BHA Chairman Steve Harman said: “I am delighted that Nick Rust is able to join us early in the New Year. I know he will do a great job.”
And then there was chief executive Paul Bittar.
Paul Roy, another Chairman of the British Horseracing Authority, said: “Paul Bittar is a racing enthusiast through and through.
“He combines keen management and financial skills with love for the sport and a well-informed understanding of the challenges that British Racing must overcome at this time.
“After a prolonged and painstaking search, the selection team was unanimous in putting him forward for the job.”
I’m not slagging these people. It’s up to you to decide whether racing has thrived under their tenure.
The point I’m making is the quotes are all the same. More Messiahs than George Frideric Handel!
And I like Handel.
Anyone who has worked in racing for a reasonable period, knows exactly how difficult it is to change its format and its funding mechanism.
They would also know it’s a nigh on impossible task to unite the different factions.
Let’s face it, most are in it for themselves. Few truly care if horse racing is thriving 50 years after their death.
So the Messiah is here. Just like the Messiahs before him. Let’s hope Lord Allen sparks a vibrant racing future.
He has the chance to do so instantly and can start with two things.
Sorting the expected Racing Tax and getting to grips with the nonsensical affordability checks.
Do that straight away. Or, essentially, fail.
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