Helen Bryce Appointed BHA’s Legal Counsel for UK Racing

(AsiaGameHub) –   The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has announced the appointment of Helen Bryce as its new General Counsel and Company Secretary, effective from 1 August 2026. This appointment is part of a significant restructuring of the governing body’s leadership during a crucial time for UK racing.

Bryce will oversee all legal, compliance, risk management, and corporate governance operations, providing counsel to both the Executive and the Board on legal and statutory duties.

Her promotion signifies an internal progression, as she joined the BHA in 2017 and currently holds the position of Head of Legal and Governance.

Before her tenure at the BHA, Bryce spent ten years at Bird & Bird, where she served as a senior associate in their technology, media, and sport division, developing expertise in intricate regulatory and commercial matters.

She succeeds Catherine Beloff, who is leaving the organisation after more than a decade. During her time, Beloff managed two major governance reviews and established an independent judicial panel, contributing to the modernisation of the BHA’s regulatory framework.

Bryce expressed that it is a “huge privilege” to join the BHA at a pivotal moment for UK racing. She stated, “The BHA has a critical role to play in safeguarding the integrity and future of British racing. Maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance, legal compliance and transparency is fundamental to that mission.

“I look forward to working closely with colleagues and stakeholders across the industry to ensure that our policies and procedures not only meet regulatory expectations but also reinforce trust and accountability across the sport.”

BHA heads to negotiation table

Her appointment occurs amidst broader executive changes within the BHA. In March, Brant Dunshea officially took on the permanent role of CEO, having previously led the organisation on an interim basis following Julie Harrington’s resignation in 2025.

Concurrently, the BHA is continuing its search for a new Chair, following the unexpected departure of Lord Charles Allen in February. His six-year term concluded amidst reported disagreements with stakeholders and racing bodies regarding governance direction.

The selection of a new Chair is considered vital. The BHA is preparing to enter negotiations with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and bookmakers, represented by the Betting & Gaming Council (BGC), concerning the future funding model for the horseracing levy.

The redesign of the levy was notably excluded from the scope of the UK Gambling Review, a decision that has escalated tensions with bookmakers, some of whom have indicated they might withdraw from racing if terms are unfavourable.

Against this backdrop, Bryce’s appointment is viewed as a move to bolster the BHA’s legal and governance capabilities in anticipation of complex regulatory discussions. Prominent figures, including Matt Hancock, Ben Wallace, and HR veteran Julia Tyson, have already been mentioned as potential candidates for the vacant Chair position.

Commenting on the appointment, Dunshea remarked, “Helen has made a valuable contribution to the BHA and to British racing over a sustained period, demonstrating not only astute legal judgement but also a deep understanding of the governance challenges facing modern sport. 

“At a time when the BHA must engage in complex discussions on funding, regulation and long-term sustainability, her expertise will be central to ensuring that we meet our statutory responsibilities while maintaining the confidence of participants, stakeholders and the public.”

He further added, “Her leadership will be instrumental as we navigate a period of structural change for racing, ensuring that our regulatory framework remains robust, transparent and fit for purpose.”