The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has confirmed the appointment of Helen Bryce as its new General Counsel and Company Secretary, effective 1 August 2026, as the governing body continues a significant reshaping of its leadership structure during a critical period for UK racing.
Bryce will assume responsibility for all legal, compliance, risk management and corporate governance functions, advising both the Executive and Board on regulatory and statutory obligations.
Her promotion represents a continuation of internal leadership, having joined the BHA in 2017 and currently serving as Head of Legal and Governance.
Prior to joining the BHA, Bryce spent a decade at Bird & Bird, where she worked as a senior associate within its technology, media and sport division, building expertise in complex regulatory and commercial matters.
She succeeds Catherine Beloff, who departs the organisation after more than ten years. During her tenure, Beloff oversaw two major governance reviews and the establishment of an independent judicial panel, helping to modernise the BHA’s regulatory structure.
Bryce added that it was a “huge privilege” to join the BHA at a defining moment for UK racing: “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 comes amid wider executive changes at the BHA. In March, Brant Dunshea formally accepted the role of CEO on a permanent basis, having led the organisation on an interim footing following the resignation of Julie Harrington in 2025.
At the same time, the BHA continues its search for a new Chair after Lord Charles Allen abruptly stepped down in February, ending a six-year tenure amid reported disagreements with stakeholders and racing bodies over governance direction.
The succession of a new Chair is viewed as pivotal. The BHA is preparing to enter negotiations with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and bookmakers led by Betting & Gaming Council (BGC) over the future funding model of the horseracing levy.
The levy’s redesign was notably kept outside the scope of the UK Gambling Review, a decision that has heightened tensions with bookmakers, some of whom have warned they may reconsider participation in racing under unfavourable terms.
Against this backdrop, Bryce’s appointment is seen as strengthening the BHA’s legal and governance capabilities ahead of complex regulatory negotiations. High-profile names have already been linked to the vacant Chair position, including Matt Hancock, Ben Wallace and HR veteran Julia Tyson.
Commenting on the appointment, Dunshea said: “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 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.”