Joe Saumarez Smith- RCA Statement

The RCA wishes to place on record its sincere thanks to Joe Saumarez Smith for his dedicated and skilled tenure as Chair of the British Horseracing Authority and longstanding career which he has dedicated to positively progressing our sport.

Joe Saumarez Smith served as Chairman of the BHA from 2022-2025

Joe initially stepped in as Chairman on an interim basis in 2022, however such was his aptitude for the role, the RCA wholeheartedly recommended this tenure was extended to a full term. The circumstances behind Joe’s resignation are highly unfortunate, and we are grateful that Joe has been able to commit as much time and energy to the role as he has in recent months. The thoughts of all at the RCA are with Joe and his family and we wish him well with his ongoing cancer treatment.

David Armstrong, Chief Executive at the RCA, added: “I have been fortunate to work alongside Joe on the BHA Board throughout my career in horseracing. Joe’s knowledge and experience in racing, particularly with regards to the sport’s relationship with gambling, are unrivalled, and we will dearly miss his leadership as Chairman.

“Among other major workstreams, Joe has spearheaded the sport’s ongoing campaign for Levy reform and notably remains a firm advocate against the implementation of affordability checks.

“I’m personally grateful for Joe’s ongoing support and friendship, and would like to wish him and his family the very best at this extremely difficult time.”