Economist and ROA Chair Jim Walker Appointed to BHA Board
2026-07-20
The British Horseracing Authority has appointed economist and ROA Chair Dr Jim Walker to its board, replacing Charlie Parker. Walker joins amid industry concerns over Financial Risk Checks and frustration with the unchanged Horseracing Betting Levy.
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has appointed Dr Jim Walker to its board with immediate effect. Walker, an economist and chair of the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA), replaces Charlie Parker, whose six-year term on the board has concluded.
Walker joins as one of two member-nominated directors, representing the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, ROA and licensed personnel. He has owned racehorses for over 30 years, joined the ROA board in 2023 and became its chair in October 2025.
Boardroom reaction and policy context
David Jones, Interim Chair of the BHA, called Walker "a passionate advocate for racehorse owners" whose "proven business acumen" and understanding of the wider industry will strengthen the board. Jones also expressed thanks to Parker for his contributions over six years.
Walker said: "As an economist, I am well versed in an appreciation of how policy can impact an industry." He added that he looks forward to working with board colleagues to grow the sport, deliver long-term sustainability and foster innovation for British racing.
The appointment arrives as the BHA braces for the potential impact of Financial Risk Checks on gambling in Britain. The authority argues that new requirements will disproportionately hit big-spending horse bettors at a time when the industry faces a revenue downturn.
Levy revenues and industry concerns
According to the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB), levy receipts for the year ending March 31 are forecast to reach £110m, a fifth consecutive annual increase and the highest since the 2017 reform. However, racing has expressed frustration that the government left the levy rate unchanged. The BHA contends that racing receives "less than 3 per cent" of the gambling industry’s returns.