Simon Cox Appointed as New BHA Chair Amid Policy Challenges

Appointment at Critical Time

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has named Simon Cox as its next independent non-executive chair, effective October 1, for an initial term of three years. The appointment comes at a period of notable tension for the sport, with ongoing concerns over the Horserace Betting Levy and the Gambling Commission’s implementation of Financial Risk Assessments. Cox, a master brewer by profession, will step into the role at a time when the BHA is pressing the government on these issues.

Cox’s Background and Industry Involvement

Cox has been involved in thoroughbred racing for over 15 years as an owner and breeder, currently with four horses in training and ten broodmares at Shade Oak Stud, which stands St Leger winner Logician, in whom he holds shares. Since November 2021, he has served on the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association board of trustees and presently chairs the BHA’s Jump Pattern Committee, which advises on strengthening the Jump Pattern and Listed programme. He is also a member of the industry’s High Quality Horse group and a former board member of the Professional Jockeys Association.

Beyond racing, Cox spent more than three decades in the international beer and beverage industry, holding senior leadership roles including European president and CEO of Molson Coors. His career included overseeing global supply chain management and business transformation, and he built strong political relationships through board roles with the Portman Group, the British Beer & Pub Association and The Brewers of Europe. The BHA views his experience in government lobbying—such as the 2013 campaign to abolish the beer duty escalator—as a potential asset in its ongoing disputes over the Financial Risk Assessments and the lack of movement on the levy.

Vision for the Sport

Ahead of officially assuming the role, Cox stated he will meet with stakeholders across racing, breeding and betting to listen and plan for growth and future prosperity. “It is an honour to be appointed Chair of the British Horseracing Authority at such an important moment for racing and breeding,” he said. Cox emphasised that British racing and breeding is a “worldwide success story” but acknowledged “significant challenges,” noting his focus will be on “ensuring racing works together to address these, with a particular emphasis on growing participation in the sport, our customer base and critically our income streams.”

Board Endorsement

Nominations Committee Chair and BHA Board member Kyrsten Halley called Cox a “first-class candidate” in a competitive recruitment process. She highlighted his “in-depth knowledge and understanding of British racing and breeding” alongside his commercial expertise, stating his “strong vision for how we make progress in key areas like the sport’s governance, growth strategy, equine and human welfare and government relations left us in no doubt that he has the credentials to provide exceptional leadership.”

BHA Interim Chair and Senior Independent Director David Jones added that Cox possesses “a steely determination and decisiveness” and is “unwaveringly passionate about seeing British racing succeed.” Prior to joining the BHA Board, Cox will resign from his roles as TBA trustee, chair of the BHA Jump Pattern Committee, and member of the High Quality Horse group.