SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Paul Bittar Chief Executive of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is set to leave his leading governance role with BHA at the end of the year, once his three year contract ends.Paul Bittar was appointed Chief Executive of BHA in September 2011, having previously worked for Racing Victoria (Australia) and for the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Association.
BHA senior management announced that it would be looking for a replacement, the Authority further stated that in his remaining months with BHA Bittar will play a significant role in the selection of his successor.
Bittar stated the following with regards to his upcoming departure from BHA
Despite its obvious challenges and complexity of structures, British racing is a world-class sport to be involved in and it has been a privilege to have held the post of chief executive of BHA, as well as lead such a committed team”.
Bittar’s tenure has seen the BHA’s financial position take on a much firmer footing, highlighted by the five-year £40million funding deal with Betfair and the four-year levy agreement with the big four retail boookmakers.
Bittar further noted : “There are many areas in which we have made significant progress.
“The opening weeks brought the challenge of resolving the dispute over the whip rules, followed by a difficult Grand National”.
“It is encouraging and satisfying that the collaborative approach adopted by BHA with the relevant parts of the industry, and the subsequent steps taken, mean that neither topic has since generated the levels of negative coverage that can impact on the sport’s well-earned and good reputation.
