British Horseracing Authority

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is the governing body responsible for the regulation and administration of horseracing in Great Britain. It establishes the rules of racing, issues licences to trainers, jockeys, owners and racecourse officials, and monitors compliance to ensure the sport’s integrity. The authority oversees the scheduling and coordination of race meetings, providing handicapping and ratings services that determine the weights horses carry in competitions. It also works to safeguard the welfare of horses and jockeys through veterinary standards and safety regulations. In addition, the BHA collaborates with betting operators to ensure transparent and fair betting markets linked to racing outcomes. Its activities are funded through a combination of levies on betting income, contributions from racecourses and other industry stakeholders.

The BHA’s headquarters are located in London, from where it directs its national operations and liaises with government bodies, racing clubs and international racing authorities. It exercises oversight over a network of racecourses that span England, Scotland and Wales, supporting thousands of races each year across flat, jump and harness disciplines. The organisation employs a multidisciplinary staff including stewards, analysts, legal experts and veterinary advisors to carry out its regulatory functions. In May 2025 the BHA experienced a cyber attack that prompted an internal investigation, involvement of law enforcement and a temporary shift to remote work for its London‑based staff while systems were secured. The incident was confined to internal systems and did not disrupt scheduled race meetings, but it highlighted the authority’s reliance on digital infrastructure for its regulatory and administrative work. Ongoing cooperation with external specialists and industry partners aims to restore full operations and strengthen cyber resilience.