Savill to Remain Head of British Horseracing Board

The forceful and determined Peter Savill, who is seeking to win battles with bookmakers for more funding, will remain chairman of British racing's ruling body, the British Horseracing Board, for another two years.

This follows a review of the BHB executive functions. Alan Delmonte, the BHB's communications manager, explained: "Given all the impending changes in the BHB's role including the transfer of Levy Board funding responsibilities and the introduction of commercial data licensing to replace the statutory levy, the BHB board confirms its full support for the current chairman, Peter Savill, who has agreed to a further two years as chairman when his present term expires in June 2002.

"Although the role will initially be executive, it will become non-executive once the new chief executive is able to assume fully the responsibilities of the role."

The BHB has also created a new role of managing director, commercial, with the remit of managing the BHB's commercial activities, and has appointed Nigel Smith.

Savill said: "In order for the racing industry to flourish in the
post-Levy era, it is vital that we build an executive team which can
develop the strategy for the future and generate the income streams that will flow from the licensing of our rights.

"Personally, I am delighted to extend my chairmanship for a further two years to oversee this development as well as ensure that the right financial structure is put in place."

As well as seeking a chief executive, the BHB is continuing its search for a marketing director, while existing managing director Chris Reynolds looks set to leave.