RALPH Beckett and Mark Johnston have called for the resignation of BHA chief Nick Rust.
In an email leaked to the Sunday Telegraph, the Classic-winning trainers accused Rust of failing racing’s participants.
They headed up a group of trainers who contacted BHA chair Anamarie Phelps expressing their anger at how Rust has handled the racing shutdown, which has been in place since 17 March.
Rust, 52, announced his intention to leave his job in January, though he is only four months into a year’s notice period.
In an email to Phelps, Beckett said: “It is clear that Nick is looking after his future in this instance, but his future is not ours.
“His view isn’t the view of the people who employ him, and it is my view that he should step aside.
“The widespread view is that the BHA is more concerned with public perception than its participants – this cannot continue.”
Johnston, who is the winning most trainer in Britain, is recovering at home having recently contracted coronavirus.
He added: “I can only assume that someone made a blunder in drafting the contract which allowed/required him to give one year’s notice and which is now allowing him to work it.
“The cost of that blunder may be significant in monetary terms but pales into insignificance against the damage that he is doing to British racing.
“Our confidence in the ability of the BHA to lead British racing through this crisis is being almost entirely undermined by one man with a personal agenda. If they don’t get rid of him, they will all fall on his sword.”
But several trainers leapt to the defence of Rust, including champion jumps trainer Nicky Henderson.
He said: “As I understand it the BHA have got a very good prototype in place to go to government, which means that racing can start again safely. When government sanction this then let’s go. I cannot see that the BHA or anyone else can do any more.”
Phelps was furious with the emails and hit back at Beckett and Johnston.
She said: “It is wholly unacceptable to be treating anyone with such disrespect in particular from such well-respected and senior members of the industry.”
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/horse-racing/hong-kong-round-up-exultant-too-good-in-qeii-cup-but-beauty-generation-nosed-out-of-historic-hat-trick
