ROA announces board refresh, leadership transition and governance changes

The Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) has published its Annual Report, detailing a year of progress and proactive change. As part of its evolution, Dr Jim Walker has been nominated to succeed Charlie Parker as ROA Chair, while Racehorse Syndicate Association (RSA) Chair Dan Abraham joins the Board as a co-opted member, strengthening representation and industry expertise. 

This year’s Board elections have also attracted strong interest, with 13 candidates standing and three people to be confirmed as board members through member voting at the ROA AGM on 24 October. Voting is now open to ROA members and closes at 12pm on Friday, 17 October. 

Alongside the election, the ROA has introduced several important changes to its articles of association to ensure its governance is fit for the future and progressive.  This includes ensuring syndicates are represented on the board, together with succession planning across all board roles, alongside the updating and language modernisation of its Articles of Association.   
 

Leadership transition: Walker to succeed as President

This year also marks a leadership transition, with Charlie Parker stepping down as ROA President. The Board has nominated current board member Dr Jim Walker to succeed him, a recommendation also to be presented for member approval in the annual notices. Since joining the ROA Board in 2023, Dr Walker has been a strong advocate for owners’ and his leadership will be central as the ROA continues to address the key issues of prize money, costs, and the ownership experience. Dr Walker is the Chief Economist at Aletheia Capital Ltd, and has been a racehorse owner since 1998, including Subjectivist, winner of the 2021 Ascot Gold Cup. 

Dr Jim Walker said: 

“I am honoured to be nominated as Chair of the ROA. I would like to thank Charlie Parker for his service to the ROA as he steps down as President. The recent governance updates are an important step in ensuring the ROA remains relevant, progressive, and able to represent all owners effectively. My focus as Chair will be on providing strong leadership, maintaining a united voice for owners, and tackling key issues such as prize-money, costs, and the overall ownership experience, while supporting the continued growth and diversity of our community”. 

 

ROA strengthens syndicate representation  

In a significant step forward, the ROA is broadening representation and collaboration across all ownership profiles, with the nomination of Racehorse Syndicates Association (RSA) Chair, Dan Abraham, as a co-opted member of the ROA Board. This co-option, subject to member approval at the ROA AGM, ensures syndicate members and managers are represented directly within the ROA.  Partnerships, syndicates and micro-ownership remain a significant growth area and popular routes into racehorse ownership, and this move reflects the ROA’s commitment to ensuring all owners’ voices are heard at the highest level and a clear pathway is available to retain and grow our ownership audience for the future. 

Dan Abraham, Chair of the RSA said: 

“I am delighted to welcome a closer partnership between the RSA and ROA. Shared ownership is a vital part of the industry and offers the potential for considerable growth. The opportunity to represent those involved in the vast range of syndicates and shared-ownership types will help many more owners to feel represented on the ROA Board.” 

Further amendments to the ROA’s Articles of Association include extending the maximum term of Board service from ten to twelve years, enabling the retention of knowledge and expertise, and aligning with the three four-year terms that Board members are eligible to serve. The articles have also been updated to adopt more modern language, with the roles of Chair and Vice Chair replacing the traditional titles of President and Vice President. 

The 24/25 ROA Annual Report is now available online: Click here to read.