• Michael Harris has been appointed as the new BHA Chase Team Leader, effective 21 September 2026.
• The role includes the responsibility of setting the weights for the prestigious Randox Grand National.
• Matt Gardner will transition from the middle-distance chase category to succeed Harris as the new Hurdles Team Leader.

The British Horseracing Authority has confirmed that Michael Harris will step into the role of Chase Team Leader, succeeding Martin Greenwood. Harris, who has been a part of the BHA handicapping team since 2014, brings extensive experience to the position, including a six-year tenure overseeing the two-and-a-half-mile chase division between 2018 and 2024. Most recently, he served as the Hurdle Team Leader.

For Harris, the appointment carries a personal significance due to his Liverpool roots and lifelong connection to the Randox Grand National. Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Harris noted that he is honoured to be tasked with setting the weights for what he describes as the world’s greatest race. He also acknowledged the contribution of his predecessor, Martin Greenwood, who will continue to serve within the BHA handicapping setup.

Dominic Gardiner-Hill, the BHA’s Head of Handicapping, praised Harris for his performance as Hurdle Team Leader and expressed confidence in his ability to manage the demands of the chasing division. The reshuffle also results in a promotion for Matt Gardner, who moves from the middle-distance chase category to take over the role of Hurdles Team Leader. This transition marks a new chapter for the BHA handicapping team as they prepare for the upcoming racing season.

Further details regarding this appointment and the broader structure of the handicapping team can be found in the official BHA press release.