The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has confirmed the appointment of John Burgess as Director of Integrity and Aja Hall as Director of Regulation.
The permanent appointments follow a period of interim arrangements, during which John and Aja have been operating as co-directors of the BHA’s integrity and regulation functions since August 2024.
John’s role will see him lead the BHA’s intelligence, investigation, monitoring and supervision operations, including the organisation’s stable inspectorate and the safeguarding and human welfare team.
Aja will be responsible for the BHA’s regulatory, compliance and disciplinary work flowing from integrity investigations and raceday appeals, as well as overseeing the drafting of amendments to the Rules of Racing.
Commenting on the appointments, acting Chief Executive Officer Brant Dunshea said:
“I’m delighted that John and Aja will be taking charge of the BHA’s integrity and regulatory departments, following a period of interim arrangements where they have worked in the capacity of co-directors.
“Both bring extensive experience and unrivalled expertise to their respective roles, and have already made a significant contribution to ensuring the highest standards of integrity across our sport over many years.
“I look forward to working alongside John and Aja as we continually strengthen British racing’s world-leading reputation as a safe, fair and clean racing jurisdiction.”
Director of Integrity John Burgess said:
“I am immensely proud to be appointed to this position and to lead an incredible team of people within the BHA’s integrity function, all of whom have the best interests of British racing and the safety and wellbeing of its people and horses at heart.
“Much of our work rightly goes under the radar, given its often complex, sensitive and highly confidential nature. But from supporting participants, to dealing with integrity concerns and investigating potential Rule breaches, everything we do is fundamental to upholding the sport’s good reputation.”
Director of Regulation Aja Hall said:
“British racing is among the best regulated sports in the world, and I am delighted to play a part in contributing to the essential work of a highly committed team of people within the regulatory department.
“It is a privilege to be appointed to this position, and I look forward to working closely with colleagues from across the sport as we ensure that regulatory matters are dealt with consistently, fairly, and to the highest standards, so that we maintain participant and public confidence.”
Notes to editors:
About John Burgess
John joined the BHA in 2008 and has held several roles within the Integrity and Regulation department including Investigating Officer and Intelligence and Development Manager. He became Head of Integrity in June 2021 and is the tactical and strategic lead for the Integrity teams, which include Supervision, Intelligence, Investigation and Monitoring. John was Interim Co-Director of Integrity and Regulation alongside Aja Hall from August 2024 to February 2026.
John currently represents the BHA at the Sports Betting Integrity Forum, Sports Betting Group, and Bloodstock Industry Forum, and is an international member of the Organization of Racing Investigators.
Prior to joining the BHA, John was a Detective Constable in the Intelligence Bureau at Leicestershire Police. In his spare time, John is a lifelong racing fan and keen rider with a passion for retraining racehorses.
About Aja Hall
Aja joined the BHA in April 2022 as Head of Regulation with responsibility for all regulatory and compliance work flowing from integrity investigations and raceday appeals. Aja is responsible for the drafting of any Rule amendments which then progress through the various committees and is a member of the Technical Advisory Committee of the IFHA. Aja held the role of Interim Co-Director of Integrity and Regulation alongside John Burgess from August 2024 to February 2026.
A Barrister of 16 years’ call, Aja started life at the Criminal Bar before moving to healthcare regulation and then the Nursing and Midwifery Council. During her time at the NMC she defended the decisions of panels in High Court appeals and appeared before panels in high-profile matters.
Aja has always had an interest in racing and horses, owning her own until attending University.
