Racing punters group welcomes new chair

The Horseracing Bettors Forum (HBF), the body which represents punters’ interests in British racing, is to welcome a new chair from next month after it was announced that Simon Rowlands is to depart.

Matt Bisogno will take on the role from March 5, replacing Rowlands, who has led the HBF since it was set up with the assistance of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) in 2015.

Rowlands had been due to step down after two years but stayed on to launch the HBF's betting charter in December. He also participated in last month's seminar on account closures in parliament.

Rowlands said: “Those two things have been among HBF's most significant achievements over the last couple of years, but the forum has also been very active in pushing for improved data provision – such as through mandatory declaration of wind operations – and in pressing for a tightening in non-runner procedures and implementation of 48-hour declarations for the Cheltenham Festival.

“It's been a pleasure and privilege to be a part of such a forward-thinking and necessary concept, and to have worked alongside such talented and passionate individuals in pursuit of common goals.”

BHA chief executive Nick Rust said: “HBF has also made recommendations which have been instrumental in the launching of a number of initiatives to benefit the betting public.

“Matt has been an important member of the HBF since its inception and I'm sure will carry on the good work of his predecessor.”

Related article: BHA approves ‘wind op’ rule for horse racing betting