The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is has appointed David Sykes, BVSc, MRCVS, to the newly created role of director of equine health and welfare.

Sykes joins the BHA from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where he has held the position of head veterinary officer for the Emirates Racing Authority (ERA) since 2010. In this role—which encompasses the welfare and integrity of all flat racing in the UAE—he was responsible for implementing and managing anti­doping and medication control programs, equine welfare and health issues, and administration of data collection programs for injury surveillance and risk factors associated with racing in the UAE.

In addition, Sykes served as head of the veterinary department for the UAE itself since October 2015, which includes responsibilities for government liaison, quarantine, and import/export controls and testing.

Prior to his time at the ERA Regulatory and UAE Equine Quarantine positions, David held positions in Sydney, Australia, his country of birth and where he established a successful five-veterinarian practice. As well as his regulatory positions, David brings over 20 years of private practice experience to the role