The British Horseracing Authority has appointed Michael Harris as its new Chase Team Leader, with the experienced handicapper taking responsibility for the staying Chase division and the setting of weights for the Randox Grand National. Harris took over the position from Martin Greenwood on Monday, 21 September, as the BHA introduced changes across its handicapping structure.
The appointment marked another important step in Harris’s career with the BHA, where he has been part of the handicapping team since 2014. Born and raised in Liverpool, he has held a number of positions during his time with the organisation, most recently serving as Hurdle Team Leader. His previous experience has also included responsibility for the two-and-a-half-mile Chase division between 2018 and 2024.
The Michael Harris Chase Team Leader appointment brought him back to the Chase division with responsibility for some of the most significant staying races on the National Hunt calendar. Among his duties will be setting the weights for the Randox Grand National, a role that will carry particular significance for Harris given his Liverpool roots and his long association with the famous Aintree contest.
Michael Harris Chase Team Leader Role Includes Grand National Weights
As Michael Harris Chase Team Leader, Harris will oversee the staying Chasers division and will be responsible for the handicapping work connected with those races. His previous experience in the Chase division will provide a direct background for the new position, while his recent work as Hurdle Team Leader will add further experience of managing a major section of the BHA handicapping operation.
Harris expressed his delight at taking on the role and said he looked forward to the opportunities and responsibilities that came with leading the Chase team. He also highlighted the significance of overseeing the staying Chase division, particularly the responsibility of setting the weights for the Randox Grand National.
The Liverpool connection will add a personal dimension to the appointment. Harris grew up watching the Grand National and has followed the race from his home city, making the opportunity to play a part in its preparation especially meaningful. His new responsibilities will place him directly involved in the handicapping process surrounding one of Britain’s best-known National Hunt races.
Harris also welcomed the continued involvement of his predecessor, Martin Greenwood, within the BHA handicapping set-up. Greenwood stepped back from leading the chasing division earlier in the year but remained with the organisation, allowing his experience and knowledge to continue contributing to the wider handicapping team.
Greenwood had held the Chase Team Leader position before Harris’s appointment and had been responsible for the chasing division during his tenure. His continued presence will provide continuity as Harris begins his new responsibilities.
The changes at the BHA also affected the Hurdle division, with Matt Gardner moving into the role of Hurdle Team Leader. Gardner had previously been responsible for the middle-distance Chase category and stepped up to take charge of the hurdles team following Harris’s move.
Gardner joined the BHA handicapping team only a few years ago but had since taken on increasing responsibilities within the organisation. His appointment completed the reshuffle across the Chase and Hurdle divisions, with Harris moving to the senior Chase position and Gardner assuming leadership of the hurdles team.
BHA Head of Handicapping Dominic Gardiner-Hill welcomed Harris’s progression and pointed to his development since becoming Hurdle Team Leader. He said Harris had responded well to the demands of that position and was ready for the challenges associated with leading the Chase team and overseeing the staying Chasers.
Gardiner-Hill also acknowledged the succession from previous Chase Team Leaders Phil Smith and Martin Greenwood, particularly given the importance of races such as the Grand National. Harris will therefore take charge of a division with a long-established leadership structure and major responsibilities within British National Hunt racing.
Gardiner-Hill also praised Gardner’s progression and welcomed his move into the Hurdle Team Leader position. The changes represented a significant adjustment within the BHA handicapping team while retaining Greenwood’s experience within the wider organisation.
The Michael Harris Chase Team Leader appointment therefore placed an experienced BHA handicapper at the head of the staying Chase division, while also giving him responsibility for the weights of the Randox Grand National. His previous work across both Chase and Hurdle categories will form an important part of his experience as he begins the new role.
Michael Harris Chase Team Leader appointment placed him in charge of the BHA’s staying Chase division, with responsibility for setting the weights for the Randox Grand National.
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