British Horseracing Authority, the governing body of UK horseracing, have today confirmed the creation of the role of Head of Integrity Assurance and appointed Chris Watts to the new post.

Watts is a former Detective Superintendent with the Metropolitan Police with over thirty years of service working in the homicide and serious crimes unit.

Watts most recently held the position of Anti-Corruption Manager with the England & Wales Cricket Board where he was instrumental in combating corruption within the world of Cricket and has considerable experience of negotiating with the sport’s top industry bodies.

In a press statement released earlier today Watts commented: “Through my work within sports integrity over the past six years, I have developed some understanding of the work of the BHA integrity unit.

“I was brought up with horses; I am passionate about sport and I am very much looking forward to transferring my skills and experience into this new role.”

Watts is also a current member of the Sports Betting Group and joint chairman of the Sports Integrity Forum.

BHA Director of Integrity and Regulatory Operations Brant Dunshea welcomed the appointment, saying: “We’re delighted to have appointed someone with Chris’s wealth of experience in intelligence management, investigations and sports integrity to what will be a very significant strategic role.

“This appointment was a key focus for the BHA following our integrity review, and we’re excited for Chris to begin his new role which will ensure greater accountability for the performance of our Integrity teams.”