Chelsea VP Alan Spence Steps Down From ROA Over Gambling Debts Case

Alan Spence has formally resigned from his position as the Vice Chair of the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) after losing a gambling debts case in the High Court in London, according to reports. Spence, who also serves as the Vice President of Chelsea, stepped away from all ROA activity last month.

However, the Classic-winning owner, who joined the ROA board in 2017, has been ordered to pay gambling debts totalling more than £840,000. Known for landing a 2011 winner at the St Irish Leger as owner of Jukebox Jury, the ROA will be looking to move on from this saga.

Spence’s character tainted

In a hearing at the Chancery division of the High Court earlier this month, Spence attested that the debt he accrued was not enforceable as they were placed with an illegal bookmaker. However, sitting judge Stuart Isaacs KC said the case “offered a glimpse into the world of unlicensed betting”.

Spence argued that the debts sought by unlicensed bookmaker David Solomon between 2018 and 2022 should not be settled as Solomon was violating the rules laid out in the 2005 Gambling Act. However, the judge rejected this claim, insisting “there was frequent deception from both parties” which neither seemed to recognise was “legally or even morally wrong”.

Spence had two outstanding debts to Solomon totalling £582,144, and before that, he had sought to reduce the claim to £175,000. This was done by falsely claiming he was insolvent and that creditors were taking 28.2p in the £1.

Nevertheless, this case aroused further concerns pertaining to black market gambling. A report published by the Gambling Industry Accreditation, Monitoring & Registration Service (GAMRS) last year indicated that black market operators in the UK recorded a turnover of £2 billion, further underlining the scale of the challenge facing the regulated industry.

ROA releases Spence statement

The ROA released a statement, confirming the news. Within the statement, they also paid tribute to Spence for his services to the organisation, which was established to give owners a prominent voice and enhance the experience for owners both on and off the course.

It read:

“Following recent media coverage and matters relating to Alan Spence, and having stepped back from all ROA business in February 2026, Alan has now formally resigned from his position as Vice Chair of the ROA.

“Alan has been a committed supporter of British racing since becoming a racehorse owner. He joined the ROA board in 2017 and has made a significant contribution during his tenure, including his role in addressing challenges around the Professional Riders Insurance Scheme, which has delivered approximately £3 million in savings to owners over the past 18 months.

“While we will not be commenting further on the case, we would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Alan for his dedication and service to the ROA.”

Hunt begins for Spence’s replacement

Spence’s departure leaves the ROA with a hole to fill. Although the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) were rather ambiguous about whether Spence was deemed fit or suitable to be an owner, the ROA is stepping up plans to find a replacement.

The statement concluded:

“In line with the Articles of Association, the Board will now begin the process of appointing a new Vice Chair and will review the positions available in the 2026 ROA Election to ensure the Board remains representative and well-equipped to serve owners across the industry.”