NEWMARKET's Jockey Club has marked the start of a new era under a new chief executive.
Simon Bazalgette, previously the chairman of Racing UK and Racecourse Media Services, fills the position.
Mr Bazalgette's responsibilities will include chairing the board of Jockey Club Racecourses, ensuring maximum value is obtained from the grou
p's commercial and media rights, promoting the role of the Jockey Club in the public arena and developing relationships with key players in the racing and betting industries.
"This is an exciting opportunity," said the 46 year old.
"The objective is to take the Jockey Club forward and enable it to fulfil its commercial potential, thereby further increasing its contribution to the sport.
"With its range of valuable assets, principally through the racecourses and the quality of racing they stage, I believe that this new position will effectively be the leading commercial role in British racing.
"One of my first tasks will be to lead the Jockey Club together with like minded racecourses in an effort to ensure that racing retains a vested interest in the Tote."
The chief executive will report directly to the main board of Jockey Club stewards.
John Maxse, director of communications and special projects at the club, added: "Day-to-day running of Jockey Club Estates, Newmarket Racecourse and the National Stud is unchanged but, going forward under the leadership of a chief executive, the Jockey Club will adopt a more strategic and co-ordinated group approach aimed at maximizing our commercial potential so that we can re-invest increased profits back into the sport."
Andrew Gould, previously acting chief executive of the club, now takes on the role of group finance and commercial director.
Paul Fisher remains chief operating officer of Jockey Club Racecourses and will head up the racecourse division.
The group's interests include 14 racecourses, including Aintree, Cheltenham, Newmarket and Epsom, as well as the provision of public training facilities in Newmarket and Lambourn, a property portfolio and the National Stud.
Jockey Club Racecourses is the largest shareholder in Racing UK and the largest racecourse shareholder in Turf TV.
Founded more than 250 years ago, the Jockey Club remains at the heart of British racing.
The club's family comprises Jockey Club Racecourses, Jockey Club Estates, The National Stud and the Racing Welfare charity.
The full article contains 387 words and appears in Newmarket Journal newspaper.
