Charles Barnett has been appointed Secretary General of the Large Independent Racecourse Group–consisting of Ascot, Ayr, Chester, Goodwood, Newbury and York racecourses–the company announced Monday. Previously, Barnett had spent over 30 years in senior executive roles at Haydock Park, Chester, Cartmel, Aintree and Ascot and already represents the Large Independent Racecourse Group as the Deputy Chairman of the Racecourse Association Board (RAD Board), as well as on the British Horseracing Authority (BHA)'s Members' Committee. He will continue to serve in those positions, with his new role effective immediately. Barnett will represent the group on racing industry matters and liaising with external parties, like the BHA, the Horserace Betting Levy Board, and the Racecourse Association.
The group held 153 fixtures (10.3%) of the industry total in 2015, with 19 Group/Grade 1 races, excluding British Champions Day. The Large Independent Racecourses also offered £33.5 million (25.3%) in prize money, £20.6 million (43.3%) in executive and sponsorship contribution, £171.9 million in total turnover and total attendance of 1,838,024 (30%).
“By any measure, the Large Independent Racecourses are a hugely significant part of British Racing,” said William Derby, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course of York Racecourse, in advance of the 'Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival'. There are a number of issues vital to the future of the industry on the horizon, including changes to the fixture list, funding and programming. We are delighted to have appointed someone with Charles's experience and reputation to the position of secretary general to represent us collectively.”
“I am flattered to have been offered the opportunity to represent some of the country's most important and influential racecourses on major racing industry matters,” said Barnett. “With so much change on the horizon, we feel that it is vital that the views of the Large Independent Racecourses are taken firmly into account as decisions about the future of the industry as a whole are taken.”
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
