Julia Budd

Tansy Challis has been appointed as the Racing Foundation's new Chief Executive Officer, the organization announced on Friday. She previously served as Head of Grants since 2014 and succeeds Rob Hezel, who departs the Foundation after eight years to pursue a portfolio career, which will include a non-executive role on the new Industry People Board. "The Board are delighted to appoint Tansy as the Foundation's new CEO following a rigorous recruitment process," Julia Budd, Chair of the Racing Foundation, said. "Tansy's knowledge of the racing industry and its stakeholders, along...

Racing Foundation Chief Executive Rob Hezel will step down from his role with the organisation to pursue a portfolio career, he announced to the RF Board on Wednesday. Hezel, who has held his position for eight years, will remain in place until a successor is found. He was recently appointed to a non-executive role on the Industry People Board. During Hezel's tenure, over £35 million in funding has been granted by the RF to areas of racing in people training and development, equine welfare, community engagement, and environmental sustainability. Julia...

Rishi Persad has been appointed to the Racing Foundation Board of Trustees. A racing broadcaster and member of the ITV Racing and Racing TVG teams, Persad joins the recently appointed Jim Boyle, Linda Bowles, Susannah Gill, Louise Kemble, Alice Page and Algy Smith-Maxwell on the Racing Foundation's Board of Trustees, which is chaired by Julia Budd. Budd said, "I'm so pleased Rishi will be joining us on the Foundation's Board of Trustees. With a broadcasting career spanning over two decades, his experience both within racing and of the wider sporting...

Brian Finch will succeed Julia Budd as Chair of Epsom Downs Racecourse beginning on June 5, The Jockey Club announced on Tuesday. Budd's term will end after G1 Cazoo Derby weekend. Exposed to racing through visits to Borrowdale Racecourse in Zimbabwe as a child, Finch has owned racehorses for over 25 years in various countries. Finch joined the Epsom Racecourse Committee in 2021. Currently retired, he is also a member of the Racecourse Committee at Sandown Park Racecourse and a Trustee of the National Horseracing Museum. Finch said, "I am...