SBC News Paul Fisher confirms departure as Jockey Club Racecourses CEO

Paul Fisher confirms departure as Jockey Club Racecourses CEO

The governance of the Jockey Club has confirmed that Chief Executive Paul Fisher will end his tenure as Chief Executive of Jockey Club Racecourses next month, closing a 19-year executive relationship with the UK’s largest racetrack operator.

The announcement sees further executive changes within the top ranks of UK racing, as the Jockey Club disclosed its executive management departure just hours following the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) confirming that CEO Nick Rust will step down at the end of 2020.

The Jockey Club’s longest-serving executive, Fisher joined the firm in 2001 serving as Finance Director of London racing properties.

A young Fisher would rise up the Jockey Club’s management ranks, taking leadership of Kempton Racetrack in 2005, a position that would lead to his appointment as Chief Operations Officer (COO) in 2008.

Overseeing significant changes across UK racetracks, Fisher would be promoted to Jockey Club Managing Director in 2013, a position that would transitioned to Racecourses CEO in 2017.

Confirming his departure Fisher said: “After 19 fantastic years at The Jockey Club, and more than ten of those running Jockey Club Racecourses, I’ve decided it’s time for a fresh challenge. I’m proud of the commercial growth, record prize money contributions and significant improvements to our facilities and the overall customer experience we’ve been able to deliver around the country at our courses, large and small.”

Fisher’s departure comes as the wider Jockey Club group restructures its executive leadership team, which last year saw former BT Sport managing director Delia Bushell replace long-standing group CEO Simon Bazalgette, who ended his 10-year executive remit.

Bushell commented on Fisher’s departure: “Paul has led an outstanding period of commercial growth and raised the bar on our Jockey Club Racecourses’ quality of service. I would like to thank him for his leadership, energy and the passion he has shown for racing in every aspect of our business. He can be very proud of what he’s helped to achieve, and I wish him every success in the future.”

Check Also

PA Betting Services acquires iRaceMedia for stronger Asian foothold

BHA seeks ‘culturally diverse’ input on British horse racing experience

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has invited people from ethnically and culturally diverse backgrounds working …

Bookies Corner: Grand National trading trends ahead of ‘the public’s race’

BHA to use EMR platform to improve safety at Grand National

The BHA has announced the pre-race veterinary protocols that will again be in place at …

SBC News BHA highlights commitment to welfare in British racing

BHA highlights commitment to welfare in British racing

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has underscored the importance of horse safety in British Racing …