Racing Foundation Chief Executive Rob Hezel To Step Down

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 Budd, Chair of the Racing Foundation, said, “Rob's departure will be a true loss to the Racing Foundation and the Board would like to pay tribute to his contribution.

“Rob has led the Foundation to have a substantial impact on the industry during almost eight years as chief executive and I would personally like to thank him for his commitment to both the industry and the Foundation. He has truly embodied the Foundation's purpose and has been a catalyst for change.

“Rob's decision to announce his plans allows for an orderly process to recruit a new Chief Executive who can evolve the organisation's strategy for the future ”

Hezel added, “Having worked to develop the Foundation and its influence across the sport, I believe it is now the right time for me personally to pursue a change of career and the right time for the Foundation to benefit from a fresh approach to its leadership.

“However, I must put on record my thanks to the fantastic Chairs with whom I have worked: Sir Ian Good, Ian Barlow and Julia Budd for their support, advice and guidance.

“I would also like to thank the Foundation's amazing Trustees who have overseen and guided our work and of course the brilliant Tansy, Rhi and Antonia without whom none of what we have achieved would have been remotely possible.”

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Rishi Persad Joins Racing Foundation’s Board Of Trustees

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 landscape will bring a broad and unique perspective to the Board.”

Rob Hezel, Chief Executive of the Racing Foundation, said, “I'm very much looking forward to working with Rishi as the newest Trustee to join the Racing Foundation's Board. Rishi's passion for improving the sport of racing is evident. I know he will provide great insight and value to the Foundation's talented Board of Trustees.”

Persad added, “I am honoured to join The Racing Foundation, a foundation whose principal purpose is to make a positive difference within the industry. Racing has been good to me since I first fell in love with it as a child and I am always keen to give back in any way I can. The Racing Foundation offers me the opportunity to serve the sport to the benefit of both horses and humans.”

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Brian Finch Appointed New Chair of Epsom Downs Racecourse

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 delighted and hugely honoured to succeed Julia at Epsom Downs, a racecourse that will soon host the 243rd running of the iconic Derby.

“I very much look forward to working with the Jockey Club team to build on the great work of my immediate and past predecessors ensuring that the Derby and Epsom Downs racecourse continue to remain part of the national social fabric.”

Sandy Dudgeon, Senior Steward of The Jockey Club, said, “I am delighted that Brian has agreed to become Chair of Epsom Downs Racecourse following this year's historic Derby.

“His experience both inside the racing industry and beyond, coupled with his huge enthusiasm for the sport and Epsom Downs will be a huge asset as our stewardship of this iconic racing venue and its most famous race enters a new and exciting chapter.

“I must also thank Julia for her dedication, time, and wise counsel in her time as chair. Her guidance in navigating the unprecedented challenges of the last two years has been invaluable and this year's Derby and its place in the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations will be a fitting way to end her term. She does so with my best wishes and the sincerest thanks of all at The Jockey Club.”

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