Aintree clerk Andrew Tulloch to step down after 24 years at the helm

A new face will be in charge at Aintree for next year's Randox Health Grand National after clerk of the course Andrew Tulloch announced his intention to step down from the post he has held for 24 years

A chartered surveyor with an equine background and formerly event director at Burghley, Tulloch, 54, has had far from an easy ride as clerk at the host venue for the world's most famous chase.

He had to cope with the bomb scare which caused the National to be delayed for 48 hours in 1997 and this year supervised the repairing of the track after it was damaged by vandals a week before Tiger Roll's fabulous second National success.

Most significantly, he has been in charge of orchestrating significant changes to the National course to address safety and horse welfare concerns.

Tulloch, Aintree's longest-serving clerk, said: "Being responsible for the Grand National has been a privilege and I have enjoyed being involved with the development and innovation to ensure Aintree, and the Grand National, remain at the forefront of both equine and jockey safety, whilst protecting the unique character of the race.

Andrew Tulloch: 'I'm looking forward to a fresh challenge'Credit: Edward Whitaker

"I'm most grateful for the support and help received from the team at Aintree, my colleagues, owners, trainers, jockeys, press, the BHA and the other equestrian disciplines.

"I'm looking forward to a fresh challenge and working with the team at Bolesworth Estate, who share a passion for horses and equestrian sport, overseeing the commercial activities, including their equestrian events."

Tulloch will step down in January but will remain in an advisory role at Aintree, and Dickon White, North West Regional Director of Jockey Club Racecourses, said: "I'm delighted that Andrew will continue to be part of the Aintree team. His expertise will be pivotal to maintaining the exceptional raceday standards we currently provide for all horsemen.

"Andrew has been an integral part of the success of Aintree Racecourse over the past 24 years. His extensive knowledge of the industry and his undoubted passion for equine welfare has helped deliver fundamental change to Aintree and the Grand National course."

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