Huntingdon clerk leaves role following dispute with Jockey Club over changes imposed on groundstaff

Respected clerk of the course Roderick Duncan has quit his position at Huntingdon after a dispute over processes imposed on the groundstaff.

He has been praised for his efforts in combating flood issues at the track since moving there in 2021 from Doncaster, where he oversaw eight runnings of the St Leger.

However, Duncan resigned after Huntingdon’s first meeting this autumn following a row with owners Jockey Club Racecourses (JCR) over changes forced on groundstaff, notably an insistence on staff fulfilling their own employment administration online.

“I’ve left because of a disagreement over systems which have been introduced that I don’t think are compatible or inclusive for some members of the workforce,” Duncan, 63, told the Racing Post.

“Having raised it on several occasions and not felt I had a satisfactory response, I felt obliged to leave. I’m fortunate that I’m in a position where I can stand up and say ‘this isn’t right’. I’ve received a lot of support for the stance I’ve taken from others within JCR.”

Duncan took over at Huntingdon after moving south to be closer to his family, including son-in-law and former champion jockey William Buick, and has just raised over £4,000 for the National Autistic Society by doing a cycle ride with his autistic grandson.

Roderick Duncan: "I’ve left because of a disagreement over systems which have been introduced that I don’t think are compatible or inclusive for some members of the workforce"Credit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

“It’s disappointing as I’ve invested an awful lot of myself and my time into Huntingdon, putting in a lot more hours than I’m contracted to and not sought any recompense,” he added.

Duncan was at the helm as Huntingdon invested over £1 million in drainage and a new stable yard in a project praised by National Association of Racing Staff (Nars) inspector Pete McCulloch, who said: “All these changes have come in since Roderick was appointed clerk and he’s been a pleasure to deal with.”

Duncan, who started as clerk at Southwell before moving to Doncaster, hopes the appointment of Dido Harding as senior steward of the Jockey Club will herald a change of direction.

“The positive thing is that I spoke to Dido Harding, she understood and seemed sympathetic and she will drive change,” he said.

Reacting to his departure, Amy Starkey, managing director of the Jockey Club, said: "Sadly, Roderick decided to step down from his role as clerk of the course at Huntingdon last month. 

Racegoers watch the action close to a flight of hurdles at Huntingdon in March 2024Credit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

"His contribution to both the racecourse and the wider group has been hugely valuable, with the highlight being the successful delivery of the stable yard project at Huntingdon. I would personally like to thank Roderick for all that he has done during his time at the Jockey Club.

"Following his departure, Andrew Morris has been promoted to head of racing for Newmarket and Huntingdon. To support Andrew and the team, we will also be recruiting a trainee clerk to join the team. 

"Everyone at the Jockey Club wishes Roderick all the very best for the future."

Since his departure, Duncan has been working freelance as a clerk at Chelmsford and for Arena Racing Company (Arc).

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