New chairmen revealed for two flagship Jockey Club tracks at Cheltenham and Epsom

There is a changing of the guard at two of the Jockey Club's most important racecourses with the news that Cheltenham and Epsom are to have new chairmen.

Michael Wainwright will succeed Martin St Quinton as chairman of Cheltenham in May after the end of the 2025-26 jumps season, while Andy Hornby takes over from Brian Finch at Epsom from the start of next month.

However, Finch will continue to have a role at the Jockey Club as he is set to take up the newly created position of international ambassador at the organisation from November 1.

Wainwright, who is executive chairman of Cheltenham Gold Cup sponsor Boodles, has been on the racecourse's committee since 2019. He is one of the co-owners of Ga Law, winner of the 2022 Paddy Power Handicap Chase, among other horses.

Andy Hornby to succeed Brian Finch as chairman of Epsom Downs racecourse committee

Hornby has had a long career in retail and business, including spells as chief executive of HBOS, Alliance Boots and bookmakers Coral.

He also spent time as number two to Jockey Club chief executive Jim Mullen after Coral's merger with Ladbrokes in 2016.

Hornby, who is chief executive of The Restaurant Group, joined the Epsom racecourse committee two years ago and also chairs Jockey Club Catering, the organisation's joint venture with Compass Group.

Senior steward Baroness Dido Harding said: “We are incredibly fortunate at the Jockey Club to be able to draw on such a wide range of knowledge, experience and expertise when it comes to non-executive roles across the group.

"This is demonstrated not only by the calibre of those taking on the roles of chair but also by the dedication, hard work and leadership shown by Martin and Brian on the Cheltenham and Epsom Downs racecourse committees and the support they have provided to the teams at both racecourses.

“While these roles are rewarding for those who love our sport, they are also extremely demanding, especially in terms of time. I would like to thank them for the commitment and enthusiasm that they have both shown and wish Michael and Andy every success in succeeding them."

Finch's new role will involve his representing the Jockey Club internationally and focusing on developing and maintaining relationships with key international stakeholders. 

Baroness Dido Harding: "relationships with international stakeholders have never been more important"Credit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Harding added: "Our sport is a truly global one and our relationships with international stakeholders, whether regulators, racecourse operators, participants, owners, sponsors or investors, have never been more important. 

"Brian will play an important role in supporting our senior executives with these relationships and ensuring we continue to strengthen our ties in the international racing community."

Peter Stanley, joint-owner of New England Stud, will also join the Epsom racecourse committee.

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