Cartmel chief Garratt to replace long-time Kelso boss Landale

Kelso is to have its first new managing director in more than 30 years after Cartmel boss Jonathan Garratt was named successor to Richard Landale.

The popular Borders venue gets a day in the sun on Saturday when ITV4 broadcasts three races from the track, whose future direction will be overseen by an administrator who this summer will leave Cartmel and return to familiar ground having previously spent six years running Scottish Racing Ltd, the marketing and support arm for the country's five tracks.

Landale will remain associated with Kelso as a director.

Garratt said: "Kelso racecourse has held a special place in my heart for many years, ever since my work for Scottish Racing from 2004 onwards.

"It represents so many of the things that are great about National Hunt racing. I look forward to sustaining Kelso’s reputation as ‘Britain’s Friendliest Racecourse’ and building on Richard’s achievements."

Kelso chairman Johnny Jeffreys praised those achievements and welcomed the appointment of Garratt, saying: "We are delighted to welcome Jonathan to lead our excellent team at Kelso. He was the outstanding candidate and has delivered impressive improvements at Cartmel.

"Importantly, as the racing industry faces new challenges, his experience of race-planning and involvement in the new pool betting project will be invaluable.

"For more than three decades Richard has overseen significant change and development at Kelso. He has consistently championed the case for good prize-money to attract good horses. He was the initiator of our solar farm and promoted our recent switch to more equine friendly hurdles. We are grateful he will be helping to smooth the transition."