Charlie Parker elected as new Racehorse Owners Association president

Charlie Parker is to follow in his father's footsteps when he takes over as president of the Racehorse Owners Association next month.

Parker's late father, Sir Eric Parker, was president of the ROA between 1998 and 2001 and was a member of the ROA council for 20 years from 1994.

Charlie Parker, whose three-year term begins on June 30 when he succeeds Nicholas Cooper, said of his appointment: "I am honoured to have been elected as president of the ROA by my colleagues on the board.

"The ROA is a vital component within the British horseracing industry and I am determined to continue the outstanding work of Nicholas Cooper in not only keeping owners at the forefront of discussions and decision making, but also to help the wider industry bodies face up to the enormous challenges that we will face over the coming months."

Parker, who has already served two three-year terms on the ROA board following his election in 2015, is a member of British racing's Resumption of Racing Group.

Chris Wright will continue as vice-president of the ROA having been elected for a three-year term in 2019.

ROA chief executive Charlie Liverton paid tribute to outgoing president Cooper, who spent four years in the role.

He told Owner Breeder magazine: "On behalf of the ROA board I would like to convey thanks and gratitude to Nicholas Cooper for his contribution to the board over the past seven years, and for his commitment over the past four years as ROA president.

"His leadership has been a constant during a period of evolution for the industry and the ROA has made significant strides during that time."

This year's election to the ROA board has attracted 15 candidates for the three available places including trainer Gay Kelleway.

Sam Hoskins and Alan Spence are standing for re-election, with the remaining 12 candidates completed by Mark Albon, Donald Clark, John Corsan, Simon Double, Colleen Ford-Ellis, Edward Goodwin, Amanda Hamilton-Fairley, Mary Philpott, Ged Shields, Graham Triefus, Martin Warren and Randy Weeks.

The successful candidates will be announced at the ROA annual meeting that had been due to take place at York racecourse on June 30. It will now be an online event.

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