Emma Meehan appointed new chief executive at Down Royal

Emma Meehan, who has more than a decade of experience in racing and stadium management and marketing at Dundalk, has been appointed the new chief executive at Down Royal racecourse and will take up the position in January.

Her appointment is the first under the new management, Merrion Property Group, owners of the racecourse, who take over the day-to-day running of the venue on January 1.

Meehan said: “I recognise that taking on the management of the venue is a challenge as well as an exciting opportunity. Down Royal is an integral part of the overall horseracing and breeding industry and I look forward to being part of its continuing success and development.

"Our aim from day one is to ensure that racegoers continue to enjoy Down Royal and in fact we will enhance the overall Down Royal experience. This is the beginning of an exciting new era for horseracing in Northern Ireland and throughout the island.”

Emma Meehan (left) has more than a decade of experience at Dundalk racecourseCredit: Alain Barr

A new board of directors for the racecourse has also been confirmed and will include Michael O’Rourke, formerly Director of Marketing and Communications at Horse Racing Ireland, Mark Kershaw, formerly racecourse manager at Ayr, Musselburgh and Newbury, and Gareth Graham, a leading figure from the bookmaking industry in Northern Ireland.

Joe Collins, former senior clerk of the course for IHRB (formerly the Turf Club) with over 40 years of experience as a racing official and racecourse manager, will be an advisor to the new team.

Michael Roden of Merrion Property Group said: “We are delighted that Emma is joining us to head up our team as Down Royal begins a new chapter. The successful growth that she led at Dundalk and the huge experience that she has in all elements of managing a racecourse gives us every confidence in the future of Down Royal.

"We have spent the last year preparing for the onset of a new era at the venue and we will be ready to mark the opening of the 2019 racing season once transitionary plans complete.”

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