Fresh start for Limerick as Tom Rudd is appointed general manager

Former Irish Grand National-winning jockey Tom Rudd has been unveiled as the new general manager at Limerick.

Rudd will leave his role at Tattersalls Ireland to take over duties at the Munster track from Emma White, who quit the role in May after less than four months in charge.

White’s departure added to an already disruptive period for the track. Limerick came under scrutiny in late 2020 when the Irish Stable Staff Association asked the raceday stewards to address the lack of hot food available for workers.

Association of Irish Racehorse Owners manager Regina Byrne also wrote to Horse Racing Ireland to raise concerns about the way owners were treated at the track, following multiple complaints from a fixture held last July, with Racing TV’s Kevin O’Ryan branding the fiasco as a "disgrace".

Rudd won the 1999 Irish National on Michael O’Brien’s Glebe Lad, and the former jockey is looking forward to joining the team at Limerick.

He said: “I'm truly excited to be joining Limerick. I have a passion for the sport and the wider industry.

“I look forward to growing Limerick into something even better than it is over the coming years.

“I have, along with the board, long-term plans, and can’t wait to get into the real action that comes with being general manager."

Limerick chairman Mark McMahon hailed the news of Rudd’s appointment, and hopes he can cement Limerick's status as more than just a sporting destination.

McMahon said: “We are delighted that Tom has come on board with us. He has great enthusiasm for our sport, and he's progressive in his plans to further develop Limerick racecourse as a sporting destination and much more besides.

“We wish Tom well and look forward to working with him well into the future.”

Racing returns at Limerick on Wednesday for an evening meeting.

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