Eloise Quayle to take over as clerk of the course at Newcastle

There may be a vacancy in charge of the city's football club but Eloise Quayle, who became Britain’s youngest clerk of the course when starting out in the role in 2018, is to take over the reins at Newcastle racecourse.

She will succeed James Armstrong, who is leaving in December after 20 years at the helm.

Quayle, who is still only 29 and is from nearby Morpeth, was at university in Newcastle and earned a degree in biology before spending three years working for Gloucestershire trainer Ben Pauling, as travelling head person and pupil assistant.

She qualified as a clerk three and a half years ago and held the position at Windsor for a year and a half before moving to Uttoxeter, where she has been in charge since 2019.

"I'm absolutely delighted to take on the role of clerk of the course at Newcastle," she said. "Having grown up in Northumberland, I am very excited to return to the north-east and to be involved in working at such a historic racecourse.

"The programme is of course a busy one but offers plenty to look forward to across the year, with meetings like the Northumberland Plate Festival, the Fighting Fifth Hurdle and now All-Weather Championships Finals Day.

"I would like to thank the brilliant team at Uttoxeter for their support over the last three years, and the racing staff, jockeys, owners and trainers who have attended the racecourse; it has been a pleasure to work with them all."

Mark Spincer, managing director of Arena Racing Company's racing division, said: "Eloise has proven to be an effective and popular clerk and will certainly be missed at Uttoxeter, but I'm confident she will be a real asset to Newcastle once she takes on the role later this year.

"Our thanks and best wishes, of course, go to James after his many years of excellent service at Newcastle."

Arc also announced that Charlie Moore has been promoted to head of group racing operations, with Ben Cook taking the role of head of group racing fixtures and funding.

Yarmouth clerk of the course Richard Aldous will take on the additional role of regional clerk across Arc's Midlands courses, with Paul Barker taking a position across northern courses alongside his current role at Southwell.

More to read:

Britain's youngest clerk of the course Quayle all set for Windsor's biggest day

All-Weather Championships finals day to move to Newcastle from 2022

Police and air traffic control intervene after drone spotted at Newcastle

Racing Post exclusive offer. New customers can get £30 in free bets. First single & e/w bet only. Odds of 1/1 or greater. 6 x £5 bet token. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets redeemable on horse racing only. Free bets are non-withdrawable. No free bet expiry. Eligibility restrictions. Further T&Cs apply. 18+. begambleaware.org.