Sandy Dudgeon appointed new senior steward of the Jockey Club

Sandy Dudgeon is to succeed Roger Weatherby as senior steward of the Jockey Club next year after being elected for a five-year term at the organisation's winter meeting in London on Monday.

ITV Racing presenter Alice Fox-Pitt is among five new members elected to the Jockey Club, as is Anna-Lisa Balding who joins existing members sister-in-law Clare and father-in-law Ian.

Dudgeon, 61, became a member of the Jockey Club in 1989 and was appointed to the board of stewards from 2009 to 2012 and then again in December last year.

He was a leading amateur jockey, winning the 1984 Fox Hunters' at Aintree on Gayle Warning, who he also rode to complete the Grand National in 1986, as well as the 1987 Eider Chase at Newcastle on Peaty Sandy.

A chartered accountant, Dudgeon is a director of Schroders' private wealth management business based in Hong Kong, although he is expected to relocate to the UK next year.

He said: "I am honoured to have been chosen as the next senior steward of the Jockey Club. I am looking forward to building on the great work of my predecessors from next summer, as we continue to ensure the Jockey Club plays a positive and active role in the long-term success of British horseracing."

The position of senior steward is the equivalent of being the Jockey Club's non-executive chairman with group chief executive Simon Bazalgette reporting to its board of stewards.

Julia Budd is to remain as deputy senior steward, while Lord Daresbury steps down from the board at the end of the year to be replaced by Aintree chair Rose Paterson.

Roger Weatherby will step down as Jockey Club senior steward in July

Roger Weatherby said: "I am delighted with Sandy's appointment and will be pleased to pass the baton on to him in July.

"I would also like to thank Peter Daresbury for his commitment as a steward and welcome Rose Paterson, the current chairman of Aintree racecourse, on to our board of stewards.

"Her appointment helps to ensure the Jockey Club continues to benefit from an exceptional main board."

Five new members have been appointed to the Jockey Club, with Maria Niarchos-Gouazé – whose dark and pale blue silks have been carried by the likes of Alpha Centauri and Ulysses in recent years – the one honorary member.

Wincanton racecourse director James Boughey and Racing Welfare trustee Venetia Wrigley have also become members.

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