Peter Stanley drafted in as co-chairman of The Racing Centre with George McGrath

Trustees at The Racing Centre in Newmarket have called in Peter Stanley to act as co-chairman alongside George McGrath following the fallout from a spoof Christmas quiz by the National Association of Racing Staff (Nars).

Nars chief executive McGrath, who wrote the mock article for the Nars Christmas newsletter in which readers were asked to name the trainer, or trainers, who had been the subject of certain allegations over the previous 12 months, has previously held the voluntary position alone.

However, trainers reacted angrily to what they felt were serious matters being “trivialised” by McGrath in the article, with Rae Guest writing to The Racing Centre trustees last week to withdraw from a voluntary donation scheme with the funds going directly to his staff instead.

Tensions between Nars and the National Trainers Federation have eased after McGrath admitted his actions had been “too provocative” and trustees at The Racing Centre are also hoping to show a commitment to trainers by making changes to its structure.

Stanley, Lord Derby’s brother and a prominent breeder in Newmarket, will now share the role of chairman at The Racing Centre, a registered charity and community centre, having held the role himself from 2007-18.

George McGrath: Nars chief executiveCredit: Edward Whitaker

In a statement released on behalf of the trustees, John Gilbert said: “Clearly the National Association of Racing Staff have no involvement in the management of The Racing Centre. George McGrath is the voluntary chairman of the Board of Trustees. During his tenure he has introduced a number of initiatives that have had a positive impact on racing staff and the wider community.

“The Racing Centre has held a longstanding and valued relationship with Newmarket trainers since its inception. This relationship has seen significant success with the redevelopment of the gym in 2014 and the donation of equipment by trainers and industry partners in the Newmarket area.

"The Racing Centre operates to support racing staff and has brought great benefit to the racing community and the facilities are regularly oversubscribed.

“In order to demonstrate the value we place on our relationship with local trainers, Peter Stanley will be acting as co-chairman with George McGrath with immediate effect.”

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