Philip Davies MP elected to Racehorse Owners Association board

Philip Davies MP has been elected to the board of the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA), although he did not come out on top of the ten candidates who stood in this year's election.

The Conservative politician, who represents the Yorkshire constituency of Shipley, polled 464 votes which placed him behind Celia Djivanovic, who was re-elected with 517 votes.

Former trainer and current owner-breeder Mouse Hamilton-Fairley has also joined the board after finishing third with 424 votes.

Davies, who is an owner with Oliver Greenall, Jo Foster and Mick and David Easterby, had said he hoped his political experience would be of help to the ROA given the challenges faced by the industry.

He said of his latest electoral success: "As a lifelong racing fan, this is a sport I know and love. To be involved at this level is a great privilege.

"The members and the board have been so welcoming. I am looking forward to getting stuck in and helping racing and owners to both navigate the challenging period ahead, but also thrive in the future.”

Djivanovic, who is an ROA representative on the Whip Review Steering Group, is also co-leader of the organisation's governance review undertaken to identify areas where it could improve its efficiency and effectiveness.

She said: "It has been fantastic to co-lead the ROA’s work on corporate governance and the review. Corporate governance is incredibly important to securing the future of our sport and we still have a lot more to do, not just here but across the sport.

"I’d like to thank everyone who voted for me and I look forward to working alongside the new members and rest of the board and executive on the issues most important to owners.”

Hamilton-Fairley, who will be looking to ensure better representation of the smaller owner in racing, said it was "a huge honour" to be elected to the ROA board.

She added: "I will do my very best to represent those smaller racehorse owners, owner-breeders and syndicate members to make sure their voices are heard and listened to better in the future, across all aspects of this sport we love, whether it’s in decision making at the highest level or improving the raceday experience. In addition, I am keen to ensure more transparency on equine welfare issues."

The new members will officially join the board at the ROA's annual meeting on September 1, which has been postponed from this week due to Covid-19.

ROA president Charlie Parker said: "Both our new board members and Celia’s re-election are indicative of the impetus behind our corporate governance agenda at the ROA.

"We are determined to, in line with our review, drive a more diverse set of people and skills on our board. Everyone in this cohort is bringing a new and fresh perspective to our leadership.

"With so many challenges to ownership, racing’s participants and racing in its totality, I look forward to working closely with the board to help the ROA continue to be the voice for all owners, domestic or internationally based, our members and together deliver for racing’s future."

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