Wilf Walsh to succeed Maggie Carver as chairman of the Racecourse Association

Former Coral managing director Wilf Walsh has been appointed as the new chairman of the Racecourse Association (RCA), taking up the role from the start of next month.

He will succeed Maggie Carver who is stepping down after six years.

Walsh was managing director of Coral for eight years until 2008 and returned to be a non-executive director of the Gala Coral group for a further six years until their merger with Ladbrokes.

He was also a chief executive of Carpetright for more than six years before becoming chairman of its parent company Nestware Holdings in March.

Walsh has had a long association with horseracing, including as an owner.

Walsh has had a long association with horseracing, including as an owner

In 2009 he joined the board of Racing For Change, which became Great British Racing, before becoming its strategic betting adviser. He was also set to become senior independent director of the Racing Authority before parliament halted the abolition of the Levy Board.

Walsh said: "It is a genuine privilege to take up this role following Maggie Carver’s very successful tenure as RCA chair.

"I look forward to working with CEO David Armstrong and the team as we help racecourses navigate their way to sustainable profitability post-pandemic and to a positive dialogue with all of racing’s constituents in maximising income and increasing the popularity of our sport."

The RCA chairman's role is an important one in British racing's tripartite governance structure, as Walsh is likely to be on the Members’ Committee, which is responsible for high-level strategic decisions for the sport.

The RCA chairman also sits on the BHA's nominations committee, which makes recommendations on candidates for its board and also the role of chief executive.

RCA vice chair Charles Barnett welcomed Walsh to the organisation, adding: "We conducted an extensive search process which identified a very strong pool of candidates from within and outside racing.

"The board felt that Wilf brought all of the qualities the RCA was looking for at such a pivotal time for the sport as we continue the recovery from the Covid pandemic."

Carver also congratulated Walsh, adding: "It has been a delight and an honour to represent racecourses for the last six years and I would like to wish them every success in the future."

Read more:

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