Britain’s Molly Day has taken on the newly combined role of director of the eventing and driving department at the FEI.
Ms Day was formerly the chief executive officer of Equestrian Events Inc, which runs Defender Kentucky, and spent nearly 10 years with The Jockey Club before that. Her past jobs include general manager of Haydock Park and Carlisle racecourses. She will officially join the FEI on 1 February.
She takes over from Frédérique Reffet Plantier, who had held the position of eventing director since the start of 2025 but stepped away when driving was to be added to the job.
Ms Day said that she is “honoured” to take on the position.
“I look forward to bringing my experience in delivering major equestrian events and managing complex operations to this role,” she said.
“Working with the talented team in Lausanne, I hope to strengthen connections across these two disciplines, support organisers, officials, and athletes and help eventing and driving continue to grow sustainably at a global level.”
Ms Day, who holds a degree in festival and events management from Edinburgh Napier University, has served as a trustee of Calvert Trust Stables and on the Women in Racing committee, where she supported initiatives on safeguarding, sustainability, gender equity and talent development.
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During her time running Haydock, she managed a major capital investment project, strengthened stakeholder partnerships and earned national recognition for customer experience. She also successfully oversaw the reopening of Carlisle racecourse following the pandemic.
FEI secretary general Sabrina Ibáñez said the FEI is “delighted” to welcome Molly to the team.
“Throughout the recruitment process Molly has demonstrated strategic vision, operational expertise, and deep knowledge of equestrian sport at the highest level,” she said.
“Her extensive experience, along with her trusted reputation within the community, makes her an exceptional addition to the FEI sports and games team.
“Molly’s proven leadership skills and strategic approach will be invaluable as she takes the helm of our newly merged eventing and driving department. We are confident that under her guidance, the disciplines will be strengthened and positioned for sustainable growth on the international stage.”
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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.
