New UK equestrian industry appointments
Cheltenham racecourse has announced that Sky Sports presenter Rachel Wyse and Gloucester rugby player Billy Twelvetrees have been selected as ambassadors for this jumps season.
Both Rachel and Billy know Cheltenham racecourse well. Two years ago, Rachel took part in the St Patrick’s Derby — a charity race staged on the third day of The Festival in March.
Rachel said: “It was an honour to be asked to be an ambassador for the season. I have so many amazing memories of that day when I was lucky enough to ride around the course and experience something that not many people have to chance to do so.”
Nutritionist Sarah Parkinson has joined the team at Allen & Page in Norfolk, as an equine and animal nutritionist.
Clara Baillie-Lane from Allen & Page said: “Sarah is a real asset to the team and has a very wide ranging field of expertise, covering a variety of animals. Her knowledge and enthusiasm of equine, poultry, farm animal and pet nutrition will surely be invaluable to both ourselves and our customers.”
Annie Dodd has been appointed as the Horserace Betting Levy Board’s grants manager. She replaces Stephanie McIntosh who took a senior executive role at the Parole Board in August.
Racecourse Media Group (RMG) has announced its appointment of Adam Binns as the new director of broadcast and production.
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Richard FitzGerald, chief executive of RMG, said: “Adam boasts a wealth of expertise in television and multi-media production, as well as extensive commercial negotiation and contracting experience. We welcome Adam and look forward to his contribution to the future success of RMG.
Aintree racecourse has announced that Rose Paterson — the wife of rural secretary of state Owen Paterson — is to take over as racecourse chairman following the Grand National next year.
She will take over the reins from Lord Daresbury who will stand down after 25 years.
Sophia Heath joined Horse & Hound in July 2013 having previously worked for the Daily Telegraph's Olympics website, CNN International and Omnisport. A Durham graduate with a Masters in journalism from City University, Sophia has evented, showjumped and hunted. Sophia left Horse & Hound in early 2015 to join an international boating website.