Lavender takes reins at Cheltenham races

Article posted by Coliseum, August 15^th, 2024

Image: The Jockey Club

Guy Lavender has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cheltenham Racecourse.

The Jockey Club said Lavender joins Cheltenham Racecourse from Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), where he has been Chief Executive and Secretary since 2017.

London (UK)-based The Jockey Club is the largest commercial horse racing organization in the United Kingdom. It owns 15 of Britain’s famous racecourses, including the 75,000-capacity Aintree Racecourse in England, the 67,500-capacity Cheltenham Racecourse in England, the 130,000-capacity Epsom Downs Racecourse in Epsom, England, and the 20,000-plus-capacity Newmarket Racecourse in England.

Cheltenham Racecourse is situated in Prestbury on the northern outskirts of the historic spa town of Cheltenham.

The Home of Jump Racing, Cheltenham Racecourse is the venue for the world’s pre-eminent Jump meeting, the Cheltenham Festival, which next takes place over four days from Tuesday 11^th to Friday 14^th March 2025 inclusive.

New CEO Lavender’s working life began in the British Army, where he served for 18 years in the Parachute Regiment, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2006.

Before taking up his current position at the MCC, he was the London 2012 Director for the South West of England and Managing Director of Wave Hub, a £42 million renewable energy project in Cornwall. He subsequently returned to sport as the Chief Executive of Somerset County Cricket Club, where he enjoyed a six-year tenure.

In addition, he is a lifelong racing enthusiast and since 2022 has been a Committee Member at Exeter Racecourse, which is also part of The Jockey Club family.

Lavender will join Cheltenham Racecourse early in 2025. It is anticipated that he will work alongside Ian Renton, current Cheltenham Managing Director who has been responsible for Cheltenham Racecourse since 2012, to effect a smooth transition of responsibilities ahead of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival.

Renton will remain involved at Cheltenham in an advisory capacity for a period, which will include The Festival.

Lavender said, “I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed as the next CEO of Cheltenham Racecourse and very much look forward to playing my part in the long-term success of the Racecourse and The Festival.

“There is an excellent platform to build upon and whilst there will be much to learn I have a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities in racing through my tenure on the Committee at Exeter Racecourse.

“Cheltenham is a great British sporting institution, and I am determined to ensure it goes from strength to strength.”

Nevin Truesdale, Group Chief Executive, The Jockey Club, added, “We are absolutely thrilled to be able to announce Guy Lavender as the new CEO of Cheltenham Racecourse.

“Guy’s deep and wide-ranging experience in sports events and administration will prove invaluable in his new role and should also ensure the continued advancement of the Home of Jump Racing and the Cheltenham Festival.

“Ian Renton has overseen a period of huge change at Cheltenham Racecourse following the 2014-15 redevelopment, which he led, and we look forward to his continued contribution as he and Guy manage a smooth leadership transition at the beginning of 2025.”

Martin St Quinton, Chairman of Cheltenham Racecourse, added, “Following a very thorough recruitment process, Guy was the candidate who really stood out. As a racing fan with significant experience of leading other sports organisations he brings a wealth of experience and I would like to extend a warm welcome to him from everyone at Cheltenham Racecourse.

“I would also like to thank Ian Renton for his years of dedication and commitment to leading the team and I know he will play an important role in supporting Guy when he joins us next year.”

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