Alliance welcomes appointment of Guy Lavender as new CEO of Cheltenham Racecourse

The Jockey Club has announced that Guy Lavender has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cheltenham Racecourse, the home of national hunt racing.

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

His appointment comes at an important time for the racing industry, as animal rights activists continue to set their sights on equine activities.

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 £42m 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 The Jockey Club at 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.

The Countryside Alliance has welcomed Lavender’s appointment. Polly Portwin, the Alliance’s Director of Hunting, said:

“We have a great relationship with Cheltenham Racecourse and look forward to working with Guy Lavender and his team when he takes up this appointment in 2025. We would like to express our thanks to Ian Renton for his ongoing support and wish him every success in his new role.”

Guy 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, commented:

“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.”

Save the date: Countryside Day at Cheltenham Racecourse will take place on 15 November 2024. More information to follow.