The Jockey Club has announced the appointment of Donal McCabe as its new Chief Corporate Affairs Officer.

McCabe, who will start on October 13th and report directly to the organisation’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Jim Mullen, is a highly respected communications, reputation management and corporate affairs expert.

He was Director of Corporate Communications at Ladbrokes between 2013 and 2018, before taking up the role of Communications Secretary for Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace from 2019 until her death in 2022. He was made Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order in recognition of his services.

Earlier in his career, McCabe was Director of Corporate Affairs at Railtrack, Director of Corporate Communications at Alliance Boots and Director of Corporate Communications at Land Securities, the largest commercial property development and investment company in the UK.

McCabe said: “I’m delighted to be joining an organisation with such a rich heritage but also one which is focused firmly on the future.

“I’ve loved racing ever since my Dad took me to Wetherby races as a young boy and having worked in the industry previously, it’s important to remember that we stage some of Britain’s most prestigious and loved events. We should all be proud of that and I’m excited to join the team at The Jockey Club.

“Racing faces a number of issues on many fronts and I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead, conscious that it’s important that the industry works together to face up to them.”

Group CEO, Jim Mullen, added: “I know Donal well from our time together at Ladbrokes and it’s fantastic to be able to appoint someone of his calibre for this role.

“Donal’s experience and expertise will be crucial in helping to ensure The Jockey Club is prominent on issues that shape the long-term sustainability and future of British horseracing, especially at such an important time for our sport.”