The Jockey Club announces two new committee members for Haydock Park and Aintree Racecourses in the North West Region.

Thomas Greenall will join the committee at Aintree Racecourse. Thomas rode successfully as an amateur rider between 2002 and 2013. During his time in the saddle he secured G2 wins over hurdles on Briareus (Kingwell Hurdle, Wincanton) and Ignotus (Premier Hurdle, Kelso), as well as enjoying a memorable victory over the Grand National fences at Aintree on Trust Fund in the 2009 Fox Hunters’ Chase. He is currently chief executive and a director of the UK’s largest independent hotel management group, Bespoke Hotels.

Thomas said: “I am very proud to be joining the committee at Aintree Racecourse. Aintree is of course home to the Randox Health Grand National, and it is this historic race that first captivated my interest in horseracing. It will be a great honour to continue my family’s association with the world’s greatest chase.”

Nicholas Wrigley, Chairman of Aintree Racecourse, added: “Thomas Greenall is a tremendous appointment to the committee at Aintree Racecourse. As well as first-hand experience of riding over the famous Grand National fences, I am sure that his considerable experience in the hospitality industry will prove extremely beneficial.”

Thomas Greenall

At Haydock Park Racecourse, Christopher Clay will join the committee. Christopher is a Law graduate of Manchester University and for the past 22 years has worked for Investec Wealth and Investment (formerly Rensburg). Based in Liverpool initially and from 2019 in Manchester, he is a Chartered Fellow of the Securities Institute. His current role is Senior Investment Director. A keen footballer and golfer, he also sits on the corporate fundraising committee for Blackburn Cathedral. He is also a Trustee of two private charitable trusts.  Growing up in Formby, his love of racing has been cemented by annual visits to the Grand National and friendships with trainers Terry Caldwell and Will Kinsey. He has also been involved in racehorse ownership, with his most successful venture coming as a member of the Nick Bradley Syndicate that owned Lily Agnes Conditions Stakes winner Great Dame.

Christopher said: “Having spent my life in the North West and with a huge interest in racing, it is a great honour to be joining the committee at Haydock Park. The racecourse offers top-quality action under both codes, being one of only four venues in the UK to boast G1 contests on the Flat and over Jumps. I look forward to working alongside all members of the team at Haydock Park.”

Nick Bannister, Chairman of Haydock Park Racecourse, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Christopher Clay to the committee at Haydock Park. He brings with him huge experience of the financial sector, which I am sure will prove invaluable in the months and years ahead. Combined with his passion for racing and lifetime spent in the North West, it was a natural appointment for us to make.”

 

Christopher Clay