The Jockey Club has announced that Andy Hornby will succeed Brian Finch as Chair at Epsom Downs Racecourse from November 1st 2025, following the conclusion of the 2025 season.
Andy has a wealth of experience in retail and business, including in the bookmaking industry, and is a passionate racing fan.
Having started his business career at ASDA, Andy was CEO of HBOS and Alliance Boots before entering the racing world when he was appointed CEO of Coral in 2011, before becoming COO of Ladbrokes Coral after the merger between the two bookmakers in 2016. He left the bookmaking industry to take over as CEO of The Restaurant Group in 2019, a role he still holds today. The Restaurant Group owns a wide range of quality restaurant and pub brands across the UK including its flagship brand, Wagamama.
Andy joined the Epsom Downs Racecourse Committee in 2023 and is also Chair of Jockey Club Catering - The Jockey Club’s joint venture with Compass Group.
He will succeed Brian Finch as Chair of Epsom Downs on November 1st. Brian has served as Chair of Epsom Downs since 2022, when he took over from Julia Budd.
Commenting on the appointment, The Jockey Club’s Senior Steward, Baroness Dido Harding, said: “We are incredibly fortunate at The Jockey Club to be able to draw on such a wide range of knowledge, experience and expertise when it comes to non-executive roles across the Group.
“While these roles are rewarding for those who love our sport, they are also extremely demanding, especially in terms of time. I would like to thank Brian for the commitment and enthusiasm he has shown during his time as Chair at Epsom Downs. I wish Andy every success in succeeding him.”
Brian Finch will take on a newly created non-executive role of Jockey Club International Ambassador, representing The Jockey Club internationally and focusing on developing and maintaining relationships with key international stakeholders.
In addition Peter Stanley has been appointed to the Epsom Downs racecourse committee, with a particular focus on supporting the team reinvigorating The Derby. Stanley, who was elected a Member of The Jockey Club in 2001, was a Steward of The Jockey Club between 2014 and 2022 and Chair of Jockey Club Estates from 2018 to 2022 and is also a current member of the committee at Newmarket Racecourses.
