Guy Lavender Appointed CEO of Cheltenham Racecourse

Lavender joins Cheltenham Racecourse from Marylebone Cricket Club

The Jockey Club has announced that Guy Lavender has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cheltenham Racecourse.

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

His career began in the British Army, where he spent 18 years in the Parachute Regiment, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2006. Before his tenure at the MCC, Lavender 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 later became the Chief Executive of Somerset County Cricket Club, where he enjoyed a six-year tenure.

Additionally, Lavender is a lifelong racing enthusiast and has been a Committee Member at Exeter Racecourse, also part of The Jockey Club, since 2022.

Lavender will assume his role at Cheltenham Racecourse in early 2025. He is expected to work alongside Ian Renton, the current Managing Director of Cheltenham, to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities ahead of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival. Renton will continue in an advisory role, including involvement with The Festival.

Guy Lavender expressed his excitement: “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 of The Jockey Club, commented: “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.”

4o

More reading

BHA STRENGTHENS COMMITMENT TO HORSE WELFARE WITH CHELTENHAM REVIEW

The BHA has reiterated its dedication to horse welfare and has activated its fatality review process.
BHA STRENGTHENS COMMITMENT TO HORSE WELFARE WITH CHELTENHAM REVIEW News

William Hill and BetMGM Confirm Sponsorships for Cheltenham Festival 2025

William Hill and BetMGM Confirm Sponsorships for Cheltenham Festival 2025 News

CHELTENHAM JOCKEY LAUREN KEEN-HAWKINS IN CRITICAL CONDITION FOLLOWING FALL

The 22-year-old was unseated from her horse at Worcester
CHELTENHAM JOCKEY LAUREN KEEN-HAWKINS IN CRITICAL CONDITION FOLLOWING FALL News

Guy Lavender Appointed CEO of Cheltenham Racecourse

Lavender joins Cheltenham Racecourse from Marylebone Cricket Club
Guy Lavender Appointed CEO of Cheltenham Racecourse News

Cheltenham Legend Istabraq Passes Away at 32

J.P. McManus announced the news on Thursday morning
Cheltenham Legend Istabraq Passes Away at 32 News

Mullins Sells Cheltemham Hopeful, What Path

What Path is one of three horses sold
Mullins Sells Cheltemham Hopeful, What Path News

Save 40% on Cheltenham Festival 2025 Hospitality

Earlybird offer gears fans up for 2025
Save 40% on Cheltenham Festival 2025 Hospitality News

10 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL

Here are ten interesting facts about the Cheltenham Festival that you might not know.
News

10 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL

Here are ten interesting facts about the Cheltenham Festival that you might not know.
News

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL TO INTRODUCE SAFER PADDED HURDLES NEXT SEASON

Innovative 'padded' obstacles introduced!
CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL TO INTRODUCE SAFER PADDED HURDLES NEXT SEASON News

Two-Time Cheltenham Winner Corach Rambler Retires

Corach Rambler also boasts a stellar record at the Cheltenham Festival
Two-Time Cheltenham Winner and 2023 Grand National Champion Corach Rambler Retires News

Racing Community Mourn the Death of Native Upmanship

Arthur Moore leads tributes to Cheltenham star
Racing Community Mourn the Death of Native Upmanship News

Cheltenham-Winning Trainer Seeks High Court Review Amid Suspension Delay

The case revolves around Firstman, a horse trained by Martin that tested positive for lidocaine
News

EXPLORING THE UNIQUE COURSES OF THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL

A look at the top 3 courses of the iconic festival
Cheltenham Racecourse News

ITV Wins BAFTA for 2023 Cheltenham Broadcasting

This marked ITV Racing's second Bafta win
News

Cheltenham Jockey Adrian Heskin Retires

Adrian Heskin was hailed as racing's biggest stars
Record-winning Cheltenham Jockey Makes Shock Retirement Announcement News

Cheltenham Fans Eye Up 2025 Ante-Post Odds

The 2025 Cheltenham Festival will commence on Tuesday, March 11
Cheltenham Festival 2025: Racing Fans Eye Up Early Ante-Post Odds News

Cheltenham Festival Winner Sire Du Berlais Fatally Injured

The horse was withdrawn during the Punchestown's Stayers Hurdle
Sire Du Berlais Fatally Injured at Punchestown News

TEAPHOO ON TRACK FOR CHELTENHAM-PUNCHESTOWN FESTIVAL DOUBLE

He is the favourite to achieve what no horse has since Anzum
Cheltenham, Cheltenham Festival, Teaphoo News

Festival-winning Trainer, Webber, Announces Retirement

Webber, aged 65, plans to race his final runners in Britain next month
Cheltenham Festival-winning Trainer, Webber, Announces Retirement News