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Nigel Payne, the man who helped to create ‘The Lesters’, is becoming a Director of the Professional Jockeys Association and will take over as its new Chairman in the autumn.

Aintree’s former Press Officer and current Chief Executive of the Horseracing Sponsors Association will succeed Rod Street who stepped down as PJA Chairman last year.

Paul Struthers, who joined the PJA as Chief Executive six months ago, said: “The Board of the PJA has been seeking to appoint a new Chairman and we are delighted that Nigel Payne has agreed to fill this important position.

“I have personally worked closely with Nigel for many years and have always valued his opinions, advice and wisdom which he has gained during a career in the betting and horseracing industries spanning almost four decades. I know that he will offer the PJA, its Board and our members the soundest of guidance.”

Nigel Payne has been engaged in marketing for all of his working life. He was Marketing Director of SIS for five years, a Director of the International Racing Bureau and – for 31 years - Press Officer of Aintree Racecourse.

His other business activities have included the launch of Racing Promotions and Jockeys Promotions with Peter Scudamore and Steve Smith-Eccles which led the way to Jockeys securing additional commercial income including the wearing of advertising on breeches.

Nigel also worked with former Jockeys Association Chief Executive Michael Caulfield and the PJA’s current Director and Company Secretary Ann Saunders on the evolution of ‘The Lesters’, the annual awards for Jockeys that have gone from strength to strength.

Nigel Payne, who also manages The Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust and is a Non-Executive Director of Exeter Racecourse and formed the syndicate that owned subsequent Grand National winner Earth Summit, said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been asked to join the Board of the Professional Jockeys Association and to become its new Chairman from October.

“I am looking forward very much to working with PJA Chief Executive Paul Struthers and the entire Board of the Association and utilising the knowledge and experience that I have gained over many years in the horseracing industry for the benefit of all Jockeys.”

14 August 2012