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The man who led three racecourses to the ROA Gold Standard is poised for a new role attracting international runners to British racing.

Jockey Club Racecourses announced the appointment of Stephen Wallis to a new senior role of Group Director of International and Racing Relations.

Stephen has been Managing Director of JCR’s Newmarket Racecourses since 2007 and prior to that Managing Director of fellow JCR course Epsom Downs Racecourse, which he joined in 1994.

Under his stewardship, Epsom Downs, Newmarket July Course and Newmarket Rowley Mile each gained the prestigious ROA Gold Standard award.

Paul Fisher, Group Managing Director of Jockey Club Racecourses, said: “It is becoming increasingly important for our business to build the strongest possible relations with all of racing’s key parties, at home and overseas. Jockey Club Racecourses will benefit hugely from using Stephen’s experience and knowledge on a Group-wide basis, listening, learning and acting for the good of our sport.

“In practical terms, we want Stephen to get out there, ensuring the best horses are running in our flagship events, through to encouraging all Horsemen to support our racedays in return for the industry-leading contributions we make to British racing. He will be asking many people in the racing industry what more Jockey Club Racecourses can do for them.

“We are grateful for the telling contribution he has made to Newmarket Racecourses and British racing as a whole in these past four years, which we believe will continue to pay dividends in the future.”

Stephen Wallis, Group Director of International and Racing Relations, Jockey Club Racecourses, said: “After 18 years in day-to-day racecourse management, I’m excited about taking up this new challenge. I’m immensely proud to have run Newmarket Racecourses and would like to thank my colleagues and the racing community for the support they gave me during my tenure there.”

24 January 2012