IAN BALDING TOPS RECORD ROA COUNCIL POLL
A RECORD turnout in the annual election to the Council of the Racehorse Owners Association has seen Ian Balding re-elected for a second term.
Former ROA President Sir Eric Parker (pictured) was also re-elected, and is joined by Lucy Birley on the 21-strong Council.
Ian Balding received 1,446 votes – a record individual number for an ROA election as well; Sir Eric Parker 952; and Lucy Birley 728.
First elected to the ROA Council in 2006, Ian Balding rode his first winner when he was just 16. He trained horses, including 1971 Derby winner Mill Reef, for almost four decades and has been a racehorse owner for well over 40 years. He has extensive racing industry experience over many years involving the National Trainers’ Federation.
Sir Eric Parker has been a member of the ROA Council for the last 16 years. He is the proprietor of Crimbourne Stud and is the former chief executive and deputy chairman of Trafalgar House plc. He owned 1991 Grand National winner Seagram. He was ROA President from 1998 to 2001.
Lucy Birley (right) has been an owner for ten years, and has horses with Willie Mullins and Hughie Morrison.
ROA President Paul Dixon said: “I would like to offer my warmest congratulations to the three successful candidates. Ian Balding and Sir Eric Parker have contributed greatly to the ROA, while I welcome Lucy Birley as a new member of the Council.
“It is also pleasing that an ever-increasing number of our members are taking the chance to vote in our Council elections, showing how seriously owners regard their own role and that of the ROA within the racing industry.”
The election results were announced at the ROA’s annual general meeting in London on Thursday 24 June.
Full results:
Ian Balding 1,446 votes
Sir Eric Parker 952
Lucy Birley 728
* * *
Alan Pickering 584
Will Duff Gordon 565
Rick Dale 443
Murray Watson 437
David Benwell 259
Total number of votes: 2,075.
24/06/2010