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

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

His working life began in the British Army, where he served for 18 years in the Parachute Regiment, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2006. Before taking up his current position at the MCC, he 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 subsequently returned to sport as the Chief Executive of Somerset County Cricket Club, where he enjoyed a six-year tenure.

In addition, he is a lifelong racing enthusiast and since 2022 has been a Committee Member at Exeter Racecourse, which is also part of The Jockey Club family.

Lavender will join The Jockey Club at Cheltenham Racecourse early in 2025. It is anticipated that he will work alongside Ian Renton, current Cheltenham Managing Director who has been responsible for Cheltenham Racecourse since 2012, to effect a smooth transition of responsibilities ahead of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival. Renton will remain involved at Cheltenham in an advisory capacity for a period, which will include The Festival.

Guy Lavender said: “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, 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.”

About Cheltenham Racecourse

Cheltenham Racecourse is situated in Prestbury on the northern outskirts of the historic spa town of Cheltenham. The Home of Jump Racing, Cheltenham Racecourse is the venue for the world's pre-eminent Jump meeting, The Cheltenham Festival, which next takes place over four days from Tuesday 11th to Friday 14th March 2025 inclusive. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Cotswolds, Cheltenham Racecourse is a stunning natural arena and offers the highest quality action throughout the Jump season.

For more information, please visit www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/

About The Jockey Club

Founded in 1750 The Jockey Club is today the largest employer and commercial organisation in British horseracing and one of the leading sports businesses operating in the UK.

The Jockey Club is governed by Royal charter, ensuring all profits are reinvested back into racing, which is Britain’s second biggest spectator sport.

The Jockey Club runs 15 of the UK’s racecourses – large and local – and is charged with looking after some of the nation’s biggest events, including the Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree, The Cheltenham Festival, The Betfred Derby Festival at Epsom Downs and the Betfred Guineas Festival at Newmarket.

Thousands of racehorses also use The Jockey Club’s training centres in Newmarket, Lambourn and Epsom every year, while the organisation also runs The National Stud in Newmarket and the charity, Racing Welfare, which makes help available to everyone in racing.

The Jockey Club’s joint Patrons are His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen.

For more information, please visit www.thejockeyclub.co.uk