The next CEO of the Professional Jockey Association (PJA) must have racing experience and “speak the language,” the organization’s new president Nick Attenborough said June 4, after Ian McMahon left CEO role following unrest from horse racers.
McMahon’s departure marks a coup for the riders after tensions rose over how senior PJA figures were perceived to handle key issues such as whip reviews, pay. for the servants and closed the saunas at the racecourse.
The Jockeys tried to oust McMahon last month when he presented a petition to hold an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) to discuss his future. This prompted Jon Holmes, the sports agent to be considered a client of Gary Lineker, Nick Luck and Ruby Walsh, to step down as PJA chairman along with board members Simon Cox and Mick Fitzgerald.
In their place, Henry Brooke, Neil Callan, Tom Marquand, Andrew Mullen, Jonjo O’Neill Jr, Tabitha Worsley and Attenborough were appointed as new board members, Attenborough was announced as Holmes’ successor. after EGM at Warwick racecourse on Sunday.
In a statement released after the EGM, the PJA said it would launch a search for a new executive with the aim of completing the process by the end of the year.
Attenborough, a longtime owner who worked at Great British Racing, British Racing and at Sandown, said racing experience must be a prerequisite to replacing McMahon due to the way the sport is run. .
He told the Racing Post: “In my experience and I hope this is the general view, what you really need is someone who is used to the sport and can speak the language. You can. quickly reach consensus if you know that background and expertise, are a fan, and have worked in a sport.
“A lot of people have come into the race with impressive resumes and are confused because we have our own language and way of doing things, and I’m sure the same goes for other sports. .”
There has been speculation in recent weeks that Paul Struthers, a former PJA executive, could return to lead the organization he left at the end of 2021 following a high-profile disciplinary lawsuit involving the Equestrians Bryony Frost and Robbie Dunne.
While the search for a McMahon replacement goes on, Dale Gibson, PJA’s racing director, has been named interim CEO for the second time in 18 months after combining positions between the departures of Struthers and McMahon joined last April.
McMahon, a former professional soccer player, joined the PJA after working in a variety of sports, including golf, but had no racing experience.
In recent weeks, riders are said to have become increasingly agitated about the way senior management oversees key issues on their behalf and due to perceived lack of vision, particularly from McMahon. PJA also confirmed that it had terminated its contract with You First, a PR agency hired to represent them in March.
Attenborough said on Sunday that he hopes the PJA will be able to provide a higher level of communication with its members and other groups from now on.
“One of the reasons we want more people on the board is because they’re going or out of the country with other commitments and you’re not going to have everyone in the same place,” he said. but by having a strong team it is very helpful and we can ensure better communication with everyone.
“When I first joined the board, I was impressed by their ability and commitment to continuing and helping the sport. It’s great to find people who want to spend their time. , the energy and the effort to make it work and that’s what PJA has. I think we’re really in a position to have a positive future.”
