By Andrew Atkinson
Nick Bannister has been appointed by The Jockey Club as the new Chairman of Haydock Park and will take up his new role on Saturday, January 18.
“I am delighted and honoured to be taking over the Chairmanship of Haydock Park from Lord Daresbury,” Nick told me.
Nick, 60, takes over the role of Chairman from Lord Daresbury, who held the position since 2015. Nick is a true racing enthusiast and has owned several racehorses, including Hussard Collonges, winner of the G1 Royal & SunAlliance Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in 2002.
Director of The Coniston Hotel, Country Estate and Spa in Skipton, North Yorkshire since 2012, Nick worked in financial regulation for 10 years, for both FINRA (USA) and the Korean Financial Investment Association (KOFIA).
Nick, who also worked in the investment Banking industry for 25 years for ABN AMRO, UBS and S.G Warburg, lives on the Coniston Estate.
Nick, who has three sons, his eldest being professional Jump jockey Harry Bannister, said: “Racing faces many challenges as we move into a new decade.
“I am much looking forward to working with Dickon White, Regional Director North West, and the rest of his executive team, in taking Haydock Park Racecourse forward in this important time for Haydock Park, The Jockey Club, and for the racing industry generally.”
Dickon White, Regional Director for Jockey Club Racecourses’ North West Region, said: “I am delighted to welcome Nick Bannister as the new Chairman of Haydock Park Racecourse.
“Nick brings a wealth of business experience to the role and also has a true passion for the sport.
“This combination should prove very invaluable in helping to maintain and improve the racing and customer experience at Haydock Park in the coming years.
“I would also like to pay tribute to our outgoing Chairman Lord Daresbury. His enthusiasm for racing was a great driving force for everyone at the racecourse and we are very thankful for his contribution over the last five years.”
