New boss for Perth Racing

British racing executive James Oldring has been appointed chief executive of Perth Racing, as the organisation seeks to put upheaval last year behind it.

Mr Oldring was operations director of the British Champions series, a program of more than 30 annual races, and most recently was the Australia and New Zealand director of Spotlight Sports Group.

Spotlight publishes ANZ Bloodstock News and Asia Bloodstock News.

Optus Stadium and WACA Ground head curator Brett Sipthorpe will move to take up the role of track manager, while Northam Race Club track manager Brock Neeling will become assistant track manager.

It follows a tough year for Perth Racing during which previous managing director John Yovich was sacked after allegations of workplace behaviour issues.

The turf club commissioned a review of workplace culture by Beeson HR Consulting, and said in September it would accept its recommendations. 

Mr Yovich was replaced by Stuart Crockett on a short-term crisis management contract to lead the business as interim managing director, and will now return to CGM Communications.

Perth Racing chair Colin Brown said Mr Sipthorpe and Mr Oldring would work with the club’s general manager of events, Tony Favazzo.

“These are exciting announcements for the future of Perth Racing,” he said. 

“I would also like to acknowledge the outstanding work done by acting CEO Stuart Crockett and track manager Keith Langley. 

“Both have managed and delivered this year in the most challenging of conditions from the longest wettest winter to the hottest summer days on record.

Mr Oldring said he felt privileged to have been entrusted with the role of CEO.

“The racing and bloodstock industry have been an integral part of my life from an early age and I consider myself extremely fortunate that my passion has also become my career,” he said.

“Perth Racing is an organisation with a proud history and I’m extremely aware of the level of trust placed in me to be a custodian of that history whilst also looking at the opportunities for growth and expansion of the business in the future.

“I look forward to working with the board and the excellent team in place at Perth Racing, as well as all involved in the WA racing and bloodstock industry to deliver an outstanding racing experience and maximise the potential of the organisation’s existing assets at Belmont and Ascot.”