New boss at Nottingham Racecourse

James Knox (pictured) brings extensive experience from working in catering at major British sporting and leisure venues.

H e will move to Colwick Park from his current job as general manager of catering at Sandown Park racecourse in London, where he heas overseen the creation of a new £350,000 restaurant.

In the past, Aberdeen-born Knox has also worked at Huntingdon and Warwick racecourses, as well as at top Nottingham venues, the Royal Centre and the National Ice Centre.

The Nottingham track has been run by The Jockey Club, the largest commercial group in British horse-racing, since 2006.

Previously, Pip Kirkby had jointly managed the course, along with that at Market Rasen.

But it was felt that Colwick Park needed its own chief after an increase in fixtures to 20 in 2014 and a rise of 17% in prize money.

Said Amy Starkey, regional director at The Jockey Club: “We believe Nottingham has much potential, both as a racecourse and as a conference and events centre. James’s experience and ability ideally position him to take forward the racecourse.”

Knox himself commented: “I am thrilled to be given this opportunity to manage a racecourse directly for the first time. I have many happy memories from working in Nottinghamh previously.”