HUGO PALMER APPOINTED AS NEW NTF PRESIDENT

The National Trainers Federation (NTF) has announced that Hugo Palmer has been appointed as its new President, succeeding Nick Alexander, whose two-year term concluded at the Federation’s Annual General Meeting in London.

Accepting the appointment, Palmer said: “I am honoured and delighted to take on this important role at a time when our industry continues to face a period of significant change and am encouraged by the discussions today on a positive way forward for the sport”

Fellow trainer Harry Eustace has joined Rebecca Menzies in the NTF’s Presidential Triumvirate, meaning they will serve as the Federation’s next two Presidents in due course.

Outgoing NTF President Nick Alexander concluded his term at the meeting, having served the organisation during an important period for the sport.

Paul Johnson, Chief Executive of the NTF, said: “On behalf of the NTF team and the Federation’s members, I would like to congratulate Hugo on his appointment and thank Nick for his leadership, hard work and commitment over the past two years.”

The AGM was attended by more than 60 trainers and 10 senior leaders from across British racing, reflecting the importance of the issues currently facing the sport.

Leadership Panel discussion

Following the formal AGM, members and invited guests attended a Leadership Panel discussion on the future direction of British racing and how the sport can continue to strengthen its appeal to racegoers and audiences.

The panel featured Fliss Barnard (Ascot Racecourse), Seb Butterworth (Flutter), Brant Dunshea (British Horseracing Authority), Dido Harding (The Jockey Club), Nick Mills (Racing Media Group) and Paul Johnson (National Trainers Federation), hosted by broadcaster Nick Luck. Many subjects were discussed, with several questions from a range of trainers being debated in detail amongst the panel.

During that session, Chief Executive of the British Horseracing Authority, Brant Dunshea outlined his key priorities for the sport He said:

"It is no secret that the sport has experienced a challenging period, but I believe there is much to be positive about. The past year has seen a growth in racecourse attendances, new initiatives to ensure more horses are raced and retained on our shores and continued improvements in horse and human welfare. I am in no doubt that everyone in racing shares the same commitment to do what is in the best interest of the sport albeit there will be different perspectives.”

Dunshea added: “We are already seeing the benefits of the industry strategy agreed across the sport. We’ve just launched the second year of the national marketing campaign funded by the Levy Board, we’ve got the largest piece of consumer insight from Project Beacon, prize money is rising. And as we showed last year with the campaign against the Government’s proposed tax rises on betting, when the sport comes together as one it can be hugely effective.”

“If we continue to demonstrate that unity of purpose then I’m confident we can tackle issues like the rise of black market betting, the declining foal crop and the long-term funding of the sport."  

NTF Chief Executive Paul Johnson also discussed the Federation’s developing strategy around the fixture list and race programme, highlighting a long-term approach aimed at strengthening the sport’s competitive structure and maintaining strong interest among racing audiences.

Johnson said: “The strong attendance at today’s AGM, from both trainers and senior figures across the sport, reflects the shared determination across racing to tackle the challenges we face and build a positive future for the sport.

“Bringing together leaders from across the industry for this discussion was hugely valuable as British racing continues to evolve while protecting the qualities that make it such a distinctive and successful sport.”