Horse racing to remain at the beating heart of magical Cartmel Racecourse, pledges new manager Geraldine McKay
THE new head of one of the UK’s most unique racecourses has pledged horse racing will continue to be its central focus as she takes the reins.
Geraldine McKay is announced as the manager of Cartmel Racecourse, in Cumbria, where she will build upon a host of recent improvements secured by its owner, the Holker Group.
Mrs McKay explained horse racing itself was central to her vision for the course in order to protect its magical atmosphere and esteemed heritage.
“This is a very special role and one I’m thrilled to be taking forward,” she said.
“There’s something very different and unique about Cartmel - it’s a one off - and the heritage and tradition of racing here is something I’m keen to protect.
“Horse racing is the beating heart of Cartmel and will remain so. It provides fantastic opportunities in northern jump racing for owners and trainers based across the region and further afield.
“Everyone loves coming to this course. People talk about coming here - whether that’s to bring a horse, because they love racing or simply to enjoy a wonderful social event with family and friends.
“I want to enhance that experience for all of our racegoers and ensure they continue to enjoy a magical day out.”
Mrs McKay previously spent more than four years at the helm of Jockey Club-owned Carlisle Racecourse where she secured a raft of improvements and increased ticket sales.
Her tenure included overseeing the highest attendance for a music event when artist Jess Glynne performed on site in 2017.
She was also instrumental in the introduction of the Northern Lights racing series at Carlisle as well as the development of the UK’s only all female jockey’s fixture.
Since leaving in 2018 Mrs McKay has run her own business, working to help promote and develop firms throughout Cumbria.
Citing her passion for the horse racing industry - in particular the chance to introduce young people to the sport - as the driver for her move to Cartmel Racecourse, she added: “I have really enjoyed my time working with businesses over the past year-and-a-half.
“But the opportunity to lead the team here at Cartmel, a fantastic independent course in Cumbria, was just too good to miss.”
Mrs McKay, who will relocate from Cockermouth to Cartmel in the coming weeks, will be at the helm for the course’s two-day meeting on Saturday 24 and Bank Holiday Monday 26 August.
She steps into the role following the departure of Holker Racing and Leisure managing director Steve Cooper last month.
Mr Cooper had overseen the refurbishment of Cartmel’s Grandstand, Louis Roederer Restaurant and stables complex, as well as the launch of Rogan & Co at the Races, a new premier hospitality offering, during his 18 months in post.
Holker Group chief executive Allen Gibb said he was delighted to have secured the services of someone of Mrs McKay’s calibre and expertise.
“Geraldine has a wealth of experience not only in the racing industry, but in working to bring out the very best in high profile businesses.”
He added: “Geraldine’s enthusiasm is infectious and we look forward to working with her as she puts into place her vision for Cartmel - to preserve its very special character, keep horse racing at its heart and develop the experience of an unsurpassed day out at this course for our owners, trainers, jockeys and racegoers.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
Cartmel Racecourse stages National Hunt (jump) racing. There are nine fixtures in the Cartmel racing calendar, commencing on the Whit Holiday weekend in May and running through the August Bank Holiday weekend. Cartmel’s most valuable race, the Cumbria Crystal Cup is staged during the July meeting.
Racecourse guests can luxuriate in the Louis Roederer restaurant. Located on the first floor of the Grandstand (within the Paddock enclosure), the restaurant has a new look for 2019. With its own private viewing balcony, this restaurant boasts panoramic views of the racecourse, finishing line and parade ring,
For the 2019 race season, the racecourse has announced an exciting new collaboration with Rogan & Co, Simon Rogan’s Cartmel-based Michelin starred neighbourhood restaurant. Rogan & Co at Cartmel Races will be launched as an exclusive new venue for the 2019 racing season. It will combine the culinary excellence of Rogan & Co with the first trackside hospitality offering at the Racecourse, taking the form of a stylish glass-fronted marquee and garden terrace overlooking the famous finishing straight.
The racecourse is just minutes from the village of Cartmel, which is situated at the southern end of the Lake District Peninsula, very close to both the shores of Morecambe Bay and to Windermere.
This press release was issued by 32West on behalf of Cartmel Racecourse. If you have any questions or requests, please contact Caroline Barber on 07711 820 944.