YORK Racecourse have confirmed the appointment of Bridget Guerin as the next chairman of the York Race Committee from January 1, 2021.

Born and raised in Yorkshire, Bridget was introduced at an early age to racing by her father, John Cleverly, clerk of the course at several Yorkshire racecourses.

Bridget has enjoyed a successful career in the City including 12 years at Schroders and ten years as managing director of Matrix Money Management.

She has held a number of non-executive positions including eight years on the board of Charles Stanley Group PLC and is currently chairman of Schroder Income Growth Fund and is a non-executive Director of a number of other funds.

Bridget has been a member of the York Race Committee since 2010.

She is also on the board of Beverley Racecourse and is a former steward at Ripon, Thirsk and Beverley.

Bridget and her husband, Benoit, currently have several flat horses in training in Yorkshire with Tim Easterby and James Bethell.

Bridget’s first ever summer job was behind a tote window at York Racecourse and she worked for Mecca Bookmakers when they sponsored the Dante in the 1980s.

Bridget succeeds Lord Grimthorpe, who has served his two terms as chairman of the York Race Committee. He will remain on the six strong non-executive body, the other members being Nicholas Wrigley, William Bethell, Chris Denny and Nick Cheyne.

Guerin said: “It is a huge honour to take over this role and I very much look forward to working with the rest of the York Race Committee and the team at the Knavesmire over the years ahead."

She added: "York has been a constant source of pride and enjoyment throughout my life-time and I am thrilled to be given this opportunity to continue the work of my predecessors."