Richard Lancaster, Stud Director at Shadwell Stud, has been appointed Chairman-elect of the TBA. He will succeed current Chairman Kirsten Rausing, who completes a five-year term of office in August 2012.

Lancaster said: “My objectives are to ensure that the interests of thoroughbred breeders are effectively represented at the highest levels. The TBA must also show continued vigilance in protecting our health status from the serious threat of disease. I am first and foremost a breeder and I shall work together with my fellow board members to ensure that the TBA maintains a prominent position in ensuring a secure future for our industry.”

Outgoing TBA Chairman Kirsten Rausing

In a move which has clearly set the TBA’s agenda for the forthcoming years, Lancaster will be supported by Julian Richmond-Watson, who has been appointed Vice-Chairman of the TBA board with immediate effect.

Richmond-Watson was co-opted to the TBA Board in April 2011 and represents the association on the BHA Racing Committee and the Horsemen’s Group Race Planning Sub-Committee. Through his membership of the latter he has recently been instrumental in securing a commitment from the Levy Board to provide additional prize money in 2012, to improve the race programme on the Flat, underpinning higher quality racing, which has long been a priority for the TBA. Richmond-Watson’s skills will be further utilised in 2012 when he takes a closer role as a Director of the Horsemen’s Group.

TBA Chairman Kirsten Rausing said: “These two high-profile appointments send a clear message that the TBA is committed to ensuring that members’ interests are protected and championed, both within the breeding industry and on a wider scale within the political world of racing.

“I am delighted that the board has sanctioned these appointments in a timely manner, and that I shall be able to leave the TBA in strong, professional and well-respected hands when I stand down from office in August 2012.”