RoR board of trustees
The Board aims to promote high standards of governance throughout RoR ensuring that the charity is run in a way that is accountable, legal, responsible and effective and is aligned with the principles of the Charity Governance Code. The Board also sets the long term direction of the charity in accordance with the objectives set out in the charity’s governing document and ensures that its policies and activities meet those objectives.
David Thorpe
David has held a range of senior roles within the British horseracing industry, including director positions at the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), the British Horseracing Board (BHB), and the Levy Board. He was instrumental in the industry’s restructuring, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to its future. David also established a stud farm in the Cotswolds and continues to be active in equine breeding.
Rupert Arnold
Rupert brings extensive practical and governance experience in horseracing, having worked as both a licensed trainer and Chief Executive of the National Trainers Federation. He is a former director of the BHA and the Horsemen’s Group (now The Thoroughbred Group). Rupert serves on the BHA Judicial Panel and is a trustee of several racing charities, including RoR.
The Hon Lucinda Cavendish
Lucinda (Hopper) has been involved with horses, particularly Thoroughbreds, throughout her life, from showing ponies as a child to competing at advanced horse trials. She was joint master of the Hampshire Hunt for 18 seasons and has hunted former racehorses trained by David Nicholson. Hopper has judged at major shows in the UK and Africa, and in recent years, has been actively involved in the regulation of racing, serving as both a local steward and the chairman of the disciplinary panel.
Celia Djivanovic
Celia has represented the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) on the board since 2022, having served on its board since 2018. A retired solicitor, she has also been a trustee of The Horse Trust and served on the events committee of British Horse Trials Association. Celia has competed in affiliated dressage, eventing and showjumping, and has rehomed over 10 former racehorses in the past 20 years.
Bridget Guerin
Bridget is Chairman of York Racecourse and a non-executive director at Beverley Racecourse. She was a local steward for over 18 years and has 40 years’ experience in financial services. Bridget has served on several listed and unlisted company boards, including Charles Stanley and Schroder Income Growth Fund. She holds an MA in economics and history from Cambridge University.
Kyrsten Halley
Kyrsten is UK Marketing Director at Aldi, where she leads strategic brand and customer initiatives. She is also a Non-Executive Director of the BHA, helping shape the sport’s long-term strategy. A lifelong equestrian, she has retrained and competed former racehorses up to National Championships level. Her commercial acumen and commitment to equine welfare support her role as a trustee of RoR.
Victoria Murrell
Victoria’s passion for racing began in childhood and continued through university, where she worked part-time at Ladbrokes. She spent 18 years at Juddmonte, rising to Group Bloodstock Coordinator, and now serves as Equine Health and Welfare Manager at the TBA. Victoria has evented a former racehorse to intermediate level and currently produces ponies for her son to ride.