news David Catlow appointed Managing Director of Retraining of Racehorses (RoR)

The Trustees of Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) have appointed David Catlow as Managing Director of British Horseracing’s official charity for the welfare of retired racehorses.

Previously Clinical Director at the animal welfare charity, Blue Cross, and a Managing Partner of Oakhill Veterinary Centre, David Catlow has over 30 years’ experience in the veterinary and welfare field, allied to considerable commercial experience. He is also a non-executive director of the Government’s Veterinary Medicines Directorate. He starts his new role at RoR on Monday 3^rd October.

Philip Freedman, Chairman of RoR said: “The Trustees of RoR are delighted to announce the appointment of David Catlow as Managing Director.

“With his extensive experience and outstanding track record, David is well equipped to lead RoR in fulfilling the brief given to it by the racing industry and outlined in ‘A Life Well Lived’, namely, to expand the charity’s role so that it can take overall responsibility for the aftercare of racehorses in Britain.

“This is an important appointment for the sport and we look forward to David developing not only stronger working relationships with racing’s stakeholders but also strengthening our links with other equestrian bodies to encourage greater participation in those activities among former racehorses and to aid our goal of traceability of all horses in post racing careers.

“As Trustees we are very pleased that Di Arbuthnot will be staying with RoR, an organisation she has led since 2002. The strategy of generating a demand for former racehorses through the creation of opportunities for them in a range of disciplines, together with educational programmes, has been a great success and Di will continue her work in these sectors, along with her international role as chair of IFAR (International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses).”

David Catlow, the new Managing Director of RoR, said: “I am delighted to join RoR and relish the opportunity to lead the charity as it looks to build on its significant achievements and success over the last 20 years.

“The Horse Welfare Board’s ‘A Life Well-Lived’ report and the Aftercare Funding Review highlighted new areas where RoR is rightly being asked to take the lead to demonstrate that the racing industry pro-actively protects the wellbeing of thoroughbreds throughout their lives. I am looking forward to working collaboratively with the industry to help achieve those aims.”

For more information contact: John Maxse, 07785 243232