Bridget Guerin named as new chair of York Races

Bridget Guerin will succeed Lord Grimthorpe as the next Chairman of the York Race Committee from January 1st 2021.

Born and brought up 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 twelve 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 is already a regular face at the racecourse, having 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 Stakes in the 1980s.

Lord Grimthorpe, who has served his two terms as Chairman, will remain on the six strong non-executive body, the other members being Nicholas Wrigley, William Bethell, Chris Denny and Nick Cheyne.

Bridget Guerin said: “It is a huge honour to take over this role from Teddy 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.

"York has been a constant source of pride and enjoyment throughout my lifetime and I am thrilled to be given this opportunity to continue the work of my predecessors. Our aim remains to deliver high-quality racing alongside a fantastic racing experience and we all hope for the return of spectators to enjoy the wonderful York facilities and racing, when the Dante Festival starts on Wednesday May 12, 2021.”