James and Jonjo Sanderson, of International Racecourse Management

James’s early life saw him commissioned into the Royal Regiment of Artillery, leading him to serve throughout Europe and the Middle East before joining IRM in 1992. James has managed racecourses including Catterick, Wetherby, Redcar and Thirsk over the past 20 years as well as spending time seconded to clients in the Middle East and working in a Clerk of the Course capacity at Doncaster and Stratford-upon-Avon racecourses.

In preparation for Thirsk’s new season that starts on Saturday, April 12, James is currently overseeing a major redevelopment programme at the racecourse, which includes a new Dine & View restaurant in the historic Hambleton Grandstand, and a new trackside seafood bar as well. James is married to Marcia and has two children, along with a menagerie of animals – two dogs, a horse and two ponies.

Jonjo Sanderson is James’s younger brother. Like James, Jonjo was born in York. After university in Edinburgh, Jonjo joined the family business in 2000, cutting his teeth in the world of racing at Doncaster Racecourse before taking over the reins at Catterick for six years. In 2008 Jonjo moved to Wetherby following the departure of James to the Middle East and has remained at the helm of the West Yorkshire track.

Wetherby is currently in the middle of its winter jumps racing season and is the only Yorkshire Racecourse that stages jump racing only.

Wetherby stages seven more racedays this season, including the not to missed Mascot Gold Cup taking place on Family Day, Sunday, April 13, when various charities don their mascot suits and race for good causes, culminating in Ladies’ Evening on May 29.

Jonjo is married to Donna and has three young children.

• James Sanderson

What job would you like to have other than your own and why?

If I followed my heart I’d pursue an acting career. Acting pushes you out of your comfort zone, is hard to get right but is great fun and rewarding when it goes right.

Greatest achievement?

Professionally, it’s ahead of me. On a personal level, it is marrying the right girl for me and our lovely children.

What makes you most angry?

Don’t get me started! I could be Victor Meldrew.

Biggest mistake?

Waiting too long to start a family.

What do you need to make life complete?

Another horse right now; my fellow’s gone lame and is on box-rest, which is frustrating for us both. And a new cordless drill – mine’s rubbish!

Why do you make a difference?

I form my own opinion on what should be happening and then I push things as far as I can; maybe too far sometimes. I get the job done.

Epitaph

No thanks.

• Jonjo Sanderson

What job would you like to have other than your own and why?

I would love to have been good enough to have been a professional sportsman of some description, maybe playing rugby or driving fast cars, but I guess the talent scouts just weren’t out looking at the right time. I was always playing sport as a child and just really loved competing. A trait that still lives in me now.

Greatest achievement?

Personally, it’s got to be having my children, they are priceless sometimes and can really make me laugh. Professionally it’s got to be working with my family and not falling out (!), and luckily we’ve not even got close.

What makes you most angry?

I don’t really get very angry to be honest, more frustrated. One big frustration has to be people arriving late for meetings or appointments. If you have made an arrangement then stick to it!

Biggest mistake?

Fortunately, I have not dropped an absolute clanger yet, but we’re all human and mistakes do happen from time to time. The key is to spot that you’ve made one before anyone else does and rectify it.

What do you need to make life complete?

A small fortune! In all seriousness, I’m in a pretty good position. Good job and brilliant family and friends. There are worse positions to be in.

Why do you make a difference?

It’s definitely not just me that can make the difference. I’ve learnt that one person can’t do everything, but it’s making sure that the people around you are working in the same direction, remain professional and aim to meet the ever changing demands that cross the desk. But above all, keep relaxed and have a bit of fun with it all.

Epitaph

I haven’t really given it much thought, but hopefully people might think along the lines that he worked hard when he had to, but had some fun along the way and went down with a smile on his face!