LORD GRIMTHORPE has been confirmed as the new chairman of the York Race Committee, the body that oversees the operation of the racecourse.

A member of the committee for six years, he will succeed Nicholas Wrigley, who will remain on the Committee having served the maximum permitted two terms in the role of chairman.

The other members of the Committee remain Lord Halifax, William Bethell and Bridget Guerin.

Lord Grimthorpe said: “It is an honour to have been asked to take on this role and being involved with York already, I consider that it is about keeping up the excellent work of my predecessors, in the development of the racing programme, facilities and experience of going racing at York”.

Paying tribute to the outgoing chairman, he continued: “Nicholas has guided York through these challenging times with both wisdom and wit; the successful completion of the trackworks project and upgrading of the Melrose Stand are lasting achievements from his tenure, delivered whilst the course increased prize money and welcomed record numbers of both runners and racegoers.”

Speaking at his last Gimcrack Dinner as President of the ancient club, a role that also passes with the chair, Nicholas Wrigley said: “York is a special racecourse and in wishing Teddy well, I want to pay tribute to both my fellow committee members and the team at the Knavesmire for the help that they have given me.

“I am very much looking forward to the Dante Festival in May.”

• Don’t miss Friday’s edition of The Press for a Lord Grimthorpe profile in Turf Talk