Kempton Park

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Kempton Park has announced the appointment of Phil White to the role of general manager that has been vacant since former boss Amy Starkey took over at Newmarket earlier this year.

The move marks a return to London’s closest racecourse for 37-year-old White who started his career with Jockey Club Racecourses at Kempton Park in 2002.

White is currently sales director at Epsom and in his new role will oversee all aspects of the running of Kempton Park, which annually stages 95 fixtures on their all-weather and turf tracks, that includes the William Hill King George VI Chase which last year was won for a record fifth time by Kauto Star.

White said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have been appointed general manager at Kempton Park. I’m hugely grateful for the opportunities I’ve had since joining The Jockey Club and I’m looking forward to returning to the racecourse where I began my career in horseracing nearly 10 years ago.

“The Kempton Park team has had a hugely successful few years and I’m really excited about working with the team to build upon their achievements in my new position.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Epsom Downs and I will be very sad to leave my team and colleagues. However, Kempton Park and Epsom Downs enjoy a close working relationship, which will grow further in the coming months and years under a new regional management structure at Jockey Club Racecourses, so I’m confident I will be working alongside the Epsom team in my new role.”

Mike Street, Chairman of Kempton Park Racecourse, said: “I am delighted to welcome Phil White back to Kempton Park and to acknowledge the enormous depth of talent within the Jockey Club Racecourses’ organisation.

“Phil’s previous experience as a senior member of the Kempton team, coupled with the invaluable experience gained at Epsom Downs Racecourse, will prove invaluable as we continue to develop the business and take Kempton on to still greater achievements.”