News Weatherbys UK General Stud Book appoints Operations Director

Weatherbys UK General Stud Book appoints Operations Director

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Weatherbys has appointed Simon Cooper as its Operations Director in its not-for-profit UK General Stud Book company.

Simon is currently the Company Secretary of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, the governing body of thoroughbred racing in New Zealand.

He was previously Communications Director of Attheraces plc in London and, before that, Corporate Affairs Secretary and Head of the International Racing Department at The Hong Kong Jockey Club. Simon is a life-long racing enthusiast and takes up this new role as part of the General Stud Book’s ongoing business development.

Simon Cooper said: “The chance of returning to the UK and working in one of the world’s longest established thoroughbred businesses was too good an opportunity to turn down. I have thoroughly enjoyed working at NZTR – it has been a pleasure and a privilege to have been involved in a great industry as a member of the hard-working NZTR team. I wish them all the best for the future.”

At Weatherbys, Cooper will head an eight strong UK Stud Book organisation and will take up his new role in June. Cooper will report directly to Ronan Murphy, CEO of Weatherbys General Stud Book.

Weatherbys has provided the administrative and bloodstock services in support of British racing and breeding for almost 250 years. The General Stud Book for Thoroughbreds was first published in 1791 and as the “Mother Studbook” has been maintained and published by Weatherbys ever since. In 2015 over 4,500 foals were registered in the UK – a rise of over 5%.

Graham Ayres, Managing Director of Weatherbys Limited said: “I am delighted that we have been able to recruit a candidate of Simon’s calibre and experience into this new and important position. I am confident that he will help us to develop and improve our GSB business operations and further enhance our support to the wider industry.”

For more information contact:
Weatherbys
Nick Craven, Communications Director
Tel +44 (0)1933 440077/+44 (0)7850 025835 or email: [email protected]