 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |  |  |
Horse Racing Ireland owner relations manager Aidan McGarry has been named as the new general manager of Navan racecourse, and is set to take over the reins next week.
The development comes as the Meath track's current boss Peter Killeen retires from a 40-year career in Irish racing, although he will remain an independent director on the board of the Association of Irish Racecourses.
HRI chief executive Brian Kavanagh added: "Since joining the racing department of HRI in 2005, Aidan has gained terrific experience in a number of areas of the organisation. He boasts a wide knowledge of the industry and I believe that he is a perfect fit for the Navan role."
Killeen, who joined the Racing Board in December 1980, was involved in the introduction of the Computote betting system adopted by Tote in the late 1980s before being instrumental in the introduction of more recent advances in on-course Tote betting and technology.
He was appointed manager of Tote Ireland Operations in 1999, a position he held until becoming general manager at Navan in 2014. This Saturday's fixture is his final meeting in charge.
Brian Kavanagh paid tribute to Killeen's contribution to the industry, adding: "Peter has given a lifetime of service to Irish racing, encompassing many significant roles in his 40-year career.
Buildmeupbuttercup has been retired to the paddocks after picking up a knock in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham last week, her trainer Willie Mullins revealed on Tuesday.
A seven-time winner, including two Listed Hurdles races last autumn, the talented dual-purpose daughter of Sixties Icon is likely to be offered for sale by her owner John Turner.