Alastair Warwick Appointed CEO of Ascot Racecourse

Alastair Warwick Appointed Chief Executive Officer of Ascot Racecourse

Alastair Warwick has been announced as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ascot Racecourse following 15 years of commitment to the British Racecourse.

Alastair joined Ascot in 2008 and most recently held the positions of Managing Director and Acting Chief Executive, he will be succeeding Vivien Currie, who stepped down from the role in October 2022.

Said, Alastair:

I am thrilled to be taking on the role on a permanent basis and would like to thank Francis and his fellow Trustees for the opportunity and for the trust they have placed in me.

We have an amazing team. From raceday ‘Bowler Hat’ stewards through to the senior team, everyone has the same aspirations for Ascot. 

During 15 years at Ascot, I have seen some of the best racing in the world and I look forward to welcoming future champions, equine and human.

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Alastair Warwick as Chief Executive Officer of #Ascot Racecourse. Read more here > https://t.co/jfCiUm3ten pic.twitter.com/Caeyp7RSh7

— Ascot Racecourse (@Ascot) March 20, 2023

Alastair’s contribution since acting as CEO for Ascot Racecourse, which has included negotiating an ongoing deal with ITV for showcasing free-to-air coverage, demonstrates a clear vision of the importance of accessibility for the sport.

Sir Francis Brooke, His Majesty’s Representative at Ascot and Chairman of Ascot Authority (Holdings) Ltd, said:

I am delighted that Alastair has accepted the position of Chief Executive on a permanent basis. Over the last fifteen years, he has gained the leadership and strategic skills needed for this multifaceted role. He has also played a key part in developing an excellent senior management team.

Alastair has a deep knowledge of Ascot and the racing industry. In recent years, in addition to being primarily responsible for racecourse operations, Alastair has led vital commercial relationships such as with the Hong Kong Jockey Club and the successful development of the World Pool. In recent months he has also been heavily engaged in wider media and betting rights negotiations, including the delivery of the successful renewal of the ITV terrestrial contract which was announced last week.”

Ascot’s highlight fixture, Royal Ascot, will take place June 20th-24th. Each year, the five-day horse racing event welcomes approximately 500 horses and 300,000 racegoers and is renowned for being Britain’s most valuable race meeting.

In November 2022, Ascot announced an increased total prize money of £17 million for 2023, with Royal Ascot hitting a new record high of £9.52 million (an increase of 10% from 2022).