Blaithin Murphy has been appointed as the new General Manager of Wincanton Racecourse, The Jockey Club has announced today.

Murphy, 25, joined The Jockey Club in 2021 and recently completed the trainee General Manager programme.

She will succeed Jack Parkinson who will continue as General Manager of Exeter Racecourse, a post he has held since 2017. Parkinson will focus on operational delivery of Exeter’s rapidly growing conference and events business following a handover process at Wincanton.

Blaithin Murphy said: “”I am delighted to be appointed general manager at Wincanton Racecourse. Racecourse management has always been a career ambition of mine and racing is a lifelong passion. I would like to thank everyone at The Jockey Club who has supported me so far with a special thanks to Jack Parkinson for the time and guidance he has given me.”

Nadia Powell, Small Courses Director at The Jockey Club, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Blaithin as the new General Manager of Wincanton. Her passion for racing and racecourse management is clear and I look forward to working with her to continue Wincanton’s progress in the years to come.

“I’d like to thank Jack for his dedication to Wincanton and know he will continue to maximise Exeter’s encouraging growth as a conference and events venue.”

Lucy Gurney, Chair of Women in Racing, added: “Congratulations to Blaithin on this fantastic new appointment. Blaithin is also a key part of the Women in Racing committee, volunteering her time to support the membership of the organisation and drive growth. The committee all wish Blaithin the best of luck as she commences her role at Wincanton.”