Cheltenham Owner To Step Down

Edward Gillespie – who has been the managing director at Cheltenham racecourse for 32 years – is set to step down from the role.

After such a long time in the position, those looking at bookmakers free bets note how it is bound to be a difficult decision for him to call time on his career at Cheltenham, but after 100 Cheltenham Festival days, he feels like the time is right.

Speaking about stepping down, he said: “It has been a privilege to manage Cheltenham and striving for the continued success of this special place has been at the centre of everything I have done in that time.”

“I’m 60 years old in July and, while part of me feels I could carry on forever, I’m conscious that my sporting heroes have bowed out at the top of their game, carrying their bats so to speak.”

“I’ve been here for a long time, so I’d love to get involved in other projects within sport or business in the last few years of my career.”

Gillespie then revealed that he will remain in his position for now, helping a successor be named before he steps down for good. There will now be a transitional process.

He continued: “While I’ve managed my last Cheltenham Festival, I’m in no rush; I will continue in my current position until my successor is appointed and then support him or her for as long as it takes to achieve the smoothest transition for the racecourse.”

“I’ll miss very much working with my colleagues and also looking after our customers, who have made Cheltenham the sporting Mecca it is today.”

“Soon I will be an ordinary Cheltenham racegoer and I think that’s a great thing to be.”

It remains to be seen what Gillespie will now do with himself, but it seems likely that he will be at the Cheltenham Festival next year, not in a working capacity this time though.