Daniel Cooper to replace Kirkland Tellwright as Haydock's clerk of the course

Daniel Cooper has won the race to replace his former boss Kirkland Tellwright as clerk of the course at Haydock.

He will take over next year from the man he trained under before qualifying as a clerk. Tellwright is to stand down in March, by which time he will be 68 and have done 23 years in the post.

Cooper, 30, has been clerk of the course at Exeter and Wincanton since 2019 and is a nephew of Andrew Cooper, who holds the same position at Epsom and Sandown and inspired his nephew’s choice of career.

His new job will give him an increased profile as Haydock is a dual-purpose track which races on 32 days a year and stages the Grade 1 Betfair Chase and Group 1 Betfair Sprint Cup.

Cooper, who will also have the title of head of racing, said: “I'm delighted to return to a course I know well from my training and one which has a rich history and heritage and can be proud of its race programme.

“Haydock Park regularly hosts top-class racing throughout the calendar and has been graced by so many great horses over the years, so it's a great honour to be taking over clerking duties at such a special venue.”

Kirkland Tellwright: will stand down as Haydock's clerk next MarchCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Cooper will continue in his current positions until the end of the year before working with Tellwright in the build up to his retirement. He added: "I’m also very much looking forward to sharing the role with Kirkland during the upcoming handover. I’ve got to know him well over the years and the opportunity to tap into his wealth of experience at Haydock Park will be invaluable as I prepare to take over.”

Haydock general manager Molly Dingwall welcomed Cooper and said: “We're thrilled that Daniel is joining us. He brings a high level of experience to the role following his time at Exeter and Wincanton, and the support roles he has played at a significant number of the Jockey Club’s major festivals.”

Dickon White, north-west regional director for Jockey Club Racecourses, added: “I’m looking forward to Daniel joining the team at Haydock Park and it’s great that he knows the racecourse so well already.

“I would like to extend my thanks to Kirkland Tellwright for his many years of dedication, which stretch back over three decades, and we wish him all the very best for his retirement when it comes.”

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