The top 20 people who had the greatest influence on racing this decade

These were the people who had the power. That power was not always to make big decisions, although on this list you find the decade's key administrators and influencers. Power can take many forms and for some in our countdown strength came from the ability to influence through action. They were the ones whose brilliance with horses helped to sell the sport.

20. Brian Kavanagh

Long-serving Horse Racing Ireland chief executive Brian Kavanagh was embroiled in one of the most controversial episodes in the recent history of Irish racing when reappointed for a third term at the helm in 2016, in the absence of an open competition and in contravention of government guidelines. The central figure in Irish racing administration for two decades, he has also been influential in the international arena.