Jon Pullin to take over as clerk of the course at Cheltenham

Cheltenham has appointed a new clerk of the course to replace Simon Claisse with Jon Pullin leaving his role as racing director at Arena Racing Company (ARC) to take over.

Pullin will also take on the role of head of racing (south-west), also held by Claisse, within the Jockey Club.

Claisse will remain in charge of clerking duties for the start of the new season at Cheltenham (The Showcase meeting on October 22 and 23) with a handover date yet to be agreed, but Pullin will take charge prior to the 2022 festival.

Cheltenham clerk of the course and director of racing Simon ClaisseCredit: Edward Whitaker

Pullin, a conditional jockey between 1987 and 1993, has clerked at Doncaster, Uttoxeter, Southwell and Wolverhampton.

“The Cheltenham Festival is the absolute pinnacle of our sport, so I’m thrilled to be given this rare and exciting opportunity,” said Pullin.

“There's no doubt that the role is one of the most pressurised and challenging in British horseracing, but I also know that it can be one of the most rewarding.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with Arena Racing Company and can’t thank my colleagues there enough for all their support over the years. However, I’m excited to be starting a new chapter and looking forward to meeting and working with The Jockey Club team.”

Ian Renton, managing director (west region) for the Jockey Club, added: “Jon is experienced, passionate, highly knowledgeable and well respected within the industry and we are delighted to be welcoming him into The Jockey Club family.

CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Runners make their way down the home straight towards the empty grandstands on the first circuit during the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) on Day One of the Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 1Credit: Michael Steele (Getty Images)

“Not only will he be responsible for the racing at one of the most high-profile sporting events in the British calendar and all our other fixtures at Cheltenham, he will also oversee the racing performance at our other south west racecourses – Warwick, Wincanton and Exeter – working closely with the clerks there.

“It will be no easy task to fill boots as large and well-worn as those of Simon Claisse, who we once again thank for his very many years of dedication, expertise and service and wish well for the future. However, Jon’s experience will prove invaluable to us as a team and I’m looking forward to him joining us later in the season.”

Pullin has also held the positions of group racing manager at Arena Leisure, managing director of Royal Windsor and assistant racing director at ARC until promotion to the role he has left in 2017. Claisse, who joined Cheltenham in 1999, presided over 20 festivals at jumps racing's biggest event.

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