Simon Clare elected by BGC as its appointee to the Horserace Betting Levy Board
The HBLB’s main aim is to help in the overall improvement of horseracing.
Key points:
-Simon Clare will be the new appointee from the BGC to the HBLB
-Clare has worked in the horseracing and betting industries for nearly three decades
-The Board consists of seven members, one of which comes from the BGC
-He replaces Mike O’Kane in the role
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has announced the election of Simon Clare as its appointee to the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB).
The Board is made of seven members, one of which will come from the BGC to represent bookmakers, with Mike O’Kane in this role prior to Clare’s election.
Clare has vast experience in the industry having spent close to three decades in the betting and horseracing sectors, including being accepted on The Jockey Club Graduate Scheme where he had a placement with the HBLB.
On top of this, he has worked at the Jockey Club and the British Horseracing Board, while he has also undertaken roles with Ladbrokes and Coral, and following the pair’s merger in 2016, became responsible for PR, Sponsorship and Social Media for both. Now, he is the Customer Communications Director for Entain UK brands.
The HBLB collects a statuary levy from the horseracing business of bookmakers which goes towards improving breeding, advancing veterinary science and the general improvement of horseracing.
According to a report in May, BGC members are set to contribute a record £105m ($137.4m) in levy payments to the HBLB for the past year, marking a £5m increase from the previous year and the third consecutive annual rise in levy contributions.
BGC CEO Grainne Hurst said: “We’re delighted Simon is joining the HBLB.
“He brings an unrivalled wealth of experience from his many years with Ladbrokes and Coral, where he has become respected as a vocal and passionate champion of the sport.
“I know his wisdom and knowledge will be crucial assets to the HBLB over the coming years. I would also like to pay tribute to Mike O’Kane who has been an excellent representative to the HBLB on behalf of BGC members.
“Over his time with the HBLB Mike has brought a strong voice for the sector to the Board at a time of significant change for racing and also record levy contributions. We wish Mike well in the future and are delighted to welcome Simon to the HBLB.”
Clare himself added: “I am extremely honoured to be joining the Horserace Betting Levy Board as the betting representative.
“Mike O’Kane will be a hard act to follow and I would like to thank him for the great contribution he has made in his time in the role.
“I have been fortunate to have enjoyed a long and varied career within the betting industry with Coral, now Entain, alongside a lifelong passion for horseracing and all major sports, so will hopefully be able to make a valuable contribution to the Board.”
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