Presidents since 1945

There were a group of seven Owners who initially founded the Racehorse Owners Association:

Sir Harold Werneher, Market Harborough 

Married to the great granddaughter of Tsar Nicholas I of Russia, he played an important role in co-ordinating the logistics of Operation Overlord – the Battle of Normandy.

Cecil Boyd Rochford, Newmarket 

Five times champion trainer, he won the 2,000 Guineas with Pall Mall and trained the Queen’s Aureole to be second in the Derby. Step-father of Sir Henry Cecil.

Henry Persse, Stockbridge

Better known as Atty, he was a renowned jockey before turning to training, and handling the horse nicknamed the “Spotted Wonder”, The Tetrach (left).

Sir Malcolm McAlpine, London (President) 

Our first president, Sir Malcolm was Chairman of the family’s famous Engineering and Construction firm. He passed the Presidency onto his son, Sir Robin McAlpine in 1960, who won the Oaks with circus Plume in 1984.

James Rank, Godstone 

Elder brother of film maker J Arthur Rank, James listed his employment as “Flour Miller” when in fact he was son of the founder of the Rank Hovis brand, which is still going strong today. He owned the 1938 St Leger winner Scottish Union.

John Hetherton, York

John became a racehorse owner back in 1938, and was followed into racing by his son, Noel (who bred Champion Hurdle third Past Glories) and more recently by his grandson, Andrew, who is an active ROA member. A fine achievement for the family to have continuous ROA membership since the associations inception. 

Jack Olding, Hatfield

Jack’s company, J Olding & Co, were the sole London dealer for Aston Martin in the Thirties and specialised in the import and modifications to tanks and tractors during the Second World War. He brought the famous Druid’s Lodge training establishment in 1952 from James Rank, and owned the 1955 Queen Mary winner Weeber.

ROA Presidents and Vice Presidents since 1945