Three elected to ROA Board

Celia Djivanovic, an owner for the last eight years who narrowly missed out on election 12 months ago, topped the poll of nine candidates in this year’s election to the Board of the Racehorse Owners Association.

Also successful in filling the three places available were incumbents Charlie Parker (pictured on the left), an owner for 25 years who was first elected in 2015, and Paul Duffy, an owner for 19 years who has served since 2011.

Celia Djivanovic said: “A huge thank you to everybody who voted for me. I am overwhelmed by the numbers and will do my utmost to reward their confidence in me. I am delighted that I now have the opportunity, through a seat on the Board, to make a positive difference for owners, and for our horses.”

Charlie Parker said: “I am delighted to be re-elected to the board of the ROA and I would like to thank all the members who voted in the election. Our industry faces some serious challenges ahead and the ROA is at the centre of some very exciting initiatives. I will continue to devote my time and efforts in helping our executive team achieve what is best for all owners.”

Paul Duffy said: “I am delighted to be returned for a third term. There are lots of challenges ahead and I look forward to playing an active role alongside our excellent team.”

ROA President Nicholas Cooper said: “I would like to offer my congratulations to the three successful candidates. I warmly welcome Celia Djivanovic who is joining the Board for the first time, while Charlie Parker and Paul Duffy will be continuing to make their valuable contributions after being re-elected.

“I would like to thank the other six candidates who stood in this keenly contested election but were unsuccessful on this occasion. I hope that they will consider putting themselves forward again next year – as Celia has proved that persistence pays off.

“I would also like to pay tribute and to thank the three members of the Board who are standing down this year – Stephen Smith, Justin Wadham and Lynn Douglas. Their contributions to the cause of racehorse owners have been outstanding and we are indebted to them for their efforts.”

The election results were announced at the ROA’s Annual General Meeting held in London on Tuesday 3rd July.

The finishing order in the election, overseen by Electoral Reform Services, was:

• Celia Djivanovic (766 votes)
• Charlie Parker (718)
• Paul Duffy (471)
• Dave Arthur
• Ian Buchanan
• Randy Weeks
• Walid Marzouk
• Andrew Cambridge
• Tony Lousada

 3 July 2018