Thoroughbred Group appoints Tom Goff as new independent Chair

The Thoroughbred Group has today announced the appointment of Tom Goff as its new independent Chair. Tom takes over the role from Julian Richmond-Watson, whose three-year term has ended following his appointment in October 2023.

The appointment will see Tom step down from the Racehorse Owners Association Board, where he has served since 2019, thereby ensuring that the Chair is independent of the Thoroughbred Group’s membership.

Tom brings decades of commercial experience to the Thoroughbred Group. As well as being a founding partner in leading bloodstock consultancy Blandford Bloodstock, he served on the Epsom Race Committee from 2004 to 2012. He was also a director of The National Stud between 2012 and 2018.

On the appointment, Goff said, “I am very much looking forward to taking on the role of Chair of the Thoroughbred Group. Racing and breeding obviously face significant challenges, and I believe we need to focus on our shared priorities going forward. The Thoroughbred Group needs to provide strong and united leadership. Alongside Britain’s racecourses and the BHA, we must work together to find practical ways to help our great sport grow.”

Outgoing Chair Julian Richmond-Watson said, “It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of the Thoroughbred Group, and I would like to thank each of the members for their counsel and contributions over the last three years. The Group has a vital role to play in the sport’s growth agenda, and I wish Tom all the best in leading those efforts.”

Paul Johnson, Thoroughbred Group Director, said, “On behalf of the members, I would like to thank Julian for the advocacy and expertise he has brought to the role. The Thoroughbred Group has been working to have a greater say in the future of our sport, and Julian’s breadth of knowledge and focus on the long-term health of British racing has been central to that. We now look forward to Tom building on the platform that Julian has provided.”

The Thoroughbred Group membership comprises the ROA, NTF, PJA, NARS and TBA. For more information, visit www.thoroughbredgroup.org.uk.