Perth Racing appoints former British racing administrator James Oldring as new chief executive officer

Former British racing administrator James Oldring has been given the task of leading Perth Racing out of one of its most difficult periods after he was appointed as the new chief executive. And the club has announced former WACA head curator Brett Sipthorpe will replace Keith Langley, who has resigned from his position as track manager. Oldring replaces Stuart Crockett, who took up the role as Perth Racing’s acting CEO in the wake of John Yovich’s dismissal last year and has finished his temporary contract. Yovich’s sacking over claims of alleged inappropriate workplace behaviour highlighted cultural issues at Perth Racing, leading to a full organisational review by external agency Beeson HR Consulting. The review found Perth Racing “had a factionalised work environment, siloed management and poor communication, which led to low morale and few commonly shared goals among employees.” It also revealed poor human resource management policies and outdated HR infrastructure. Oldring, a former amateur jockey in his native England, was the operations director of the British Champions Series and Great British Racing International for more than eight years. He played a key role in establishing the British Champions Series, which incorporates England’s best feature races and carnivals. The series culminates in England’s richest raceday, British Champions Day at Royal Ascot. “The racing and bloodstock industry have been an integral part of my life from an early age and I consider myself extremely fortunate that my passion has also become my career,” Oldring said. “Perth Racing is an organisation with a proud history and I’m extremely aware of the level of trust placed in me to be a custodian of that history whilst also looking at the opportunities for growth and expansion of the business in the future. “I look forward to working with the board and the excellent team in place at Perth Racing, as well as all involved in the WA racing and bloodstock industry to deliver an outstanding racing experience and maximise the potential of the organisation’s existing assets at Belmont and Ascot.” Sipthorpe is Perth Racing’s third track manager in six months after Chris Nation also resigned last July. Brock Neeling will return to WA after he was appointed Perth Racing’s assistant track manager. The former Northam track manager has been the assistant racecourse manager at Pakenham.