26 June 2015 – Racing Post
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Former Betfair executive Martin Cruddace has been named as Arena Racing Company’s new chief executive, replacing Tony Kelly who leaves Britain’s largest racecourse group next month. Cruddace spent nine years as director of corporate and legal affairs at the betting exchange before stepping down two years ago. Prior to Betfair he worked for law firm Schillings as a libel lawyer for clients including John Cleese, Rowan Atkinson and former Daily Mirror editor Piers Morgan. He was also head of the legal department of Mirror Group Newspapers at the time of the City Slickers share-ramping episode.
Cruddace said: “I am a huge fan of British racing and excited to be able to be involved with the sport in a professional capacity. “As the largest racecourse operator Arc has a crucial role to play and I will look to being able to use my experience to lead Arc at an important time for the company and British racing.”
Arc chairman David Thorpe said: “I am delighted to welcome Martin to Arc. With his wealth of experience of racing and betting I believe he has the key attributes to successfully lead Arc during this exciting period of development for the company. “Martin is set to inherit a strong and talented management team and some of the best and most talented racecourse teams in the sport. We all look forward to working with Martin and ensuring Arc continues to play a vital role in the future success of British racing. “The board and shareholders of Arc would like to reiterate our thanks to Tony for the enormous contribution he has made and wish him all the very best for the future.” Kelly’s departure from Arc after 11 years was revealed in April when it was announced he would be taking the role of executive directorship with the Hong Kong Jockey Club.