David Armstrong – Chief Executive of the RCA
RCA CHIEF EXECUTIVE, David Armstrong, gave a big thumbs up to syndication when he was the special guest on the latest episode of “Inside The Rails.”
“I think syndicates are an absolutely vital part of how we go forward as a sport. They are already playing a key role but I think that’s going to get bigger and bigger as time goes on,” said Armstrong, who became head of the RCA, which represents Britain’s 59 racecourses, in 2019.
His background is in finance and at his last job at Premier League club, Wasps, he oversaw the club being the first British rugby club to be floated on the stock exchange and also the first to move grounds (to the Ricoh Stadium) mid-season.
The RCA supremo has always had an interest in racing and indeed was a syndicate owner with Willie Muir over 20 years ago. He certainly believes in the importance of syndication to the sport.
“Being able to give individuals the opportunity to be part of the ownership structure of the sport is vitally important,” he said.
Syndication is a huge part of the Australian racing industry and David alluded to that during the podcast. “I think I’m right in saying one in 290 people own a share of a horse. Syndicate ownership in Australia is much wider than it is here.”
David also mentioned three things he’d like to see change for the good of racing. He said it was “taken for granted” about having “more syndicates.” To find out his three wishes, you’ll have to listen to the podcast, available on major platforms including Apple and Spotify.
During the episode, co-host, Phil Boyle and I preview the Cheltenham Festival, looking ahead at the main races. Phil’s been in good form with his tips of late, so do give it a listen!
