One more season for Peter Wright as head of the sport
Peter Wright, chief executive of the Point-to-Point Authority, has announced he will leave his post no later than June next year at the conclusion of the 2023/24 season.
Wright, who took the no.1 job at the PPA’s Wiltshire office in October 2018, said: “It is time for someone new with fresh ideas.
“I believe a CEO has a limited shelf life – they need to be a safe pair of hands, but also able to bring new life to the role.”
A former army officer, Wright’s time at the helm will be primarily remembered for guiding the sport through an equine flu outbreak, and then two seasons of disruption due to Covid lockdowns, a period in which he gained widespread praise from Britain’s point-to-point community for keeping racing ticking over with a reduced fixtures’ list and behind closed doors – in England at least. However, a drop in the number of horses registered to run has continued to test Wright and members of the PPA Board, and measures to use the pool of horses to best effect – which he said “has always been based on in-depth statistical analysis” – have caused debate, not all favourable.
Wright chats to a local police officer during racing behind closed doors at Maisemore Park in 2021
Acknowledging some of the challenges he has faced, Wright said: “This is a sport which relies heavily on volunteers, and yet a CEO has to make some unpopular decisions. I have been lucky enough to enjoy a lot of goodwill, but I am aware that in order to make changes for the good of the sport it can run out.”
He added: “I could have left this summer, but July is one of the most difficult months of the year at the office, with regulation changes to be agreed and written up for the BHA and passed on to the Planner. It would have been unfair to drop someone with that lot.
“However, by making this announcement now I hope it gives plenty of time to find someone who loves the sport and will relish taking on the challenge in time for the 2024/25 season. It is a rewarding job in a great sport and you meet some wonderful people.”
Wright says it is time for someone with fresh ideas to step forward
He said his plans for the future are fluid and he is open to job opportunities, although once completing his time as the PPA’s chief executive he intends taking an extended trip to Africa, a continent he grew to know and love while serving in the army.