NAAS racecourse manager Tom Ryan is due to leave the role in the coming months, after almost 13 years at the helm there. He has recently been appointed director of strategy and international racing at the Equestrian Club of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.

Ryan said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to serve Naas racecourse over the past 13 years or so. I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it, working with a very proactive board and staff to progress the course over the years and to improve its status within the racing industry. I want to acknowledge the very valued support I have received from all industry participants, raceday contributors and racegoers. Naas racecourse will remain very close to my heart for many years to come, and I look forward to seeing its fortunes improve.”

The racecourse chairman Dermot Cantillon commented: “On behalf of Naas racecourse I want to congratulate Tom on his new appointment. During his tenure Tom has done a really excellent job. Both the many improvements on the track and the enhancement of the racing programme are a testimony to his hard work and dedication. The Naas board will now seek to recruit a new manager to continue with our vision for the racecourse as a top international, dual-purpose track.”