I suppose that my destiny to work in the racing industry was laid out from the very beginning, as when I was being born my mother was brought to hospital in an old Racing Board vehicle that travelled to point-to-points! My father worked for the Racing Board, and racing was part of my life from a very young age.

As a child our family were taken to some of the summer racing festivals as part of our annual holidays. Galway was a big highlight every year and I also have very fond memories of the old Tralee meeting.

We would go down to Kerry for the week and take in a few days at the races, as well as enjoying time out at the beach in nearby Ballyheigue.

In later years, during my school days in St Paul’s, Raheny, I developed a keen interest in all sports and at that stage I think it’s fair to say that I had much more interest in what football matches and race meetings were coming up rather than the books.

I remember looking forward to days off to go to the likes of the Phoenix Park, with the Grand National meeting in Fairyhouse being a particular highlight every year. 

After finishing school, a year abroad and a number of different jobs, I eventually returned to the familiar environment of racing. Like a lot of other people employed in racing I started off as a casual employee with the Tote, before securing a permanent job in the Racing Board, which was then based in Merrion Square in Dublin.

I have very fond memories of my time there and witnessed huge changes as technology transformed aspects of racing administration, not least of which was the computerisation of the manual tote system and its old perforated tickets!

Having worked in both a technical and clerical role in various departments over the years, I went on to become Operations Manager of Tote Ireland. I’ve spent the last 14 years in this role and I’m hoping that I can bring the experience and skills that I gained, to my new role as Manager of Navan racecourse.

As Operations Manager I was involved in all aspects of the on-course business and worked very closely with racecourse managers and their teams, especially in the planning of the major festivals.

Working under the three different umbrellas of Irish Racing over the years - the Racing Board, the Irish Horse Racing Authority and now HRI - I have seen all the highs and lows of racing, what has worked successfully and what hasn’t, and hopefully I can apply some of the more positive formulas to build on the continuing success in Navan.

Having never attended third level education, I decided in 2008 to go back to education and completed a Management Diploma in the University of Ulster. That enabled me to continue on with my studies and gain an honours degree, which I finished last year.

Although I found it a challenge combining work and college, it was something that I always wanted to do and I would encourage anyone that ever considered a return to study, to give it a go. There were some tough days when I would have to hit the books late at night after a long day at work, but ultimately it was very rewarding. 

With the studying put on hold, I have more time to enjoy my hobbies of music, reading and hill walking (I try to walk the Hill of Howth at least once a week) and to spend more time with my family.

The opportunity to take over as Manager at Navan came about after Darren Lawlor moved on to work with HRI, helping to develop the new HD pictures for Irish racecourses. I was delighted to be chosen as his successor, as I have always liked Navan as a track and the role itself was of great interest to me.

My remit includes the growth of revenue and attendances at Navan, increasing sponsorship, maximising the commercial potential of the business (including non-race day activities) and enhancing the experience of all our racegoers. 

I am really looking forward to working with the progressive committee and joining the very experienced team at Navan and to help build on the great work that they have done over the last few years.

I think anyone that has been racing at the track will see the terrific developments that have already taken place, both in terms of facilities and race day experience.

Peter Kileen was in conversation with John O’Riordan