West Sussex man seeks election to Racehorse Owners' Association

The candidates include retired businessman Mervyn Merwood, from East Grinstead.he hit the news headlines recently when campaigning over a drop in prize-money at Great Yarmouth Racecourse.

He is passionate about putting the case for the small owner, advocates engagement rather than confrontation with bookmakers, and says owners must stand up strongly to racecourses.

Six places are available in the election, the result of which will be announced at the association's annual general meeting at the end of June.

The ROA's 7,200 members recently received manifestos for the candidates and their ballot papers. They have until Friday 22 June to return their votes.

Former trainer Toby Balding is standing for re-election after 12 years on the Council, along with Alan Guthrie, who has served as a co-opted member since 2003 representing members in Scotland.

Also standing are David Chapman-Jones, Lucinda Freedman, John Gibb, Jeremy Gompertz QC, Nigel Harris, Clifford Johnson, Richard Lavelle, Mervyn Merwood, Christopher Shankland, Alan Pickering, Stephen Smith, James Stafford, Ted Voute, Eamonn Wilmott, Michael Wyatt and Tom Yates.

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