Equine

Racing Industry champion receives NEF commendation

vetreportMarch 6, 2015

Paul Greeves, former Executive Director and Keeper of the General Stud Book at Weatherbys, received the Sir Colin Spedding Award at yesterday’s National Equine Forum (NEF), on Thursday 5th March 2015.  This special commendation was given in recognition of Paul’s tireless work, spanning more than 40 years, on the development of racing and his steering of the general stud book through scientific developments to ensure the continued integrity of the breed.

Paul Greeves began his career in the Thoroughbred industry in 1970 as a Management Trainee at Weatherbys, joining the board 13 years later. Following a decade of secondment to the Jockey Club as Operations Director he joined the newly formed British Horseracing Board in 1993 as Racing Director.  In 2002 re-joined Weatherbys as Operations Director and more latterly as Executive Director and Keeper of the General Stud Book and as a Non-Executive Director of Weatherbys Bank.  He retired from full time employment in May 2014 but has continued his involvement in the industry including being a Trustee and Board Member of the Thoroughbred Breeders Association.

He has spent some decades as an industry representative at international level and presently Chairs the International Stud Book Committee, the representative body for all 70 worldwide Thoroughbred Stud Books and also sits on the Executive Council of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities.

Subjects for which he has had a responsibility during his career include the race programme, compilation of the Fixture List, horse identification, all stud book and racing administration services and development and supervision of the racing and breeding industry’s programme of training and education. He recently completed a three-year term as Chairman of the Trustees of the Northern Racing College. He has had a lifetime passion for horses and breeding and has enjoyed owning racehorses, showjumpers and eventers. He also has a family interest in owning and breeding donkeys, including miniature Mediterraneans.

Tim Brigstocke, Chairman of the NEF said: “The National Equine Forum is delighted to recognise one of the racing industry’s most important, knowledgeable and devoted members in this way.  The time, effort and expertise that Paul has given provide an invaluable legacy for successful future of the Thoroughbred.”

Paul Greeves said: “I am both delighted and hugely honoured to be the recipient of this very special award commemorating such an exceptional man as Sir Colin.  I have been so fortunate to be able to find a career in the equine industry and hopefully to have made some small contribution to its development and sustainability. Above all I hope I have been one of the many able to promote the well being of the horses and those who look after them at the heart of all we do and enjoy.”

The Sir Colin Spedding Award was established in 2013. The bronze sculpture of a stag beetle by Belinda Sillars was originally to have been awarded to the late Professor Sir Colin Spedding, in recognition of his services to the equine sector – most especially for his extraordinary commitment in founding the National Equine Forum and then being Chair of the Forum for 19 years.