Simon Claire Has Joined the Horserace Betting Levy Board
The Horserace Betting Levy Board is adding Entain’s Simon Clare, who has been elected as the British Gaming Council’s representative.
BGC Adds Entain’s Clare To HBLB
The British Gaming Council (BGC) has confirmed it has elected Simon Clare to the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB).
Clare, who is the customer communications director for gambling giant Entain, takes over from Mike O’Kane after his appointment was announced.
The HBLB is responsible for administering some of the profits that are made by UK-based bookmakers to improve horse racing breeding and boost the future of veterinary science in the sport, as well as contributing to racing’s wider improvement.
It is run by a seven-strong board with the BGC, which describes itself as a standards body but is often described as a lobbying group, allowed to nominate one member.
Entain’s Clare has been put forward as the BGC representative, taking over from October 7.
BGC members are said by the body to contribute in the region of ￡350 million a year to British horseracing from sponsorship deals, media rights and the sport’s levy.
Why Was Clare Selected?
Clare studied for a politics degree at Liverpool University and then joined the Jockey Club Graduate Scheme, where he had a placement with the HBLB, so his appointment ensures that his career has come full circle.
He worked as a PR manager for Ladbrokes and moved to Coral to become its racing PR manager prior to the two British betting brands merging.
Clare is now responsible for PR, sponsorship and social media for Entain’s UK brands, which include the following household names:
- Ladbrokes
- Coral
- Gala
- Foxy
- Partypoker
BGC chief executive Grainne Hurst said she feels Clare brings an “unrivalled wealth of experience” to the HBLB as he is “a vocal and passionate champion” of UK horse racing.
“I know his wisdom and knowledge will be crucial assets to the HBLB over the coming years. I would also like to pay tribute to Mike O’Kane who has been an excellent representative to the HBLB on behalf of BGC members,” she added in a statement.
Hard Act To Follow
Clare, who took part in a charity race at the 2015 Cheltenham Festival after learning to ride, said he was “extremely honoured” to be nominated to the HBLB.
He added that his HBLB predecessor O’Kane will be a “hard act to follow” and thanked him for his contribution.
“I have been fortunate to have enjoyed a long and varied career within the betting industry with Coral, now Entain, alongside a lifelong passion for horse racing and all major sports, so will hopefully be able to make a valuable contribution to the Board,” Clare said in a statement.
The HBLB is still grieving the sudden death of its chair Paul Darling, with the former chair of the Association of British Bookmakers passing away earlier in the year.
