Jockey Club is hit by bullying claim against high-flying ex-BT and Sky executive brought in to revamp the horseracing body
- Delia Bushell, 48, is now one of the most powerful figures in British race horsing
- She is reportedly being investigated over a bullying complaint made against her
- The complaint was reportedly made by a senior member of Jockey Club board
The woman brought in to run the prestigious Jockey Club is being investigated over bullying claims after an official complaint was made against her.
Delia Bushell, 48, is now one of the most powerful figures in British race horsing after she took over the 270-year-old organisation less than a year ago. Prior to that, she worked as a high-flying BT and Sky executive.
The complaint against her was reportedly made by a senior member of the executive board.
Delia Bushell, 48, (pictured) is now one of the most powerful figures in British race horsing after she took over the 270-year-old organisation less than a year ago
It is understood that Bushell, who has a background in the sports media industry, is awaiting the results of a barrister who was leading an independent inquiry into the complaint, The Times newspaper reported.
A Jockey Club spokesman said: ‘We have a full, independent and fair process for reviewing matters of this kind. This process is ongoing and it would not be appropriate to make any further comment.’
It is unclear what prompted the complaint which comes amid speculation of a culture clash with the Jockey Club’s old guard.
Bushell is also a non-executive director of the England and Wales Cricket Board and sits on the advisory board of the Telegraph Media Group.
It is understood that Bushell, who has a background in the sports media industry, is awaiting the results of a barrister who was leading an independent inquiry into the complaint. Above, Bushell pictured at an Inspiring Women in Sport event
She has previously made it clear that she wanted to modernise the Jockey Club, by bringing a more commercial edge to the racing body, diversifying revenue streams and cutting costs.
Speaking about the club in March, she said: ‘Because it has been so large and so successful for so long, it probably felt that it hasn’t needed to draw a broader and more diverse audience.’
The Jockey Club owns 15 racecourses, including Aintree, which hosts the Grand National, and Epsom Downs, home of the Derby.
The body expects to lose £75m in turnover due to Covid-19.