Hamilton chief executive Kyles takes up RCA post

HAMILTON Park chief executive Vivien Kyles, who held the same post with Livingston FC, has been appointed to the board of The Racecourse Association Limited (RCA), only two years after she joined the industry.

The appointment took effect this week for a term of two years and Kyles will represent the independent racecourses, alongside Clive Buckle and Christopher Tetley. Kyles said: "I'm delighted to take up this role and to be able to play a part in helping to shape the industry going forward."

RCA chief executive Stephen Atkin said: "We are pleased to welcome Vivien to the board. With her background and knowledge she will bring new and innovative ideas to the table, which we are looking forward to."

Sir Ian Good, chairman of Hamilton, added: "Everyone associated with Hamilton Park is very pleased with this announcement. It is a great reflection of Vivien's achievements here since 2008 which have been carried out in a short timeframe and in what everyone recognises are challenging economic conditions."

Meanwhile, eyecatching Gordon Stakes runner-up Dandino has come out of the Goodwood race in fine form and is firmly on target for a crack at the Ladbrokes St Leger.

Improving beyond all recognition this season, the three-year-old has progressed rapidly from winning a Redcar maiden in April to being beaten just a head in Group Three company.

The Sportingbet.com Great Voltigeur Stakes at York is next, with the Leger the ultimate goal.

"He has come out of the race very well," said trainer James Given. "Unfortunately the winner grabbed a couple of lengths that we just weren't quite able to reel back. He was just so green at the start of the year and to even suggest Group company would have been certifiable.

"But he won a good race at Epsom in the manner of a Group horse in a handicap. We were still able to go and do the same a couple of weeks later at Ascot, after which we thought this is something special. Last week proved that."