ADO McGuinness is the new chairman of the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association and Ryan McElligott is the Association’s new chief executive.

The new appointments were confirmed at a general meeting on Thursday, with Jim Gorman installed as vice-chairman.

Outgoing chairman Michael Halford said: “At a time of significant change for the IRTA, the committee and the wider training community are greatly looking forward to working with the new team who bring with them an invaluable amount of experience, enthusiasm and energy which will stand the organisation in good stead.”

Paying tribute to the retiring chief executive, Halford added: “I would like to thank Michael Grassick for his 10 years of service and for guiding the organisation through a time of significant upheaval and change. At times it hasn’t been an easy job and we greatly appreciate all his dedication and hard work over the last decade. We wish him a very happy retirement.

“We are delighted to announce Ryan McElligott as Michael’s successor. Ryan brings a wealth of experience from working in various facets of the industry over the last 20 years and we greatly look forward to working with him from December 1st.”

McElligott commented: “I’m very excited and enthused to take on this new challenge. I look back on my last two decades with The Irish Field and in the press room with huge fondness. I’ve enjoyed absolutely every minute of it and I hope that the experience I’ve picked up in that time will help me in my new role.

“I hope that I can represent and advance the interests of trainers throughout the country and I look forward to working with each and every one of our members over the coming weeks and months.”