THE Irish Racehorse Trainers Association is on the lookout for a new chief executive after Ryan McElligott announced he is to leave the organisation to take up a new position with AMO Racing.

Formerly well established as one of the most respected journalists in racing and bloodstock before embarking on the trainers’ group role in late 2022, McElligott is to work in the operations of prominent owner Kia Joorabchian’s racing interests.

An advertisement for the position of chief executive with the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association can be found on page 95 of this week’s paper.

McElligott told The Irish Field: “For the last two years my time IRTA has been instructive and enjoyable and I would like to thank the association’s board for placing their trust in me when they took me on towards the end of 2022.

“On a variety of fronts it was a fascinating time to be involved at the helm of one of Irish racing’s key representative bodies and I would like to thank the association’s board and wider membership for their efforts in endeavouring to further the cause of trainers on various fronts over the last couple of years.

“I’m thrilled to take up a new role with AMO and I very much look forward to working with the existing team there at what is a very exciting time.

Prominent owners

“Over the last number of seasons the AMO colours have been carried with distinction on both sides of the Atlantic and I hope that I can play a part in maintaining and furthering that level of success over the coming years. It’s a very exciting opportunity and one that I am greatly looking forward to.”

McElligott succeeded Michael Grassick at the helm of the IRTA at the same time as Ado McGuinness was appointed chairman of the group.

The Group 1-winning trainer paid tribute to the outcoming chief executive for his efforts in the role.

“Ryan has been a huge addition to the IRTA and made a massive difference to us,” said McGuinness.

“I have no doubt that he’ll be a major loss. He’s a very diplomatic man, non-argumentative, cool-headed and very approachable - he’s always been well able to deal with people in what aren’t always easy situations.

“He spent plenty of time hearing from trainers about various issues and problems they might be having, and I think he’ll be badly missed.

“I don’t know how we’re going to replace him. I’ve been gutted ever since he told me he was leaving because he made my job very easy. He certainly worked hard for us.”