Aidan McGarry to succeed Peter Killeen as Navan manager Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) has announced that Aidan McGarry is to succeed Peter Killeen as general manager of Navan Racecourse. Peter retires next week after a 40-year career in Irish racing. From Malahide in Dublin, he joined the Racing Board in December 1980 and was involved in the introduction of the Computote betting system adopted by Tote in the late 1980s before being instrumental in the introduction of more recent advances in on-course Tote betting and technology. Peter was appointed Manager of Tote Ireland Operations in 1999, a position he held until becoming general manager of Navan Racecourse in June 2014. The fixture at Navan on Saturday will be Peter’s final meeting but he is to remain as an independent director on the board of the Association of Irish Racecourses (AIR). Reflecting on his career in Irish racing, Peter said, “It’s hard to believe that it’s 40 years since I walked through the doors of the Racing Board’s offices on Merrion Square, it really does feel like only yesterday. My first role was preparing the perforated Tote tickets that some people might remember! “Perhaps people today might shudder at the thought of staying within a specific industry for such a time, but it afforded me opportunities to work in a variety of roles as the industry changed and adapted over the years. I’ve been very lucky in all that time, I worked with so many great people and many more great characters! Thanks to them all. “I’m delighted with Aidan’s appointment and I know that he will be a great addition to what is a fantastic team at Navan.” Brian Kavanagh, CEO of HRI said: “Peter has given a lifetime of service to Irish racing, encompassing many significant roles in his 40-year career. He is undoubtedly one of the most familiar faces on the racecourse and will be missed by his many colleagues at Navan and HRI and on behalf of all of them, I wish him a long and happy retirement.” Aidan McGarry will take up his new role next Monday, March 29. He has held a number of managerial positions within Horse Racing Ireland and Irish Thoroughbred Marketing. A graduate of the University of Limerick (BSc in Equine Science) and more recently the National College of Ireland (MSc in Marketing), Aidan has been HRI’s Owner Relations Manager since 2017. Commenting on Aidan’s appointment, Brian Kavanagh said: “Since joining the Racing Department of Horse Racing Ireland in 2005, Aidan has gained terrific experience in a number of areas of the organisation. He boasts a wide knowledge of the industry and I believe that he is a perfect fit for the Navan role.” Aidan McGarry said, “I can’t thank Peter Killeen enough for the help and guidance he has given me as I prepare for this exciting new challenge. Navan is renowned as a top-class racecourse and the strength of the racing programme, both National Hunt and Flat, is a particular draw for me. I’m joining a great team and am very much looking forward to working with everyone at Navan.”
