A RACING boss is heading for pastures new after quitting his North East post.
Mark Spincer, executive director of Newcastle Racecourse, will leave the Gosforth course and conference venue in June.
But before the 40-year-old embarks on the next phase of his career, he will first oversee the showpiece occasion – the Northumberland Plate Festival – one last time.
Mr Spincer took over from former racecourse executive director David Williamson in 2008, who left to become operations director at Newcastle United.
He joined the company from the leisure industry, having worked for the Center Parcs holiday village company as food and beverage concept manager, where he was responsible for more than 50 outlets.
Since his appointment two years ago, Mr Spincer has seen the course’s many events grow in popularity, but no more so than Ladies Day, which last year attracted 25,000 people to the site. “I think my highlight was Ladies Day selling out last year for the first time in the modern-day history of the racecourse and the race group,” he said.
“It looks like we’re going to do the same this year as well as we’ve already sold 5,000 more tickets than this time last year.”
Also among his greatest achievements during his time at the helm of Newcastle Racecourse was raising thousands of pounds for charity.
The Spooky Fireworks Spectacular, held at the racecourse in October, brought in £10,000 for Cash for Kids, a local charity which helps disabled and disadvantaged children in the region.
Following his final day overseeing the Northumberland Plate, Mr Spincer will head to Yorkshire to take up a new role as managing director of Doncaster Racecourse.
“I’ve had a fantastic time here. The people have been brilliant,” he said.
“We’ve had our challenges, as everyone has, but it has been good.
“I’ve never worked anywhere where people are as friendly.
“One thing that Geordies do well is they give such a warm welcome and even challenges are dealt with in quite a positive way.
“They are a special kind of people and I’ll always value my time here.”
The Northumberland Plate Festival starts on June 24 with Seaton Delaval Trophy Day, followed by the Gosforth Park Cup Night and the John Smiths Northumberland Plate on June 26.