Racing: Banker to fill Hartington's seat

Christopher Sporborg, a steward, banker and permit trainer, was nominated by the Jockey Club yesterday to succeed Lord Hartington on the British Horseracing Board.

Currently best known as the chairman of United Racecourses, owners of Epsom, Sandown and Kempton, Sporborg will take up his new position from 7 June 1996 and serve for four years.

Lord Hartington has acted as chairman of the BHB since its inception but Sporborg is not expected to stand for election to that post, enabling Lord Wakeham to become the new chairman.

Also the deputy chairman of Hambros plc, Sporborg has held a number of positions within racing but his membership of the Tote Board will be of particular value to the BHB.

The BHB hopes eventually to acquire the betting organisation and Sporborg's nomination will double its representation following Peter Jones' appointment to the Tote earlier this year.

Lord Hartington will be standing down along with Michael Darnell, the board's Industry Committee member who does not intend to seek re- election when his term of appointment expires.