Racecourse Media Group Appoints Former Camelot CEO Nigel Railton as Chair
Nigel Railton succeeds Conor Grant as chair of Racecourse Media Group from 1 October, bringing extensive executive leadership from Camelot and the Post Office.
Key Takeaways
- Racecourse Media Group has appointed Nigel Railton as its new chair, effective 1 October.
- Conor Grant steps down after one year, aiding a handover until 1 November.
- Railton brings leadership experience from Camelot Group and the Post Office.
- RMG posted record £118.4m payments to its racecourse shareholders in 2025.
- Tighter affordability checks and regulation are putting commercial pressure on RMG's revenues.
Racecourse Media Group (RMG) has appointed former Camelot Group CEO Nigel Railton as its new chair, effective 1 October. Conor Grant, who has held the position since October 2023, will support a one-month handover until 1 November before stepping down due to expanded commitments at Fanatics Betting and Gaming.
RMG Chair Transition: Railton Succeeds Grant
The RMG board selected Nigel Railton to lead the company after Conor Grant confirmed he would step down, citing increased demands in his role as president of gaming for Fanatics Betting and Gaming. Grant initially took the RMG chair in October 2023, replacing Roger Lewis, and will remain involved through a structured handover period in October. Grant, also former Flutter UK and Ireland CEO, departs after one year at the helm of RMG.
Nigel Railton's Industry Track Record
Railton carries a deep background in both the lottery and media sectors. He spent nine years at Camelot Group as chief financial officer and strategy director, later serving as CEO of Camelot Lottery Solutions (April 2005–November 2017), before returning as Camelot Group CEO until February 2023. Railton exited after Camelot was acquired by Allwyn, which secured the UK’s fourth National Lottery licence. Beyond gaming, Railton has held governance roles across regulated organisations, including his current role as chair of the Post Office since May 2024. He was appointed following the dismissal of Henry Staunton in the wake of the Horizon IT case, which saw hundreds of sub-postmasters wrongly prosecuted due to faulty accounting software.
RMG's Business Context and Chair Responsibilities
Railton joins RMG at a time of commercial pressures for British horseracing media. The group’s revenue remains closely linked to betting turnover—a figure constrained by tightening affordability checks and broader regulatory oversight. Despite these conditions, RMG delivered a record £118.4 million in payments to its 37 shareholder racecourses in 2025, marking a 4.8% increase year-on-year. The chair’s remit will be to support long-term growth, deepen shareholder partnerships, and adapt to changing industry regulation affecting media rights and fan engagement.
"Nigel brings an outstanding blend of commercial leadership, governance experience and strategic vision, gained through a career leading some of the UK's most recognisable and highly regulated organisations.” — James Sanderson, RMG Non-Executive Director
“I look forward to building on the company’s success, strengthen its partnerships and support the long-term growth and sustainability of racing.” — Nigel Railton, incoming RMG Chair
Leadership Acknowledgements and Shareholder Statement
Nick Mills, CEO of Racecourse Media Group, thanked Conor Grant for significant contributions over the past year:
“Conor leaves RMG having made a significant and lasting contribution to the business. His guidance, support and leadership have been invaluable, and we are extremely grateful for everything he has done for the organisation and our shareholder racecourses.”
James Sanderson, a non-executive director at RMG, highlighted Railton’s qualifications, linking his experience to RMG’s future focus on racing media rights and fan engagement. The group will look to Railton for strategic direction as the regulatory climate evolves and new growth opportunities emerge.
Context: Board Change and Executive Search
The chair transition comes amid heightened scrutiny and transactional activity in the regulated betting and media rights sectors. RMG’s shareholder structure—composed of 37 shareholder racecourses—remains central to its commercial model. The board change is intended to reinforce RMG’s leadership and planning as market headwinds and betting industry regulatory action reshape the commercial landscape.
Arnold Ash has provided executive recruitment support to RMG. The executive search partner focuses on source and appointment of senior leadership in the iGaming and wider betting sector.
For updates on executive moves and developments in the sector, see the b2b and news sections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has been appointed as chairman of Racecourse Media Group?
Nigel Railton, former CEO of Camelot Group and Camelot Lottery Solutions, takes over as chair of Racecourse Media Group from 1 October 2026.
Why did Conor Grant step down from his role at RMG?
Conor Grant resigned due to expanded work and travel responsibilities in his capacity as president of gaming for Fanatics Betting and Gaming.
What is Nigel Railton's background in the gaming and media sector?
Railton previously served as CFO and CEO at Camelot Group, led Camelot Lottery Solutions, and currently chairs the Post Office, drawing on broad governance experience in highly regulated organisations.
How is RMG's financial performance despite industry challenges?
In 2025, RMG delivered a record £118.4 million in payments to its 37 racecourse shareholders, an increase of 4.8% compared to the previous year.
What commercial pressures does Racecourse Media Group currently face?
RMG's revenue closely follows betting turnover, which has been squeezed by stricter affordability checks and wider regulatory intervention across the UK racing and betting sector.
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About the author
Marcus Webb
Industry Deals Correspondent
Marcus Webb covers the deal flow of the gambling industry — operator strategy, M&A, market entries, and product launches from sportsbook rebrands to full platform migrations. The reports name the companies, valuations, and jurisdictions exactly as disclosed and separate the announcement from its market impact. When a group consolidates a brand or a challenger launches into a new state, Marcus Webb explains who gains, who pays, and what closes next quarter.
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