THE boss of Chester Race Company has been sacked following an investigation into the misuse of company resources.

A statement from Chester Race Company (CRC) confirmed on Wednesday, May 19 the news that its chief executive, Richard Thomas, had left the company.

Ian O'Doherty, chairman of CRC, said: "Richard Thomas has left the role as CEO of Chester Race Company Ltd.

"Following a thorough investigation into recent misuse of CRC resources to support a personal project, Richard’s contract was terminated.

"We are extremely disappointed about this outcome, however, we are pleased that our internal processes identified the matter and ensured that we were able to address it in the way that we have.

"Richard has made a significant contribution to the development and growth of the company over the past 20 years.

"The recent 2021 Boodles May Festival was a great success and as a business we are now all focused on the return of spectators to the Roodee."

Richard Thomas joined CRC in 2000 and, under his leadership, had transformed the firm into one which, pre-Covid, attracted hundreds of thousands of spectators to Chester Races each season and won numerous awards for its hospitality services.

Restaurant 1539 was launched in 2008, The White Horse in 2013, while the catering side of the business Horseradish – set up in 2009 – has served thousands of guests at functions across the region, most notably The Queen and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, in 2018, when Horseradish catered to guests at Chester Town Hall.

Chester Racecourse is now looking to see spectators return to the Roodee for this year's Roman Day on May 29, where it was confirmed up to 4,000 spectators will be allowed to see racing action up close for the first time since 2019.