The British Horseracing Authority has announced the appointment of Jon Ryan as Director of Communications.

Most recently Sports Editor of the Sunday Telegraph for nine years, he was also Assistant Editor, News Editor and Sports Editor at the Mail on Sunday from 1984 to 1999.

He said: “I am excited by the new challenge and the opportunity to play a part in shaping racing’s future. I am looking forward to helping get more people talking about racing, and going racing. I love the sport, and what it means as an important part of British sporting life.”

He will take up the role in April 2008.

British Horseracing Authority Chief Executive Nic Coward said: “We are delighted to have secured someone of Jon’s considerable talent and experience for this key role, which completes the new executive team at the British Horseracing Authority.”