Goodwood racecourse boss honour puts him on elite list

ROD FABRICIUS has marked the end of his long and successful spell as managing director of Goodwood racecourse by landing a top honour.

He picked up the George Ennor Trophy for Outstanding Achievement at the Horserace Writers and Photographers’ Association annual Derby Awards in London.

He joins a distinguished list of winners of the title including Sir Peter O’Sullevan, Lester Piggott and Pat Eddery.

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The association’s members bestowed the honour upon him in the light of nearly three decades of work at Goodwood, where he has led projects which have transformed both the racecourse and the sport.

It comes as Fabricius hands over the keys to the MD’s office to Adam Waterworth and moves into semi-retirement, in which he will still serve Goodwood and the wider sport.

A tribute to Fabricius written by the HWPA’s Geoff Lester and John Sexton said: “For the best part of the 30 years Rod Fabricius has been as much a part of the fabric of Goodwood as summer picnics on the Trundle.”

They recalled how he had overseen major redevelopment of the course, making sure everyone from jockeys and trainers through to the press and public have felt included.

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The HPWA heard from Goodwood clerk of the course Seamus Buckley, who said: “We have worked together for many years.

“Rod is a man of principle and integrity, who has always shown the utmost loyalty and support.

“He has been an inspiration to me and everyone at Goodwood.”

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