Former William Hill and Ladbrokes executive is well placed to address several issues but FOBT debate looms large

Five days before the Grand National, the most famous and popular race of the year, British racing’s biggest employer has finally filled its most influential role after the Jockey Club announced Reach plc chief executive Jim Mullen will take over at the helm.

Mullen was unveiled a full 10 months after Nevin Truesdale announced he would be stepping down as the Jockey Club’s group chief executive and while the new appointee is a lifelong racing fan and owner, he was not the first choice for the role. He will replace an acting CEO who has been keeping the seat warm after an earlier pick for the role had second thoughts.