Racing Post names new editor

Katie Allen and Tony Paley
guardian.co.uk, Tuesday October 2 2007 15.05 BST

The new owners of the Racing Post have revamped its editorial team, making current sports editor Bruce Millington editor.

Mr Millington, who was at the Sporting Life from 1987 and has been sports editor at the Racing Post since 1998, said the new owners were bringing a "great regime change" to the paper.

Irish private equity firm FL Partners announced yesterday that it was buying the paper for £170m from Trinity Mirror.

The deal has returned former Racing Post editor Alan Byrne to the paper as chief executive and editor-in-chief.

"I'm delighted Alan is coming back," said Mr Millington. "The new owners look like they have a strong commitment to the paper."

Mr Millington said the sale of the Racing Post comes as a huge relief to staff, who have been waiting to learn the fate of their paper since Trinity Mirror announced plans to sell in December last year.

The new owners have made the Racing Post's editor, Chris Smith, managing editor. Mr Smith, who has been editor since 2002, was previously Mr Byrne's deputy.

Although the paper is now owned by a private equity group, new editor Mr Millington said he was not worried they would use it to "make a quick buck and be gone."

Peter Crowley, one of the former investment bankers behind FL Partners, has also sought to assure readers and staff his group is staying with the paper for the long-term.

"We are passionate about racing and have a real commitment to maximising the potential of this business.

"We have exciting plans to enhance both the print and online offerings," he said after the sale was announced.

"For FL Partners, this is a compelling investment opportunity - a strong cash-generating business with a committed staff and a fantastic brand which can be nurtured, enhanced and developed."

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