A former editor of the Daily Telegraph has been appointed non-executive director of Sandown Park racecourse. 

Jeff Randall, 59, retired from journalism in March and took up the role at the Portsmouth Road racecourse this week, with the jumps season drawing to a close.

A lifelong horseracing fan and regular visitor to the Jockey Club’s racecourses, the former newspaper editor and news presenter has also joined the board of Babcock International plc as non-executive director and chairman of its remuneration committee.

Mr Randall said: “I am delighted to be joining the board at Sandown Park, one of my favourite racecourses.

“Thanks to my late father, I was introduced to the sport in the early 1970s and it has been a source of huge enjoyment ever since.

“Now, through my involvement with The Jockey Club, I have a chance to give something back. I’m grateful for the opportunity.”

Mike Street, chairman of Sandown Park racecourse, said he was thrilled Mr Randall is joining the team.

The Esher racecourse staged 25 flat and jump fixtures in 2014 along with the group one coral-eclipse stakes and grade one tingle creek chase.