Wilmott steps down as Tote chair

Eamonn Wilmott has stepped down as chairman of the UK Tote Group.

Wilmott will now focus on his other commitments, including his position as chairman of Total Performance Data, the racing data company he founded in 2013.

Wilmott had served as chairman of the group since its creation under the name Alizeti in 2018 and through its acquisition of pool betting operator the Tote, and subsequent rebrand to its current name. The consortium – which is backed by over 160 individual investors, the majority of which are racehorse owners and breeders – purchased a 25% stake in the Tote in May 2018 before completing the purchase in October 2019.

Under Wilmott’s chairmanship, the Tote Group resurrected the Tote Ten to Follow game and agreed partnerships with the Racing Post and Chester Race Company.

“I would like to thank Eamonn sincerely for everything he has contributed over the last two years,” Alex Frost, chief executive of UK Tote Group, said. “His counsel, advice and support has been invaluable, and we would not be where we are without his considerable input. We look forward to Eamonn remaining a close friend of the Tote.”

Prior to becoming chairman of the Tote Group, he had served as a non-executive director of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and chairman of Thoroughbred Owner and Breeder Magazine.

“I fundamentally believe a strong Tote is critical for British racing,” Wilmott said. “This is why I was so keen to be part of this project and why I will always be a friend of the Tote’s.

“We have established the foundations of a strong business with a very bright future, one which I know is in the best hands possible to ensure it can achieve its potential. I look forward to helping the Tote excel in the years ahead.”

The UK Tote Group has now started the process to seek a new chairman.