S2 EP3 “keeping racing’s good news out in front”

Meet the Panel

James Crespi
General Manager l Epsom Racecourse

James spent ten years on the Goodwood Estate building the Festival of Speed and Revival Meeting, two of the world’s largest motor sport events. He then progressed to become General Manager of Goodwood Racecourse where he was involved in developing the course and facilities to produce a world class venue. As Chief Operating Officer for the West Wittering Estate, a visitor attraction and conservation area attracting over a million people per year, James led the organisation through major periods of change including several joint ventures and projects in conjunction with the local community, authorities and organisations. In 2022 James retuned to racing as General Manager of Epsom Downs Racecourse overseeing the Derby and looking to increase local community engagement activity.

Naomi Howgate
Head of Diversity and Inclusion l BHA

Naomi is currently Head of Diversity and Inclusion at the British Horse Racing Authority. Her work includes supporting the BHA with internal policies and programmes whilst also looking at the whole racing landscape to create a more diverse and inclusive sport.
She has had a varied career that includes roles in both the charity and corporate sector and in 2017 had the opportunity to combine her love of horses with her job when she took on a role managing Ebony Horse Club in London.
The organisation uses horses and youth work to improve the life chances of young people. Here she explored her interest in the human/ horse connection, seeing the impact that riding, horse interaction and therapeutic work could have on these youngsters.
She sits on the Welfare Committee for Racing Welfare and is a Trustee of the White Stuff Foundation and was recently appointed to the Board of the British Equestrian Federation.

Maddy Playle
Journalist l Racing Post
Originally from Leicestershire and a non-racing background, Maddy fell in love with the sport from an early age and has worked for the Racing Post since 2017. Her role as a digital journalist encompasses both print and digital media, while she also hosts her own video series “Maddy Meets” in which she interviews some of the sport’s leading players.
Maddy writes columns for both the Racing Post and its sister publication the Weekender, and her role also involves managing the Racing Post’s website and app. She is a regular guest on RacingTV’s Luck On Sunday and as a keen tipster and follower of racing across the globe, has a considerable social media following.

Hosted by Dani Jackson

Dani is a Freelance Broadcaster, TV Presenter & Commentator and previously spent a decade at William Hill Bookmakers learning how to broadcast in a live, fast-paced environment. Along the way she developed a passion for commentating – firstly on greyhounds – and is gunning to be the first female racecourse commentator in the UK.
Since July 2022, Dani has embarked on a freelance career and regularly presents William Hill Racing Radio, Racing Post Greyhound TV, “Gone To The Dogs” podcast and even dabbles in music at North Derbyshire Radio. Alongside these ventures, you will regularly spot her on a racecourse practicing commentating.
Dani went over to the States last year to commentate at Turf Paradise, Arizona. She clearly made an impression as she’s due to go back yearly for experience, and to fill in for their regular announcer. This also opened the door to being the first woman to commentate on a racecourse at Newbury as part of their Female Commentary Initiative.
Dani has a passion for passing on her knowledge of live broadcasting and commentating.