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The Waikato Racing Club (WRC) has announced the appointment of Andrew (Butch) Castles as the club’s new chief executive.

"The WRC Board is delighted to announce that Andrew Castles will be joining the Te Rapa team," WRC chairman Karyn Fenton-Ellis said.

"He has a truly outstanding background in the racing industry, bringing unparalleled experience and knowledge to his new role at the Club.  

"In an environment of great change for the industry, as one of the country's largest clubs, the WRC is set to play a pivotal part in the future landscape of racing. 

"It was imperative to the Board that our new CEO brought the ability, the track record and the expertise to lead Te Rapa into the future. Andrew's credentials speak for themselves."

Castles' background includes 11 years as Director of Racing for the Auckland Racing Club, four years as Secretary/Manager of the Otaki-Maori Racing Club and latterly, and more than four years as chief executive for Hawke's Bay Racing. 

He is also well known to the New Zealand racing public through his roles on Trackside TV and Radio Trackside, as well as having previously acted as rider agent for Michael Walker and Leith Innes. 

Castles will join the WRC in March 2020, with current chief executive Ken Rutherford Australia-bound to the Hawkesbury Club. 

While Castles has enjoyed his time in Hawke's Bay he said he is looking forward to his new role in Waikato.

"I will always remember my time at Hawke's Bay Racing with great fondness. I have had the privilege of working with dedicated Chairmen, board and staff in my time who all strive to make a day at the races at Hastings a fulfilling one for all," he said.

"I am looking forward to a new challenge in the Waikato and can't wait to work with the board and staff there for the betterment of the thoroughbred industry in the greater Waikato region."