Hamilton Park has honoured the late Sir Ian Good by renaming the Grandstand in recognition of his immeasurable contribution to both Hamilton Park and Scottish Racing, as well as the racing industry as a whole. Having joined the Board in May 1990, Sir Ian became Chairman of Hamilton Park in 1999, and remained in this position until his passing in October 2023. He was a passionate leader and horse Owner whose influence helped shape the sport for over three decades.

The Hamilton Park Grandstand will be renamed as the ‘Sir Ian Good Stand’, ensuring his legacy lives on for generations of racing enthusiasts, visitors, and staff. Sir Ian Good’s time in charge saw the development of Hamilton Park to its current position as one of the leading small independent racecourses in the UK, as well as the addition of the Hampton by Hilton Hamilton Park hotel in 2019, of which he was also the Chairman.

Sir Ian qualified as a chartered accountant in 1967 which led him to a long and distinguished career at Edrington, the Scotch whisky company behind brands such as Famous Grouse, The Macallan, and Highland Park. Sir Ian’s leadership helped propel Edrington as a major global brand, especially with the acquisition of Highland Distillers in 1999. His expertise was widely recognised, with him serving as the Chairman of the Scotch Whisky Association and the Scottish Industrial Development Advisory Board. In 2008, he was awarded a knighthood in the New Year’s Honours List for services to industry.

Beyond his impressive career, Sir Ian was deeply passionate about horse racing. His beloved Penny A Day won the Zetland Gold Cup in 1990, and his Victor Hewgo was a promising chaser, winning five races between 2012 and 2014. Further success on the track was achieved with the Dansili gelding, Chichester, who won the Carlisle Bell in 2021 as well as the Ganton Listed Stakes at York in 2023, whilst Evaluation, a Dubawi gelding, is the winner of multiple races having formerly been owned by the late Queen Elizabeth.

Appointed to the board of Hamilton Park in May 1990, Sir Ian became Chairman in 1999, succeeding Sam Collingwood-Cameron. Under his leadership, Hamilton Park saw significant growth and development. His work extended beyond the racecourse, as he was also the founding Chairman of Scottish Racing in 2000, the body that support’s Scotland’s racing industry, as well as chairing the Racing Foundation and the Tote. He was elected to the Jockey Club in 2005 and then served as Deputy Senior Steward of the organisation. He made a huge contribution not only to racing in Scotland, but also to the wider British racing industry.

Mark Johnston, British racing’s winning-most trainer and current Chairman of Hamilton Park, praised Sir Ian’s leadership; “He was Chairman as long as I’ve been on the board and he did a huge amount for Hamilton and for racing in Scotland. He was absolutely fantastic to work with, a very humble man but hugely experienced in small and big business alike. He was a great people person and very good at motivating the team, and it is only right that his contribution to Hamilton Park and the sport is honoured.”

Lady Irene Good added: “We are delighted that Hamilton Park has committed to honouring Sir Ian’s legacy by dedicating the Grandstand in his name. He was incredibly proud to have been Chairman of the resort and it was a big part of his life”.

Ashley Moon, Racecourse Managing Director added: “Sir Ian had a tremendous impact on Hamilton Park and on Scottish Racing having overseen the transformation of the business into where it is today.

“He was a true gentleman who was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the sport. He was a great mentor and the whole team at Hamilton Park benefitted immensely from his leadership”.

Sir Ian’s legacy will continue to inspire all who work at Hamilton Park, ensuring that his vision for the future of the sport lives on.

The grandstand will now stand as a testament to Sir Ian’s enduring impact on horse racing and the community he so deeply cared for. His contribution to the racing world will always be remembered and cherished.