Jason Morris has been appointed as the new manager of the Curragh racecourse.

The 31-year-old son of anthropologist and author Desmond Morris, he is currently working as a senior executive with the British Horseracing Board but will begin his new appointment in mid-April.

Morris has worked with the BHB for seven years and his CV also includes being secretary to the European Pattern Race Committee.

Originally from Oxford, he described the appointment as "fantastic news on my behalf", and added that he hopes to introduce a strategic vision for the Curragh for the next five years.

"Brian Kavanagh did a fantastic job when he was manager of the Curragh and I just hope to build on his success. I want to get the views of as many people as possible as to how I can do that," he said.

Morris confirmed that he begins his new job in April and commented: "My wife is expecting our second child at the end of April so I'll have a new child, a new job and a new country! It's quite daunting but I've had an absolute passion for racing since I was five and I can't think of a better place to be than Ireland and the Curragh."

Goodwood's Champagne Lanson Vintage Stakes is to be run a day earlier this year, on Wednesday, August 2nd, it was announced yesterday.

The Group Three prize, will replace the Richmond Stakes in a straight swap.