International Racehorse Transport (IRT) Head of Operations Jim Paltridge has stepped down to manage his outside business interests, including a family farm in South Australia, IRT announced on Thursday. Paltridge joined IRT in 1983 and established the company's presence in the United States, first in Los Angeles and later on in Lexington and New York. He took over the UK office in 1992 and was also responsible for opening a branch in Germany. Paltridge managed the European end of the stallion shuttle to Australian/New Zealand every year, as well as assisting with the Australian Spring Racing Carnival's growth into an international event.
Quentin Wallace, Founder of IRT said, “Jim has been a major contributor to IRT's development as a strong, global agency, for the shipping of horses worldwide. He will be sorely missed.”
“We celebrate the significant role Jim played in the globalization of IRT and look forward to building on his many achievements,” added IRT Australia Managing Director Chris Burke.
Martin Coakes will be the new head of operations for IRT GB and IRT Europe, with its ownership and governance under IRT Global Holdings Group.
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