Stan Clarke, chairman of Northern Racing which runs Brighton Racecourse so successfully, has been given a knighthood in the New Year Honours list.

Clarke, relieved to have the all clear after a serious health scare in the autumn, has brought about an inspiring change in the fortunes of Brighton, evidenced by large increases in attendance and sponsorship.

Nor has his quest for race courses to come under the umbrella of Northern Racing, which began with Uttoxeter and Newcastle, concluded. Clarke has recently added Bath to his portfolio which will soon be augmented by Sedgefield and probably Yarmouth.