Weatherbys Hamilton, an insurance arm of the venerable UK bank Weatherbys that is closely associated with the horseracing industry, is to appoint four new partners from next year as part of a growth strategy, according to InsuranceAge.

The business, launched in September this year, will recruit Jonny McIrvine, Alec Moore, Richard Chugg and Beth Sharkey, the publication said.

The firm was unable to confirm the details of the report when contacted by WealthBriefing late last week.

One of the oldest banks in the UK, the name of Weatherbys has been linked with the horseracing industry ever since founder James Weatherby became the official stakeholder in 1770.

Describing the new business, the firm said on its website: “The Weatherbys Hamilton executive have arranged the insurance of numerous leading horses including Derby and Cheltenham Gold Cup winners, winners of feature overseas races and record-value breeding stock.