WARSAW, Poland (AP) — The economist appointed the new president of Poland's top-rated Arabian horses stud farm concedes that he is no horse expert but insists that he is well-suited for the job.

Last week, Marek Skomorowski was appointed head of the state-owned stud farm in the eastern town of Janow Podlaski that has bred many top-valued world-beaters.

On Friday he said on TVN24 he is well-prepared for his new job. Earlier he said he admires horses, but that he had "no close contact with them."

Observers link his appointment to sweeping changes the new government is introducing to state-owned businesses, while seeking economies.

Skomorowski replaced respected president, Marek Trela, whose dismissal is believed to be linked to the sudden death in October of the adorn-laden European and world champion, 12-year-old bay mare Pianissima.