Overview & Structure

Overview

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Inc (NZTR) is the governing body of the thoroughbred code in New Zealand. Essentially it supplies the thoroughbred product for wagering and sporting customers and is ‘captain of the team’ for the thoroughbred code. More specifically its exists to:

  • Draw up and action the thoroughbred code’s Business Plan, including performance targets, set the distribution policy and allocate funds within the thoroughbred code to maximize and sustain financial benefits.
  • Define, regulate and amend the policies and Rules of Racing of the thoroughbred code.
  • Represent the interests of thoroughbred code stakeholders, principally the 67 thoroughbred racing clubs operating on 51 galloping tracks.
  • Supply central secretariat services for the thoroughbred code – including keeping the New Zealand Stud Book (recording the activities of the more than 9000 broodmares pastured in New Zealand), maintaining the handicap, licensing trainers, jockeys and apprentices, registering all racing stock, publishing industry and code publications and information including maintaining New Zealand’s largest racing database and supplying complete raceday form for all of the country’s 325 thoroughbred racedays, collection of fees and payment of stakes and percentages, and taking nominations and withdrawals for all meetings by the National Racing Bureau.
  • Develop all equine training programmes in New Zealand and run dedicated apprentice schools in the main racing regions.
  • Communicate all relevant information to all its customers within and outside the thoroughbred code.
  • Foster increased awareness, interest, participation and investment in the thoroughbred code.

NZTR is based in Wellington with a full-time staff of 27. For a full list of staff contact details, please visit our Contacts page. Its offices are in the same building as the New Zealand Racing Board, the TAB, Trackside TV, Radio Trackside and the Greyhound Racing New Zealand.

Governance

Currently NZTR is governed by a Board of six Directors.

At the NZTR AGM on 15 December 2010, Thoroughbred Racing Clubs throughout New Zealand agreed to support the process of the selection of a new independent Board to run NZTR. A Members’ Council was set up and charged with responsibility for all aspects of the appointment of six independent Directors.

The current Members’ Council comprises Chair Bill Cotton (southern region), Murray Gibson (northern), Nigel Tiley (trainers & jockeys), John Wheeler (central), John Thompson (breeders), Paul Humphries (central), Howard Clarke (southern), Karyn Fenton-Ellis (northern), and Neil Oldfield (owners).

A Board of ten Directors, elected on a regional and sector basis, was replaced by six appointed, independent directors.

Appointments to the Board are for three year terms and for a maximum of three terms, that is, an initial term and two further terms of three years each.

Board of Directors

  • Alan Jackson - Chairman

    Matthew Goodson

    Alan has had over 30 years of business experience across a wide spectrum of industries and disciplines including public and listed companies and racing bodies in three countries. His current governance roles include independent directorships of Fletcher Building, Fletcher Finance Limited and Delegat Group. He was a founding Director of the New Zealand Racing Board between 2003 and 2006 and again in 2012-13 including serving as Chairman. Alan served as Chairman of the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Australasia between 2003 and 2009. He has also chaired the Housing Corporation of New Zealand.

  • Victoria Carter ONZM - Deputy Chairman

    Victoria Carter

    Victoria is an experienced Director having sat on the Boards of several NZX and large private companies. Founder of Cityhop NZ’s first cars by the hour business, she was Chair of the Auckland Arts Festival for many years. A Director of the Auckland Racing Club for 10 years she was also Chair of the NZTR Member’s Council. An Accredited Fellow of the Institute of Directors, Victoria was awarded an ONZM in 2016 for services to the arts, business and community. She holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Auckland. With her husband, John, she breeds and races horses.

  • Jason Fleming

    Ben Nettleton

    Jason is Managing Director of a financial services company based in Hawke’s Bay. Jason holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) from Victoria University. Following admission to the Bar he developed a career in structured finance overseas and upon his return to NZ was the CEO of East Coast Racing and Hawke’s Bay Racing Incorporated. He has been active in the Thoroughbred industry as a breeder and owner after developing a deep appreciation for the industry whilst working as a stable hand for champion trainer John Wheeler during holidays from studies.  He is a member of the Institute of Directors and is also involved in a number of not-for-profit organisations in Hawke’s Bay.

  • Rick Williams

    Ben Nettleton

    Rick is General Manager of The Oaks Stud in Cambridge. He has had 30 years of experience as an owner, breeder and manager of commercial stud farms in New Zealand. He graduated from Massey University with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science majoring in Farm Management, Economics and Marketing. He managed Waikato Stud, Bloomsbury Stud before being appointed General Manager of the Oaks Stud and Manager of the Oaks Racing Team for owner Dick Karreman. He served on the Council of the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association for seven years.

  • Cameron George

    Cameron GeorgeCameron George joined the Board in May 2019, following his appointment by the NZTR Members' Council. Cameron is an experienced Racing & Sports Administrator having previously served as NZTR’s Chief Stipendiary Steward and the Chief Executive of the Auckland Racing Club. He is the current Chief Executive of the Vodafone Warriors. Cameron replaced board member Rodger Finlay, who retired following the NZTR Annual General Meeting in December 2018.
  • Bruce Sharrock

    Bruce Sharrock(Appointed September 2019) Bruce has had over 20 years in the professional Sports Management Industry. He is currently a founding Director of Esportif, a Global leader in the management of leading Rugby Union and Rugby League talent as well as providing advisory services to many professional clubs and national Unions through the Esportif Intelligence Division. The company now has offices across the Globe in all the major Rugby playing nations. Bruce has owned and bred Thoroughbreds and been part of a racing family all his life. His late father Bob also had a lifelong involvement, while his brother Allan currently holds a trainers licence.

     

  • Bernard Saundry - Chief Executive

    Greg McCarthyBernard Saundry succeeded Greg Purcell as Chief Executive of NZTR in June 2017. Bernard has been actively involved in the Australian racing, sports and entertainment sector for more than 35 years. He has considerable experience at the top level of racing administration in Australia. Most notably, Bernard spent 14 years with Racing Victoria Ltd, stepping down in December 2016 after a four year stint as Chief Executive. He was previously the Chief Operating Officer, Commercial Director, Racing Development Director and Chief of Staff with RVL. Bernard also spent time as the CEO of the Western Bulldogs Football Club and eight years as Chief Executive of Harness Racing Victoria. Prior to joining HRV, he was the administration and marketing manager for the Moonee Valley Racing Club. Bernard has been a director for a number of companies that manage and develop key business activities of the racing industry including media, wagering, integrity and intellectual property.
  • For a full list of staff contact details, please visit our Contacts page.