Menu

Harness Racing New Zealand chief executive Peter Jensen will stand down on Friday.

Harness boss Peter Jensen stands down over health issues - ‘I can’t give it 100%’

Harness Racing New Zealand has lost its boss with the immediate retirement of chief executive Peter Jensen.

Jensen, who will stand down on Friday with health issues, said it was both an extremely difficult, yet easy, decision to make.

“I have underlying health issues and realise these have got to the point where I cannot give 100% to HRNZ at a time when it requires 150%.

“I know the timing is far from ideal, but I also understand that I am not able to give the organisation the energy and guidance that it requires at this time, hence my decision to retire and concentrate on my health.”

The HRNZ board said while disappointed to receive Jensen’s resignation, it was fully supportive of his decision.

Jensen had guided HRNZ through a period of great change, including the present venue-cutting proposals.

Jensen took up the top role at HRNZ in February, 2019 after 18 months as CEO at Addington Raceway.

Board chairman Ken Spicer said that in the interim, the board will help cover the various roles of the CEO and will start a recruitment process shortly with a view to making an appointment in the new season.

Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them

Nathan Delany

Nathan’s comments

Thursday night at Cambridge

Race 5: Dreams Of Eric
7.13pm

“It’s an even field but he’s drawn to lead and I’m sure he’ll go well again.”

Ray Green

Ray’s comments

Friday night at Auckland

Race 4: Tyson
7.15pm

“He’s a strong each-way chance again. He’s looking great and he’s a real slugger. Some people under-rate him but he keeps getting the money.”

Race 6: Debbie Lincoln
8.19pm

“She tied up on us again after her last start but her bloods are good again so it looks like she’s over that. At her best she’d be a serious chance. She could be in need of a race or two to be on the very top of her game but, if she gets a good trip, I could see her being right in it.”

Race 8: Lincoln Linda
9.09pm

“Last week’s debacle was all self inflicted. She gets herself so wound up. The weird thing is that in front she’s lovely, and drops the bit, but getting there is the hardest part. We’ve had problems with her missing the start. If she did things right, and could lead from one, I can’t see how they’d beat her, but that’s a big question mark.”

Race 8: Lincoln Lover
9.09pm

“His last start was a complete non-event, it was only a sprint up the straight. With any kind of a trip on Friday he’ll show them more of what he can do. Lincoln Linda has more speed than him but he’s got the manners and he tries like hell.”

Dan Costello Race Photography