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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

Friday night at Auckland

Sharpe Stride, Marylynes Boy, Omaha Lincoln, Spiritual Bliss, Colonel Lincoln, Sugar Ray Lincoln, Leo Lincoln, Prince Lincoln.

Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them

Ray Green

Ray’s comments

Thursday night at Cambridge

Race 4: Lincoln Linda
6.38pm

“I’m not sure where she’s at. It’s a big drop in class - there’s not much in there - but I don’t think she’ll morph into a star. She was hitting the sulky wheels last time and over-racing but that won’t happen again.”

Race 6: Lincoln Maree
7.36pm

“She paced roughly last time but we’ve done a bit of work on her since so she should be happier this time. It depends on the trip she gets (from four) but she’ll go an honest race. She’s no superstar, but she doesn’t miss many cheques.”

Race 8: Copy N Paste
8.45pm

“He’s dour and tradesman-like but he’s getting there. It’s his first time off the place, and the trip will improve him, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him competitive in what is a very weak field. Sometimes you don’t know what the Bettors Delights have got until they front up at the races but he trialled well and beat a couple who are against him here.”

Race Images - Harness