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%’
By Barry Lichter • 19 May 2020
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.
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Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 4: Dreams Of Eric
6.53pm
“I was happy with his last run. He had to go back to last from the draw and when clear he ran home well. He just needs a bit of racing. He’s had only five starts, so the others have more ringcraft than him, but he could get some of it with the right trip.”
Race 6: Im Not The Maid
7.53pm
“She had to do too much work last time, parked for the last lap, but should get her chance from three.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Lincoln La Moose
6.26pm
“He overdid it again last week but we’re looking for some improvement on Friday. If things go his way he’s a chance to get some money but our other horse looks more likely.”
Race 2: Kevin Kline
6.26pm
“He’s a lovely horse and I’m sure he’ll go another good race. He did well last week after that early break. Maurice was trying to let Greased Lightnin in but he’s a big horse who had other ideas and kept powering on. He just needs a bit of luck in the running.”
Race 4: Leo Lincoln
7.18pm
“He’s going honest races but he just lacked the big speed last week of horses like Greased Lightning and Seaclusion. Fergie said he had a job pulling him up. I can’t see anything beating Mantra Blue on Friday, even with a 15 metre head start, but Leo starts well and hopefully he can run a place.”
