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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Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 4: Tyson
6.58pm
“Drawn out wide makes it tough over 1700 metres but he’s been making his own luck. He’s not brilliant out but if he pushes on to be handy he’s got to be a big chance again. He needs to be up there on the pace or he doesn’t try too hard.”
Race 6: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.57pm
“You can’t fault what Sugar Ray’s been doing lately, and he’s been getting out with them, so he has to be a serious chance from the inside.”
Race 6: Kevin Kline
7.57pm
“Kev and Sugar Ray are pretty much on a par. Kev never goes a bad race, he’s just such a professional.”
Race 7: Johnny Lincoln
8.23pm
“He’s been racing too keenly but he won’t pull this time. We’ve got a different bit on him so Maurice will have him under control.”
Race 7: Prince Lincoln
8.23pm
“He’ll need to get stronger and you couldn’t see him beating Fugitive from the outside of the arm.”
Race 8: Rivergirl Bella
8.48pm
“It will be interesting to see what she can do from a good draw - she’s got some speed and if she holds up early she’ll get a good trip. But she, too, needs to get stronger.”
