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

Friday night at Auckland

Lincoln Downs, Lincoln’s Spice, Sammy Lincoln (not starting), Johnny Lincoln, Tyson, Sugar Ray Lincoln, Leo Lincoln, Kevin Kline, The Rascal.

Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them

Nathan Delany

Nathan’s comments

Thursday night at Cambridge

Race 1: Im Not The Maid
5.14pm

“She went pretty well last week considering they came a fast last half (56.3) and she sat parked from the 800. She’s back to the amateur grade, and should get a good run from the two draw, so hopefully we can get a bit of cash.”

Race 4: Dreams Of Eric
6.38pm

“She didn’t handle the right-handed bends at Auckland last week (galloping at the 300) so we’ll stick to Cambridge from now on. There’s a bit of gate speed in the race so Harry (Harrison Orange) should be able to sit in somewhere. I think he’s a good chance to run top three.”

Race Images - Harness