NZTR chairman to step down
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing chairman Dr Alan Jackson yesterday signalled his intention to retire from the board at the AGM on November 17.
A “change chair” who presided over a period of significant upheaval, Dr Jackson brought the benefit of more than 30 years of international business experience across a wide spectrum of industries and organisations to the role.
Under his chairmanship he guided the industry through the introduction of the Health & Safety in the Workplace Act; saw through the progression of the Messara Review and the introduction of the Racing Industry Act 2020; the development of a Venue Plan for thoroughbred racing and finally charted the difficulties raised by Covid-19 given NZTR entering in a sound financial position.
Among the achievements ticked off during his time in the chair were the introduction of gold standard welfare guidelines; trainer/owner reforms placing that relationship on a professional footing: increased alignment with Racing Australia; all-weather tracks and also delivering stake increases which included lifting the minimum to NZ$10,000.
Throughout his time leading the NZTR Board Dr Jackson has been a strong advocate for the modernisation of the wagering business in NZ and the full development of the racefields opportunities. His grasp and understanding of the wagering and media landscape has been honed over decades of experience within the racing industry across three countries.
He promises to continue to push for increased returns to the New Zealand industry through joint venturing/partnering with an international wagering operator within the arrangements outlined in the new Act.
“I am proud of the work which has been undertaken by the NZTR Board over the last five years. There is now a sound foundation on which we can begin to reshape the industry to provide those additional revenues required for its prosperity, the journey is nearly in the home straight,” Dr Jackson said.
Dr Jackson joined the NZTR Board in 2015, having previously served as a founding director of the New Zealand Racing Board from 2003-2006, and again in 2012-13 as chairman.
The Members’ Council will incorporate seeking a replacement to fill the vacancy left by Dr Jackson’s retirement as part of the selection process around other rotating and retiring directors.