NZTR CHAIRMAN TO NOT SEEK RE-ELECTION

NZTR Chairman, Matthew Goodson, announced today that he will not be seeking re-election for a further three-year term and will retire from the NZTR Board at the conclusion of the AGM on 6 November 2015.

Matthew Goodson was appointed to the restructured independent NZTR Board in 2011 and has held the position as Chairman from that time.

“I remain passionate and committed to the development of the NZ thoroughbred racing industry. However, the rapid recent growth of my business Salt Funds Management means it is simply not possible to commit to the time and focus that is required for another term."

“I would like to pay tribute to the extraordinary hard work of our CEO, Greg Purcell and all the team at NZTR who work tirelessly for the industry.”

“Much progress has been made since the very difficult days of 2011. NZTR has consistently increased both aggregate and average prize-money, rebuilt industry reserves from a critically low level and is funding overdue infrastructure improvements in areas such as tracks and starting gates.”

“However, much remains to be done, with competing countries having moved ahead sharply in recent years. Pleasingly, I believe that a convergence of previously disparate industry views is emerging that will allow the industry to grow at a faster rate than has been the case in the past.”

“I am delighted that the National Government is now investigating the implementation of race-fields legislation and that the NZ Racing Board is coming to grips with its lack of scale and consequent high costs of trying to run a world class wagering system in a country with just 4.5 million people.”

“I hold considerable optimism for the future and believe that the right people and ideas are in place to drive positive outcomes. I have been privileged to serve the NZ thoroughbred racing industry and look forward to pursuing my personal breeding and racing interests in the years ahead."

In early July the Members Council will call for nominations to fill the NZTR Board vacancy, following the Chairman’s retirement in November.

Ends

For more information please contact Greg Purcell: (+64) 4 576 6271 or (+64) 21 576 627 

or Matthew Goodson (+64) 21 529 430.