Letter from Panel Chair, Lee Robinson
In May 2025, stakeholders and racing participants voiced concerns about late changes to eligibility conditions for the Young Guns Series Final at Alexandra Park on May 10, 2025.
Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ) responded to these concerns by establishing an independent review panel, with myself as chair and Felicity Caird and Paul Black as fellow panellists.
As part of our review, we spoke to a wide range of industry participants, HRNZ staff members, and various stakeholders to gather comprehensive perspectives on the matter. We analysed HRNZ’s racing programme materials and applicable racing regulations and policies, and received 12 written submissions from individuals with involvement or interest in our inquiry.
I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to those who contributed to our investigation. Each voice played a part in shaping this review and our resulting recommendations.
It is important to state that from the outset we found no evidence of corruption or improper influence. However, the review highlighted that the current regulations are overly complex and confusing, and improvements need to be made to HRNZ’s internal and external communications.
The review makes a total of 12 recommendations aimed at improving regulatory practices, stakeholder engagement, and communications. I am confident that by working together to implement these recommendations, HRNZ and the industry can emerge stronger, with clearer processes and enhanced trust that will benefit harness racing for years to come.
The full report, including our detailed analysis and all 12 recommendations for strengthening harness racing, can be accessed here.
