“I would like to thank my fellow board members, the NZTR executive team and all NZTR staff for their extraordinary support and the work they undertake on behalf of our industry.”
Warwick joined the NZTR board in 2024, having been involved in the New Zealand racing industry for more than 50 years.
“My intention was to give something back to an industry that has given me so much.”
The significant programme of industry reform that is underway would continue.
“Our work programme includes important strategic initiatives, including Project Stamina, and my priority is to ensure that this momentum continues,” he said.
“While I am stepping aside as chair, NZTR’s day-to-day operations and strategic priorities remain unchanged.
“I remain committed to supporting the board, management and the wider industry as we continue to deliver the reforms and investments that will strengthen the future of thoroughbred racing.”
NZTR chief executive Matt Ballesty acknowledged Warwick’s leadership and contribution to the industry.
“On behalf of the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing board, management and staff, I would like to sincerely thank Russell for his outstanding leadership, dedication and commitment to thoroughbred racing.
“During his time as chair, Russell has led the organisation through one of the most significant periods of reform in our industry’s history and has consistently acted in the best interests of racing and its participants.”
Warwick’s departure comes at a turbulent time in New Zealand racing, with a high-powered TAB Advisory Committee critical of the operational expenses of the codes and suggesting the need for change to the governance structures of the industry, including potentially merging some of the operational responsibilities of NZTR and Harness Racing New Zealand.
The Herald understands the next high-level meeting between TAB NZ, NZTR and HRNZ bosses to discuss funding for next season is next week.
NZTR and HRNZ are seeking additional funding from TAB NZ to help balance their books for the new season, but if the three parties can’t reach an agreement on a shared vision for the industry’s future, based around the TAB Advisory Committee’s recommendations, that extra money may not be granted.
While that impasse may be no closer to being solved, what can’t be denied is Warwick’s contribution in numerous roles as an administrator for thoroughbred racing and his impact on the New Zealand industry even away from his main role at Westbury Stud.
The gratitude for that service shouldn’t be drowned out by the noise coming from inside the industry during what is an uncertain time.
Michael Guerin wrote his first nationally published racing articles while still in school and started writing about horse racing and the gambling industry for the Herald as a 20-year-old in 1990. He became the Herald’s Racing Editor in 1995 and covers the world’s biggest horse racing carnivals.