HRNZ launches Independent Review into Heats and Finals Framework

Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ) today announced the commencement of an independent review into the circumstances leading to the field selection for the 2YO Young Guns Final Mobile Trot held at Alexandra Park on May 10, 2025.

The decision to commission the review reflects HRNZ’s strong commitment to transparency, accountability, and the maintenance of public and participant confidence in the integrity of the sport.

The review will examine the application and communication of race conditions, the regulatory framework underpinning such race series, and broader issues of fairness, process integrity, and stakeholder confidence.

The review will be led by a three-member independent panel appointed by HRNZ:

Lee Robinson MNZM ( Lead Reviewer) – Partner Saunders Robinson Brown – Mr Robinson has extensive experience working with disciplinary hearings and independent reviews for sports and religious organisations both as an advisor and as a panel member on various hearings. He has extensive experience in property, commercial, and business law and is also a leading New Zealand Sports Lawyer. Code of Conduct Commissioner for NZ Cricket, member of the New Zealand Law Society and Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit 2017, for contribution to Sport and Community.

Felicity Caird – A governance professional with nearly 20 years’ experience working with boards across all sectors (public, for-profit and not-for-profit). She has held leadership roles at the Institute of Directors. Her current governance roles include chairing the Racing Safety Development Fund Industry Working Group, and as an independent member on the boards of Racing New Zealand, Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ Inc, the Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association Inc and as an external member on the Porirua City Council Audit and Risk Committee.

Paul Black – Secretary Greater Canterbury & National Council NZ Harness Trainers & Drivers Association and is a long-time harness industry participant with over 30 years of experience as a trainer, driver and TAB agent.

The panel will commence work this week and will engage directly with relevant stakeholders, including trainers, owners, and race officials. Interviews will be scheduled where appropriate, and individuals with relevant information or insights are encouraged to make written submissions to the panel.

“We are committed to fairness, clarity, and accountability in how our events are conducted. We thank the panel members for their time and independence in leading this important process” said HRNZ CEO Brad Steele.

“We will report on the outcome of the review in July, the draft report is due in late June,"said Steele.

“HRNZ looks forward to the findings and recommendations of the panel, which are expected to strengthen our regulatory framework, communications protocols and race integrity in the interests of all participants.”

Submissions can be sent to [email protected] during the seven-day submission period, which opens on Wednesday of this week. All emails will be confidential to the Panel. Participants are asked to refrain from contacting Panel members directly.