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Posted 2017-01-25 19:40:37  
New NHA chair Ken Truter interviewed

SA Horseracing recently took time out to chat to Ken Truter, who was recently appointed as Chairman of the National Horse Racing Authority. 


What would you like to address as chairman of NHA?

Over the past year there have been many changes that have taken place within the NHA some of which I believe were long overdue and while not complete, I will continue to drive this process which will strengthen and enhance the credibility of the NHA. The Board has approved a Business Plan vision 2020 which addresses a number of Organisational objectives to be achieved over the next 4 years. Amongst these will be the NHA's independence as a regulator, commitment to improving the welfare of the thoroughbred through appropriate animal welfare standards as well as serve the stakeholders with excellence through increased efficiencies and maximising operational effectiveness.

We believe that by governing in such a manner we will raise public confidence in the sport. 

How did you get involved with working at the NHA?

 

I have been a National Board Director since March 2015 and served on numerous committees, some as Chairman. I have also been active in Western Province Racing and Gold Circle Western Cape where I previously served on various Boards for 13 years including being Chairman of Western Cape Racing for 4 years in the early 2000s.

I also served for many years on the WPOTA.                                                                                                                  

I am passionate about the welfare of the Thoroughbred and have recently become Chairman of the Western Cape Equine Trust.

What role would like to see the NHA play in the day to day running of horse-racing in this country?

 

 

The NHA is pivotal to Horseracing in that it endeavours to keep the playing fields fair and thereby maintain the integrity of the sport.

To maintain this we need to develop and co-ordinate the many different structures within the NHA, as well as strive to improve their operational efficiencies.

It is important that we develop and nurture our staff who are critical to this process.  

How do you balance working at the NHA with other commitments?
What duties does NHA chairman have?

 

I am a non-executive Chair of the board so my duties are to ensure a fully functional and responsible Board and support the Managing Director in the execution of his duties where needed. As I am retired I have sufficient time to devote to this task. 

Who will you be working with?

 

As well as my fellow Directors I believe it very important that I build a good working relationship with our MD, Mr Lyndon Barends who I have every confidence in.

During his short period of being in office he has led the NHA in a transparent and  progressive manner while always willing to engage all Stakeholders.

 

I fully support this approach.

 


Are you going to address the issue of prize money?

 

I do not believe this is an issue to be addressed by the NHA however I am personally concerned by the ever increasing costs within the industry where stakes are struggling to keep pace

.


You look to have a really nice horse in the form of Lord Balmoral. How did you get involved?

 

We bought him at the CTS Ready to Run Durbanville sale in October 2015 where he stood out as a smashing individual.

 

I only bought 2 horses at this sale , the other being Nordic Breeze who won the WP Fillies Nursery a group 3 race so I you can say I have very fond memories of this sale!

 

 

Have you and Jane bought many horses in Australia, and how does Lord Balmoral rate among them?

 

Down the years we have bought quite a number of horses in Australia and generally they have been most successful.

 

We do enjoy very good relationships with Inglis Sales as well as the Magic Million Sales companies in Australia which we have developed over many years.

 

To answer your question I would like to think Lord Balmoral is up with the best of these.

 

 


What are the future plans for Lord Balmoral?

 

He will be going to Durban for the season but as yet I have not discussed a programme with Vaughn Marshall his trainer.

 



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