Russell Warwick to step down as NZTR chair

Russell Warwick will stand down as chair of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing in the face of mounting criticism from sections of the industry about how the sport is being administered.

The Westbury Stud general manager, who has been chair of NZTR for the past two years, has informed his fellow board members of his decision to quit as chair of the governing body at November’s annual general meeting.

He will stand down as chair at the start of August and depart the board at the AGM.

NZTR Members Council chair Bernard Hickey told The Straight that Warwick had tendered his resignation.

“I can only confirm that he had informed me that he intends to stand down as the chair but remain there until the AGM for continuity purposes,” Hickey said.

“He’s got other meetings this morning with the recognised industry organisations and the clubs. 

“He’ll be informing them of his decision and probably give them a bit of an update around funding.”

In a statement released by NZTR, Warwick cited increased demands of the NZTR role, and those required running Westbury Stud, as a reason for stepping down.

“The demands of the role over recent months, together with my need to focus on my primary role at Westbury Stud, mean I have reluctantly decided to step down as chair. It is my intention to stand down as chairman at the start of August and to resign as a director at the time of the AGM in November,” Warwick said.

“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.

“Their commitment and professionalism give me great confidence in the future of thoroughbred racing in New Zealand.”

The TAB New Zealand Racing Advisory Committee, chaired by Sir Peter Vela, has become a significant voice in the argument for how the two racing codes should be governed, with the release of a major report commissioned by the group claiming the industry was on the verge of a financial blackhole.

Among the report’s five key recommendations is to merge NZTR and Harness Racing New Zealand, arguing it would provide cost savings to both equine codes.

NZTR chief executive Matt Ballesty, who joined the organisation in March last year, has been unable to finalise a funding agreement with TAB NZ allowing it to fully commit to prize money levels for next season.

Upon the release of the advisory committee’s report on June 24, NZTR responded that it would guarantee stake levels would remain as is for at least the next three months while it negotiated with TAB NZ about its funding allocation for 2026/27.

Warwick acknowledged the reform the industry was undertaking and he said that would continue under new leadership.

“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,” he said.

Ballesty thanked Warwick for his commitment to leading NZTR during his time on the board.

“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,” Ballesty said.

“Russell brings deep racing knowledge, commercial experience and integrity to every role he undertakes. He leads with humility, calmness and a genuine passion for the industry. While we fully respect his decision, we are pleased he will continue to contribute as a director during this critical period.”

A decision on Warwick’s replacement as chair will be announced in the coming weeks.