Chairman of Stewards appointed

Harness Racing New South Wales is pleased to advise that Mr Grant Adams has been appointed as the Chairman of Stewards.

Mr Adams is currently a Senior Steward with HRNSW and will head its panel of stewards from October 2017.

He will take over the role from Mr Graham Loch who will be relinquishing the Chairman of Stewards position during a transition period.

"I'm happy for the opportunity and I'm taking this role within the industry at a great time," Mr Adams said.

"Both Reid Sanders and Graham Loch have shown me a lot over the years and have given me a great platform to work with.

"The members which make up the panel as it stands is a cohesive group which I have the privilege to lead and work with."

Mr Adams started as a trainee Steward with HRNSW in 2010, having previously worked as a draftsman, and has also gained experience as a starter and is an accredited swab official.

"Grant's experiences and mentorship from those before him place him as the ideal person to command this demanding role," HRNSW chief executive John Dumesny said.

"What is even more pleasing is the fact that he is a 'home bred' having started with HRNSW as a trainee in 2010.

"The very fact he commenced on the pathway of being a steward in this decade demonstrates his capabilities as there have been challenges which the HRNSW Integrity Unit have encountered.

"Graham Loch has served as a Chief Steward at HRNSW for the past two years and will remain with the organisation until October to assist with the transition.

"He has and continues to be an inspirational mentor to the dedicated and diligent HRNSW team."

With the stewarding panel restructure, HRNSW Senior Steward Mr Chris Paul has been appointed as the Deputy Chief Steward.

Mr Paul has been with HRNSW since 2004 and is accomplished in all areas of integrity.

"Chris has a dedication to stewarding which was always leading him to a higher position," Dumesny said.

"He will compliment Grant's attributes in a significant manner which will further strengthen the team that has been enhanced with the return of the eminent Dr Martin Wainscott in the role of Regulatory Veterinarian."

Meanwhile, Senior Steward Mr Michael Zarb has resigned his post and will finish with HRNSW at the end of July having taken a posting with thoroughbreds in South Korea.

HRNSW will now recruit additional stewarding personnel to replace Mr Adams on the panel and Mr Zarb.

AMANDA RANDO