Saundry appointed HRV Chair

Experienced racing administrator Bernard Saundry has been appointed Chair of Harness Racing Victoria.

Saundry, who was chief executive officer of HRV for eight years from 1993, was appointed by the Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines, bringing vast racing and media experience to the role.

“Bernard Saundry is regarded as one of Australia’s most experienced and successful racing administrators and possesses a unique understanding of the industry,” Mr Carbines said.

“I look forward to working with him in his new role as Chairperson of Harness Racing Victoria as he leads the industry through a period of transformation.”

Since his extensive work at Harness Racing Victoria until 2001, Saundry has served as Chief Executive Officer of the Western Bulldogs, Racing Victoria, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and RSN 927.

“I have extremely fond memories of my time at Harness Racing Victoria and look forward to renewing that deep engagement with the sport, which I have continued to follow closely,” Saundry said.

“Harness racing in Victoria has a deeply loyal, passionate base, and I look forward to working with all in the sport, including my fellow Board members and HRV staff, to take on the many challenges and help it prosper.”

HRV Board members Adam Kilgour and Jane Brook will resign their positions at October’s end after long tenures.

“I thank Adam Kilgour for his tireless work as interim Chairperson addressing various challenges in the industry, and for his ongoing dedication to harness racing,” Mr Carbines said.

“At the same time, we also farewell Jane Brook, who concludes a remarkable nine years of contribution at HRV.”

Kilgour was appointed to the Board in February 2018 and has served the past seven months as Chair, overseeing critical decisions to help set harness racing in Victoria on a pathway to sustainability.

“I have enjoyed the integrity and common purpose of the HRV Board in my time and leave knowing we have always had the best interests of the sport at the centre of our decision-making,” Kilgour said.

“All racing codes have significant challenges, and, as the smallest, harness racing is facing the breeze. The changes we have made at HRV, particularly in the last year, have rebased the sport’s expenses to match revenues to secure its future. It has not been an easy job, but a necessary one.

“I wish Bernard, the Board, and the HRV staff good luck and success as they put on the show and regulate it in the future.”

Brook was appointed amid a new seven-member Board in March 2016 and has brought a wealth of media and communications expertise to the industry.

“It has been a privilege to serve in this capacity for the past eight and a half years, and I deeply appreciate the opportunity I have been given to contribute to the industry,” Brook said.

“Over my tenure, I have witnessed both the challenges and successes of harness racing, and I have been continually inspired by the passion and dedication of all those involved.

“However, I believe that now is the right time for me to step aside and allow someone new to bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the Board.

“I would like to thank my fellow Board members, including former Chair Dale Monteith, and the executive team, whose collaboration and support have made my time at Harness Racing Victoria both productive and enjoyable.”

by Michael Howard, for Harness Racing Victoria