BEN NETTLETON RETIRES AS NZTR BOARD MEMBER

Ben Nettleton has advised the Board of his intention to retire as a member of the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Board at its annual general meeting in November.

Nettleton, has completed two of three possible terms as an NZTR Board member. His decision to step down will allow him devote more time to his legal practice together with other appointments and business interests.

"I've worked with an exceptional group of directors during my time on the board - we've all been absolutely committed to bringing about the important strategic and structural change necessary for the long term viability of the industry."

NZTR Chair Alan Jackson thanked Nettleton for his efforts on behalf of NZTR. "Ben has been a diligent and hard-working Board member. We are grateful for his efforts, both at a Board level, and his service as a member of our Integrity Committee, where his legal expertise has been particularly appreciated."

Nettleton has been a member of the Integrity Committee, which also serves as the supervisory panel under the bloodstock syndicate code of practice. At the Board's request he has agreed to remain a member of that committee, and has also accepted appointment as one of the Board's nominees to a recently formed Racing Intellectual Property Group, an area of work he has had a significant involvement in.

As a result of recently conducting interviews for a new board member, the NZTR Members' Council has appointed former Hawke's Bay Jockey Club Chief Executive Jason Fleming to replace Nettleton.

Fleming, who is currently Chief Executive of the Infinity Foundation, a gaming trust based in Hastings, was the Hawke's Bay Jockey Club CEO from June 2009 to August 2015.

He previously had a career in banking in both New Zealand and England.

He will replace Nettleton at the NZTR annual meeting.