NHA announces appointment of four new National Board Directors

In terms of Chapter 4 of the Constitution of The National Horseracing Authority (NHA) the Nominations Committee (NOMCO), consisting of Messrs M Currie, G Bortz, A Rivalland, Mr G Ahmed and J Kinsley, has nominated the following candidates to fill the vacant positions on the National Board.

The vacant positions are due to the recent resignations of six directors.

1. Mr Mark Currie in terms of Clause 15.1.1 of the Constitution

Mr Currie is a qualified Chartered Accountant and holds the position of Group Chief Risk Officer of the Investec Group having been employed in various roles for 32 years at Investec.

Mr Currie is the former Chairman of the Thoroughbred Horseracing Trust, the former co-chair of Kenilworth Racing and a former Director of the Racing Association (now known as the Racehorse Owners Association).

Mr Currie has been actively involved in the Horseracing Industry in South Africa and has held colours since 1994.

Mr Currie recused himself from NOMCO when deliberating his nominations to the National Board.

2. Mr Laurence Wernars in terms of Clause 15.1.1 of the Constitution

Mr Wernars is the Chairman of the Studio 88 Group of Companies.

Mr Wernars is also heavily invested in the sport of horseracing for over 30 years and is the owner of over 100 horses in training and owns over 100 broodmares and yearlings.  He has served on the board of the Racing Association (now known as the Racehorse Owners Association).

Mr Wernars has previously served as a National Board Director from 10 December 2019 to 13 October 2020.

3. Mr Barry Reardon in terms of Clause 15.1.1 of the Constitution

Mr Reardon is a practicing Attorney at Millar and Reardon Attorneys since 1982. He was appointed as Commissioner of Small Claims Court in 2015 and currently serves as a trustee on various testamentary, inter vivos and charitable trusts.

Mr Reardon has been a colour holder since 1 August 1989 and up until 2021, he was also a registered breeder.

4. Mr Brenden Fegen in terms of Clause 15.1.1 of the Constitution

Mr Fegen is currently a Colour Holder and has been a Colour Holder since 18 February 2021.

Mr Fegen is a self-employed businessman in transport and contracting business working with Citrus Farmers, Dairy and Apple Farmers having started the business in 2013.

Mr Fegen is a keen racing enthusiast and holds individual and partnership colours since 18 February 2021.

At its Board meeting convened on 2 October, the above nominations were approved unanimously by the current Board.

Mr Currie has resigned from his position on the Nominations Committee as the Owners’ representative and a replacement shall be announced in due course.

Subsequent to the above appointments, a further board meeting was called, and at that meeting, it was once again unanimously voted that Mr Mark Currie be appointed as the incoming Chairperson.

The NHA congratulates all new members of the Board and appreciates their willingness to guide the organisation at this current juncture.

These appointments are with immediate effect. - NHA