Board Members

PATRON - Don McLaren ONZM - Auckland

Don is Chairman of Bomac Laboratories in Auckland. He is a former chairman of the Auckland Racing Club and of New Zealand Thoroughbred Marketing. Don is the owner of Northfields Stud and has bred and raced many outstanding horses including Tristabelle, Calveen, Genebel and Millennium.

CHAIRMAN - Gerald Fell MNZM - Taupo

Gerald is the co-owner of Fairdale Stud - New Zealand's oldest family owned commercial thoroughbred Stud. Gerald and his brother Rex have previously stood many successful stallions at stud including champion sire Pakistan. Gerald has raced many outstanding horses including Ajasco, Plume and Tall Poppy and has been responsible for breeding the winners of 36 Group One races and over 200 Stakes winners in 14 countries. Gerald's held significant roles within NZ Thoroughbred Racing, NZ Thoroughbred Breeders association, NZ Racing Conference, and many senior roles within racing clubs and committees. In recognition of his lifetime involvement Gerald was made a Member of the NZ Order of Merit for his services to Racing and Breeding.

EXECUTIVE OFFICER - Michelle McClunie - Hamilton

Michelle has an interest in the racing industry and provides administration functions to the Hall of Fame including managing gala events, project co-ordination, and documentation for the Board.

DIRECTORS

Don Hancock - South Auckland

Don has recently retired as Managing Director of the Magic Millions Sales company on the Gold Coast. Previously he was a well known racing administrator and has raced a number of horses successfully in New Zealand and Australia. Don chaired the Selection Committee for the first two induction events.

Marie Leicester - Taupo

Marie became involved in horse racing and breeding as her parents, the late James and Annie Sarten, were among New Zealand’s most successful owners and breeders during the 1950s and 1960s with the highly successful Belle family. Marie has continued this family tradition and is a very successful breeder and owner. Marie is currently President of the Taupo Racing Club and is a member of the Selection Committee.

Steve Davis - Hamilton

Steve is an internationally acclaimed bloodstock auctioneer who undertakes auctioneering duties at Karaka, in Australia and in South Africa. Steve also undertakes television work for Trackside and is Chairman of the Selection Committee.

Chris Luoni - Hamilton

Chris is a company director and business owner and recently retired as a partner in the international accounting firm - PricewaterhouseCoopers. Chris is a horse breeder and has raced horses such as Balrani (Group II winner) and Listed Stakes winners Ma Danseuse and Oliverdance. Chris is a National Councillor of NZ Thoroughbred Breeders Association, a National Trustee of the Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Awards and has been a committeeman of the Waikato Racing Club. Chris undertakes the executive director duties for the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame.

Paul Moroney - Matamata

Paul is an international bloodstock consultant who has selected and purchased a large number of outstanding racehorses from multiple Group One winner Happyanunoit to more recently the Victoria Derby winner Monaco Consul. Paul has previously trained in partnership with brother Mike and has been involved in the New Zealand racing industry for over 25 years.

Allan Fenwick - Marton

Allan is a former chief executive of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and was previously a partner in the national accounting firm – Ernst & Young. Allan has a wealth of knowledge on the New Zealand racing industry and has been a Director of the TAB, Racing Board and Committeeman of the Manawatu Racing Club. He has bred and/or raced a number of successful horses, mostly in syndicates, including Plume. Allan is a member and Secretary of the Selection Committee.

Phillip Leishman ONZM - Auckland

Phillip is one of NZ’s longest serving television presenters and has been Master of Ceremonies for our induction events. Phillip is a respected sports commentator who hosted televised racing in NZ from 1975-1999. Phillip currently produces and hosts a weekly television golf show, and is a member of the Hall of Fame Selection Committee. In 2011 Philip was made an Officer of the NZ Order of Merit for his services to Media.

Chris Doak - Hamilton

Chris established Canterbury Park Farm - a Cambridge based boutique horse farm - in partnership with partner and ex jockey Rosie Ealden. The farm has produced a number of group winners including champion Hong Kong horse Egyptian Ra.
Chris was previously stable foreman for Dave and Jan Kerr racing stable based at Riccarton, and has held management positions in the electricity sector, been CEO of Hamilton International Airport, and has led regional tourism in the central North Island Waikato region.
Chris continues to play a lead role in the development of the Hall of Fame's multi-media strategy.

Mark Chitty - South Auckland

Mark is a qualified veterinarian and is owner of the internationally respected stud farm - Haunui Farm.  Mark is a National Councillor of New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders Association.