Racing: Bittar leaves NZTR for Victoria

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New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing chief executive Paul Bittar has resigned to take up a senior position with Racing Victoria.

Bittar will finish duties on April 8.

"I am very disappointed to lose a chief executive of Paul's calibre," NZTR chairman Guy Sargent said last night.

"Paul joined NZTR to drive the change process initiated by the board at the time. Our focus has been to move thoroughbred racing in New Zealand to a more commercial and sustainable model. Paul has done an outstanding job in helping to achieve this goal."

Sargent said there would be no immediate replacement announced and the board would consider having an executive management group head NZTR for an interim time.

"Paul is leaving us in six weeks and the board does not believe it is in the best interests of NZTR to rush into a decision. Instead, we need to fully and carefully consider all our options and what is best for the thoroughbred racing industry."

Bittar said he had some disappointment to be leaving New Zealand when there was still much to be done in the racing industry. " I hope the good work commenced in recent years is further pursued and we continue to take a customer-focused approach to the industry."

- NZPA