National Horseracing Authority of South Africa Acting Chief Executive Colin Hall has reacted strongly to a comment made on an editorial announcing the appointment of Mr Andy O’Connor as Chairman of the NHA, during March 2015.
Andy O’Connor
“I find the comment so absurd on a number of levels that I am compelled to reply,” wrote Hall in response to our submission to his office of the comment made on 17 February 2016 by Sarah Ann dos Santos.
The original editorial is eleven months old – read it here. – the comment thread is shown under the post.
The comment stated:
Can someone please explain to me, why one of the biggest punters is the chairman of the National Horseracing Authority? The National Horseracing is the integrity of Horseracing surely this was not suppose to be allowed, its a huge conflict of interest, he is a punter, breeder, owner and now THE CHAIRMAN?? No ways
Hall clarified that the Chairman was elected to the National Board by the members of The National Horseracing Authority (NHA).
“With a minor exception, all members are either owners or breeders, or both. A Director of the NHA must be elected from the membership so it follows that the Chairman, who is elected by the Directors, will be an owner, breeder or both. To suggest that this is a conflict of interest is nonsensical.”
He went on to say that the second point that he had an issue with is that the statement seemed to suggest that there was something illicit or immoral with a person placing a bet on horseracing.
“Many highly respected people place bets on horseracing and I am sure that they would be seriously offended by the suggestion that this would make them unsuitable to hold office. The suggestion that there is a relationship between betting on horseracing and integrity must be rejected outright.”
He said that, most, if not all, previous Chairmen of the NHA bet on horseracing to a greater or lesser degree.
“It therefore appears that this comment is a personal attack.”
Hall closed by stating that horseracing should not be concerned about hardworking people who give their time and expertise in an effort to better the horseracing industry for all of us.
“It should be concerned about those people who do nothing except to criticise the industry, often without the courage to even provide their names.”
Ed – We thank Colin Hall for his prompt response.
