I noted with alarm the Sunday Times report on the financial embarassment of Mr Lyndon Barends, the CEO of the National Horseracing Authority ( NHA )
Longstanding breeder and NHA Life Member Dr Marianne Thomson writes in the Sporting Post Mailbag that she has some points to make.
At the time of his appointment, was the NHA board aware of his financial problems ?
If so , were the members of the Board complicit in a cover up ?
If they were not aware, were they negligent ?
Surely anybody appointed to a position of this standing and power should be thoroughly vetted beforehand.
Now, to allow this compromised gentleman to return on 25 September would be a travesty.
Before his possible reinstatement, there surely must be a thorough forensic audit of the NHA.
This audit should be made available to the public , especially as there is doubt as to the integrity of the board.
It has come to my notice that there has been a massive “clear out “ of staff at the NHA.
Please could there be an audit of the total wage bill and expenses incurred over the past two years.
Speaking as a Breeder and Life Member of the NHA, I have a right to know.
As does every other Breeder, Owner, Trainer and other parties who have their lives “ruled” by the NHA.
This is OUR Industry and livelihood and for too long we have suffered and tolerated mediocrity in silence.
Perhaps this is time for the Board to resign in its entirety and to find untarnished, passionate people to come forward to lead us.
