Longstanding Breeder Dr Marianne Thomson has asked questions of the National Horseracing Authority in recent weeks via the medium of the Sporting Post.
The NHA published a press release on Monday 1 October 2018, the contents of which are carried hereunder.
Here is Dr Thomson’s latest letter
The NHA write that Dr Thomson has directed two inquiries to the NHA through the Press.
Although she is a member of the NHA and well known to the NHA she has chosen a public platform to raise her queries.
The NHA has through recent Press Releases kept its members informed of the position of its former CEO Mr Barends and whether in the light of Mr Barends’ resignation there is a need to inquire any deeper into the financial affairs of the NHA.
We stand by those releases and as the position has not changed we do not intend to comment any further. We will do so should that become necessary.
Dr Thomson’s other inquiry relates to the keeping of the Stud Book. The NHA is the keeper of the Stud Book but does so under the supervision of the European and African Stud Book Committee (EASBC). The NHA is in constant communication with the EASBC and together with the EASBC and since the appointment of Ms Hazel Kayiya prioritised:
1.the publication of Stud Book records since 2012;
2.the publication of the 2016/2017 return of mares’ supplement; and
3.the register of imported horses in the SA SB (and issued with a name) without approval from the horse’s Stud Book of birth.
For a Thoroughbred Stud Book Authority (SBA) to be considered to have “Approved” status, one of the key requirements is that the SBA publishes full details of their annual crop via Stud Book volume or supplement.
In August 2018 the Stud Book Department submitted Volume 32 of the General Stud Book of Southern Africa (4 years of records for foals of 2012 up to and including 2015) to the International Stud Book Committee (ISBC) for review, as well as, the 2016 – 2017 returns of mare’s supplement. Both of these are available on the NHA website.
On a positive note Hazel Kayiya was appointed as Stud Book Keeper with effect from 3 April 2018.
Hazel Kayiya (photo: supplied)
Prior to joining the NHA Hazel worked for The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), as Manager – Racing Authority (External). Amongst her other duties she undertook the Secretariat functions for the Asian Racing Federation, and coordinated HKJC’s adoption and implementation of the International Agreement on Breeding, Racing and Wagering.
Prior to joining the HKJC, Hazel, a professional accountant, was employed by Gold Circle and has held several positions including Corporate Services Executive and Risk and Assurance Audit Manager.
Hazel holds a Bachelor of Commerce Accounting & Finance and Bachelor of Commerce Honours Accounting, from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. In addition, she completed the certificate in Thoroughbred Stud Management offered by Summerhill Stud.
As is clear from her past experience and involvement in the thoroughbred racing industry, Hazel’s appointment further strengthens the NHA’s business operations, and will foster employee engagement.
