The board of Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) met Tuesday to review matters concerning the reappointment of its Chief Executive, Brian Kavanagh, and elements of the commentary and misunderstandings which have followed. The Board expressed regret that this matter has become the subject of public concern.
Suggestions that the Chairman intentionally misled the relevant Government Departments with regard to the CEO appointment process were refuted. Beginning in 2011, the then Board mandated the then HRI Chairman to advance outstanding matters regarding the resolution of the CEO's contract and any related matters. This issue was transferred to the new Chairman, Joe Keeling, on his succession to office in March of 2013.
The board confirmed that the Chairman's actions and intentions reflected its views regarding the CEO's contract. It also recognised that a more collegiate approach would have improved the process, but were fully agreed that there was no intention to incorrectly inform the Minister or that the Board's views had been misrepresented. Additionally, the board confirmed Tuesday that it is satisfied that the best result for HRI and the industry has been achieved with the successful completion of the new CEO contract.
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