Chris Luoni, the driving force behind the establishment of the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame, is stepping down as Chairman after serving seven years in the post but will continue as a director.

“Chris was the catalyst behind establishing the Racing Hall of Fame,” past Chairman and director Gerald Fell said.

“I was the first Chairman of the Hall of Fame and between us we drove the development of it.

“I retired and Chris took over, and it has just got stronger and stronger.”

The biannual event, which was first held in 2006, will next take place in May 2020. 

Stepping into the Chairperson role is Cherry Taylor, co-owner of Trelawney Stud and manager of her insurance company C N Taylor Consulting. Taylor brings a wealth of knowledge of the thoroughbred industry and has extensive experience as a member of several other boards and committees.

“We are very happy that Cherry is coming on board,” Fell said. “We are very pleased to have someone as enthusiastic as she is.”

Marie Leicester has recently been named as patron. Leicester, a successful owner-breeder, stepped down as a director of the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame earlier this year and was invited to become the patron to recognise her massive contribution over the last 12 years.