Adams takes role as NSW new chairman of stewards

Mr Grant Adams

HARNESS Racing New South Wales has advised that Grant Adams has been appointed as the new chairman of stewards.

Adams is currently a senior steward with HRNSW and will head its panel of stewards from October, 2017.

He will take over the role from Graham Loch, who will be relinquishing the chairman of stewards position during a ‘transition’ period.

“I’m happy for the opportunity and I’m taking this role within the industry at a great time,” said Adams.

“Both Reid Sanders and Graham Loch have shown me a lot over the years and have given me a great platform to work with.

“The members which make up the panel as it stands is a cohesive group which I have the privilege to lead and work with.”

Adams began as a trainee steward with HRNSW in 2010, having previously worked as a draftsman, and has also gained experience as a starter and is an accredited swab official.

“Grant’s experiences and mentorship from those before him place him as the ideal person to command this demanding role,” said HRNSW chief executive John Dumesny.

“What is even more pleasing is the fact that he is a ‘home bred’ having started with HRNSW as a trainee in 2010.

“The very fact he began on the pathway of being a steward in this decade demonstrates his capabilities as there have been challenges which the HRNSW Integrity Unit have encountered.

“Graham Loch has served as a chief steward at HRNSW for the past two years and will remain with the organisation until October to assist with the transition.

“He has and continues to be an inspirational mentor to the dedicated and diligent HRNSW team.”

With the stewarding panel restructure, HRNSW senior steward Chris Paul has been appointed as the deputy chief steward.

Paul has been with HRNSW since 2004 and is accomplished in all areas of integrity.

“Chris has a dedication to stewarding which was always leading him to a higher position,” Dumesny said.

“He will compliment Grant’s attributes in a significant manner which will further strengthen the team that has been enhanced with the return of the eminent Dr Martin Wainscott in the role of regulatory veterinarian.”

Meanwhile, senior steward Michael Zarb has resigned his post and will finish with HRNSW at the end of July having taken a posting with thoroughbreds in South Korea.

HRNSW will now recruit additional stewarding personnel to replace Adams on the panel as well as Zarb.