Cameron George has been appointed chief stipendiary steward for the new tri-code Racing Integrity Unit (RIU), effective from next Monday.
George, an Australian, is chief stipe for New Zealand's thoroughbreds code and will continue in that role for the next three months, as well as setting up the new unit.
The RIU will take over the integrity functions of the three codes - thoroughbreds, harness and greyhounds - from February 1 when all code stewards and investigators will join the RIU.
The move results from a decision of the three codes and the New Zealand Racing Board to form one independent integrity body.
The aim is to provide enhanced protection for racing punters and all who invest in the industry, the Racing Board said yesterday.
The RIU will be independent of the governing bodies of the three codes and will be responsible for enforcing each code's rules.
The three codes, however, will maintain ownership of their respective rules and making any changes to them.
It will be governed by an independent board of four and will be led by a general manager, to whom George will report. That manager is yet to be appointed.
"The world of wagering is extremely competitive and punters have many options to invest in, besides racing," George said yesterday.
"While it is not the only solution to growing wagering in New Zealand, having an integrity function that is independent, strong and looks after punters' best interests will increase confidence and has to be an important step in keeping our customers."
