Michael Taranto - New HRA Chair
At the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Harness Racing Australia (HRA) in Perth on Friday, 8 December, Mr Michael Taranto was elected as Chair of HRA.
Mr Taranto has a strong understanding and deep passion for the Australian harness racing industry having a 32-year involvement as an owner, breeder and sponsor as well as serving on various committees at a State and Club level. More recently this passion has become global, with racing and breeding interests in North America and Scandinavia where he has built a network of strong working relationships with international trotting jurisdictions and participants.
A successful businessman through his company Seelite Windows and Doors and a qualified lawyer, Mr Taranto said the time was right for him to pour his energies into a role which he felt could combine his skills, expertise and interests.
“I am honoured to accept the role of HRA Chair and thank the Members of HRA for the brave decision they have taken. I now look forward to working closely with each of them in the interests of bettering the industry locally, nationally and internationally for all involved in this great sport”, Mr Taranto said.
“I’d also like to place on record my sincere thanks, alongside those expressed by the HRA Membership last Friday, in thanking Geoff Want for his excellent stewardship of the industry for almost twelve years. Ably supported by his wife Christine, Geoff has been an vocal, active and staunch leader who has managed to tackle and steer the industry through many turbulent issues. In addition he has elevated the work and respect with which HRA is held among members, industry, stakeholders, governments and wider community”.
The AGM also formally elected Mr Rod Smith, from Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW), as the new Deputy Chair, while Mr Dale Monteith, from Harness Racing Victoria (HRV), was elected Treasurer for a second term.
Mr Taranto will also succeed Mr Want as a Member of the Inter Dominion Event Committee (IDEC).
Ends.
