Lyndon Barends the Change Agent

Mr Lyndon Barends was appointed with much fanfare as the Managing Director of the NHRA which is the regulating body of horse racing in Southern Africa. Although not having any experience in the horse racing industry, Lyndon sold himself and was touted as the BBEEE Change Agent of horse racing.

We know that Lyndon's first task and strategy has been a resounding success. Through negotiation he has successfully reduced the workforce number of important officials within the NHRA . Many within the industry have complained that much like the South African Police Services, should numbers diminish, there will be less presence, more lawlessness and less respect shown for the rules. Lyndon's answer is plain, if there are any complaints, they should not be sent to him. He acts on instructions of the Board of Directors.

We read much about Lyndon being an approachable person who communicates well and loves to mingle and explain his ideas for the betterment of racing. Lyndon is hardly ever seen officiating at a race meeting. except the prestigious ones. We are looking forward to bumping into him at the Durban July. Would it not be nice to rather see him doing duty at Turffontein on 1 July 2017. Ordinary racing folk are unable to understand why they never see him on the race course yet he is always seen at social galas and events. Lyndon has globe trotted on at least 4 different occassions in the past year to officially represent SA horse racing at different international horse racing events. Why he needed to go to the Melbourne Cup and the most prestigous French racing day is beyond anyone's guess. His work should be at home in South Africa and at regulating. Hopefully that the next time we try and contact him at the office we will not hear that his office is 'Bare ands' that he is unavailable.

Since taking up his prestigious position, Lyndon has made major strides. He has become the poster boy for BBEEE in horse racing. He is paraded and parades himself as the saviour of horseracing. He believes he is its number 1 Transformation Agent. We know what South Africa thinks about its number 1!!!! Being a managing director is a full time job. How Lyndon was able to be appointed as MD with all his other positions for other organisations indicates his agent connections.

We wait and wait to see the positive change in horse racing from Lyndon. There is change. It is just not positive or is it. If anyone knows of the positive strides made by Lyndon in horse racing please tell us.

Captain of the Titanic me thinks and his staff are the Orchestra

His record of getting rid of established performing white staff and keeping black staff that have f$%ked up in spectacular fashion speaks for itself. I am told he takes no prisoners should you disagree with his methods

Random post or has something happened?

I don't know Lyndon Barends, only of him. I don'y know Jurgs, or anything about him.

What does Jurgs do that he gets to sit in judgement? What experience, knowledge and insight can he bring, our champion. Mr Jurgs, is it?

I sit in judgment because I can. His position was not advertised. We do not know why Denzil Pillay and Colin Hall were forced out. He is supposed to make changes. The regulation of horse racing has gone backwards since he has been in charge. He thinks a fetlock is an overweight rugby player. He takes his ideas from the internet without it being termed plagiarism. He talks a good game but does not to back up his talk. Ask trainers what they think of his promises that have come to naught. His travels do not benefit SA horse racing. His BBEEE talk is just cheap talk. He moonlights and no-one says anything. I want horse racing to improve. I want the dishonesty to end. I want the drugging and abuse of horses to stop. I think most want what I want. It has not happened. I love horse racing. I hate it when horses and racing are put last. The NHRA is supposed to be the public protector of horse racing. He keeps everything clear as mud. We do not need a pretender we need a doer.

Has he made a positive difference? He has occupied the position for long enough to judge. I say no, the Jockey Club as useless as before under his guidance.