Bernard has been in thoroughbred racing for 20 or more years and has had a good degree of success as an owner, but still awaits that elusive ‘Group One’ winner. He is passionate about the Racing Industry and where it should be to help defray owner’s costs. His aim is to get a ‘Better Deal for Owners’ and act as their advocate where change management and good consultation with codes and communities will be imperative to effect the needed change to boost the industry as a whole. Thoroughbred racing is his passion and Bernard says he’s an ‘outside the square’ person and is willing to question the norm of our racing leaders.

Bernard brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Executive of NZ Owners Federation. He has substantial experience in business management, corporate restructuring, Law and Financial Management and has worked both in public and private organisations such as Justice, Commercial Affairs, District Council, Health and has held senior management roles within each. Bernard currently is employed by NZ Defence Force and is the Executive Advisor for the NZ Army Command School. One of his many roles includes Health & Safety Compliance for which he has extensive knowledge and experience as an H&S practitioner and Accident Investigator working within both Defence, Health and Local Government.

Prior to becoming President in 2018, Bernard has been involved in many club and Association roles form National Athletics to local Bowls and is heavily involved with Clubs NZ as a Board member since 2012 along with other Board appointments.

Well known thoroughbreds that Bernard and his partner Nicola have owned, or had an interest in, include: Khan (NZ & Singapore), Cullemour, San Bernardino, Savings are Golden (Aust), Chartreuse and, latterly, Los Angeles. Current horse is Miss Illicit. 

Bernard Hickey