Article updated 29/12/23: The funeral for Paul Harris will take place at Tuahiwi Marae at 11am on Saturday 30 December, followed by his burial at Te Uru Ti Urupā. 

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing acknowledges the tragic passing of well-known New Zealand Trainer Paul Harris. 

On behalf of the governing body, Chief Operating Officer Darin Balcombe would like to share his sincere condolences to all those directly impacted by Harris’ sudden death. 

“NZTR is saddened to hear about Paul’s sudden passing and offers our deepest condolences to his close family, friends and stable team during this difficult time,” he said. 

Working alongside NZTR, Racing New Zealand’s Head of Wellbeing Victoria McArthur and Racing Chaplain Andrew McKerrow, are available to support Harris’ immediate family, racing team and any other affected participants following the loss. 

“We can only imagine the pain that those close to Paul are going through and we are grateful that Victoria and Andrew have been available to provide support in these tough times,” Balcombe said. 

“They attended the races in Timaru today (Thursday) to ensure that his family and employees are being supported and have access to the right services, as well as a pathway forward for his racing team.”  

Throughout his career, Harris achieved 511 wins, with a notable highlight in 2002 being Hustler's triumph in the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m). The Al Akbar progeny further secured placements in the

Group 1 Captain Cook Stakes (1600m) and Group 1 Family Hotel WFA (1600m). That same year Harris also secured a victory in the Group 2 New Zealand Cup (3200m), after his then-stable star Mike stormed home to victory at Riccarton Park. 

Harris is survived by his partner Ainsley and two sons Liam and Ethan.