Many years ago, in what would now be considered the ‘dark ages’, harness racing’s governing body mandated that anyone over the age of 65 would not be allowed to drive in races. This meant stars of their era, such as Derek Jones and Maurice Holmes, were forced into premature retirement, the latter proving how stupid the decision was by driving four winners at his last meeting.

As we all know, punctuality is an essential part of taking horses to the races, presenting them late on the track can cause all sorts of problems, and sometimes a loss of revenue, so it is pleasing to see that a recent crackdown on discretions this by the Stewards seems to have done the trick.

Just when we thought the grass track season was about to kick off, that all-powerful lady, Mother Nature said otherwise, with damage to the Mount Harding track rendering it unfit overnight.

Any of you that haven’t caught up with the latest Greg O’Connor series of “One on One,” featuring interviews with various Industry personalities are missing some gems.

I think it’s fair to say that most people agree with, and respect the direction orders that government departments have ruled should be followed by HRNZ and industry participants. However, now that we are becoming accustomed to conditions under Level 4, maybe it’s time to revisit a couple of the protocols before (heaven forbid) we are shut down again.

Hats off to HRNZ and the two Clubs involved in trying (at time of writing still subject to alert levels changing) to cobble together a race meeting that will cater for all horses wanting to race in Canterbury this weekend.

For more than a decade now, I’ve been present at meetings between various Trainers & Drivers Committees, and Starters and/or Stewards. Pretty much every time the subject of standing starts has been raised.

After months of discussion with HRNZ over recommendations from the Trainers & Drivers Assn., the governing body has announced a number of significant changes to the Handicapping System.

Last week I was venting about people in this Country moaning why we can’t be the same as Australia. My mood wasn’t appeased after reading comments from a New Zealand trainer who won more money that anyone at the recent excellent carnival in Brisbane, one who is rather renowned for slagging off at all and sundry when things don’t suit him.

As I think I’ve said before, I get angry when I hear industry participants bleat on about why can’t we be like Australia. Well, last week was the perfect answer to that question, as if there weren’t enough obvious reasons such as population difference, and the fact that big money is offered for our horses, whereas our neighbours sell very few overseas.