It seems an age ago now when the announcement was made that there would be no Junior Drivers Championships this year, due to the pandemic and the likely travel restrictions.

Boy, there sure are some interesting happenings in the Industry at the moment. Clubs and tracks that were basically written off under the rationalisation have been give lifelines, others that can boast successful records have been cast aside.

Following the end of lockdown, the Canterbury Branch of the Trainers & Drivers Assn. has planned to host a meeting of license-holders and HRNZ officials, including the new Interim CEO, Phil Holden.

The revitalisation of New Zealand racing has taken a significant step forward following the passing of the Racing Industry Bill following its third and final reading today at Parliament. Racing Industry Transition Agency (RITA) Executive Chair Dean McKenzie said the Bill, which transfers racing administration functions to the racing codes and establishes TAB New Zealand (NZ)

NZ Sires’ Stakes Nomination & Sustaining Payments have been posted / emailed.
Closing Date July 1st 2020

As part of the current slash and burn cost-cutting measures, the TAB has chosen to close my local branch in the Barrington Mall in Christchurch.

First of all, it was great to have harness racing back in business last week, and it was obvious by the mood, and the looks on the faces of the participants, that the passion was still there.

There’s no question that the whole World is going to look back at the year 2020 and shake their heads in disbelief. Whether what has happened is a one off, or something we’ll have to get used to in the future, no-one knows.

As racing gears up for its resumption, trainers around the country are being reminded to ensure that their horses’ brands can be easily identified.

I know I’m going to sound horribly ungrateful, but the recent announcement of a windfall for the “Racing Industry” is somewhat of a misnomer – what it actually amounts to is a prop up for the “Thoroughbred Racing Industry.’ In fact, it’s not really even a windfall or prop up for one code only, it’s a biased and politically motivated repayment gift.