Nothing written about the 2022 Cup meeting can omit a mention of the Dominion Handicap. Undoubtedly the race of the year and won by a horse that no-one can call anything but a champion, it follows on from last year’s breath-taking win by the same horse in the same race. The trotters have most definitely arrived.

It seems that, despite the overall doom and gloom facing harness racing in this Country, there are still a few people who enjoy a punt on our horses, given the record-breaking turnover on Cup Day. Believe it or not, on the big days when large stakes are paid out, the major Clubs budget for a loss, however I’m reliably informed that last Tuesday will see the Club come away with a modest profit.

The following is the submission from the Trainers and Drivers Association in support of the retention of the Rangiora Raceway. This was sent prior to the recent fire in the area.

For the 70 years of its’ existence, the Totalisator Agency Board has, at least in the eyes of racing people who allegedly created it (depending on who you talk to), and likely the majority of the Country’s population, been allied to our Industry.

The initial part of the first afternoon of the recent HRNZ Annual Conference was taken up with presentations from the TAB and the Racing Integrity Board, the latter repeatedly stressing the emphasis on animal welfare by the Industry and their staff.

The following is an open letter from the Rangiora Harness Racing Cub:

The following is an extract from the Rangiora Harness Racing Clubs annual report to its members. The Club seeks the support of the Canterbury Harness Racing Industry to see the Racecourse retained as a racing, trialling and training venue into the future. If you support the retention of the Rangiora Racecourse please send an email HRNZ stating your views (and copy the Club) or if you prefer, please write to HRNZ. The Club really appreciates your support

Sadly, time spent in race day stables in Canterbury and the upper South Island are not going to be the same without the regular presence of one of the game’s favourites, Murray Edmonds, who was taken way far too soon earlier this week.

Having not met physically for some considerable time, it was always going to be a marathon when the Trainers & Drivers National Council held a meeting recently – more than 6 hours long in fact. Along with guests, Catherine McDonald (HRNZ) and Nigel McIntyre (RIB), the topics on the agenda were wide and varied, some involving some intense discussion.

Agenda Items for A Meeting of the Trainers & Drivers National Council in the HRNZ Boardroom on Monday 19 September at 12.30pm

After a far too lengthy hiatus, due to difficulties mainly caused by the pandemic, the National Council of the Trainers & Drivers Assn. is scheduled to meet face to face in a few days.