Recently, representatives of the Trainers & Drivers Greater Canterbury Branch, met with RIU Stewards and the two Canterbury starters, to discuss ways of improving race starts in the area.

Two weeks following the introduction of the new whip rules and it seems that most drivers are getting the hang of them, according to Head Steward Nick Ydgren. He recently reported to the Association:

At a recent Northern Branch meeting, the Committee discussed race starts and driver obligations with Frank Phelan & Danny Blakemore, where the protocol for getting races away on time was clarified.

Remember Claiming races? They’re those events where anyone is given the opportunity to either enter their horse with a purchase price on it or, alternatively, buy (or Claim) a horse out of the race, if necessary, by ballot.

At a recent meeting of the Northern Branch, matters discussed included driving fees for workouts, guidelines for rating groups in ATC maiden races, and fortnightly payment of stakes.

Initial reports on the reaction to the new whip rules have been positive, according to Harness Chief Steward Nick Ydgren.

The Greater Canterbury Branch of the Trainers & Drivers Association will be holding its Annual General Meeting on Thursday 10 September at the Yaldhurst hotel.

As you may already know, from 1 October there will be new rules surrounding the use of the whip in force in this Country. While there will be those who will find it difficult to accept that such changes are necessary, the reality is that we have to fit in with the way the rest of the World is moving.

Just when you think things have returned to some form of normality, this pesky virus rears it’s very ugly head again, and throws future plans into uncertainty.

As you know, as from this season all Standardbreds will have microchips implanted to improve identification methods. In response to some questions from a member, HRNZ’s Liz Bishop has outlined the research that was undertaken prior to the introduction, which may be of interest. This is what she said.