Following some complaints over a lack of water at last week’s Methven race meeting for washing horses, the Association approached the Methven club for an explanation, and received the following from Committee member Mike Heenan.

As mentioned last week, a delegation from the Association’s Greater Canterbury Branch met with Addington representatives, including new CEO Brian Thompson.

Was at a meeting with Addington officials the other day, including the new CEO Brian Thompson, and I came away with a sense of ‘dejavu’.

To someone who didn’t even bother to turn up to the School Certificate Science exam, this is way above my head, but for those who can understand it, hopefully it makes interesting reading for the future of our Industry.

It’s nothing new for precious harness fans to get the impression that Trackside looks upon their code as the second class citizen, and given the percentage betting figures, there is some justification in that.

“Trainers should be aware of changes to the Notifiable Gear Rules and Regulations which have recently been made. It is now necessary for trainers to notify Harness Racing New Zealand when their horse is to wear a cornell collar or any external anti-choke device.

First of all, I agree that there is room for improvement in the standard and consistency of starting procedures in this Country. In May last year the Trainers & Drivers National Council was advised by the RIU that a meeting of all starters (even though there have been two previous that achieved little) would be held at some stage to discuss how things could be improved. To date that hasn’t happened.

It’s less prevalent nowadays, but I still hear the odd owner grizzling about a lack of communication from their trainer. I accept that not all trainers are experts in that field, and there is always room for improvement. However there are ways that other industry participants can make to easier for these people to ply their trade, and make decisions on behalf of owners.

If ever there was an occurrence that brings home that old adage that you should live every day as if it’s your last, it was the horrific experience two of the best-loved people in our Industry suffered on Waitangi Day.

You probably don’t need to be told that, despite the relatively quiet night the Kiwis experienced at Melton the other night, our horses have an almost unbelievable record across the Tasman.