Tote or Non-Tote
I find myself bemused by the kerfuffle over the outcome of the open class pacers race that was scheduled for Alexandra Park this Friday. Unfortunately, it only attracted four entries, three from the one stable, so the sensible decision was made to not run it.
Since that call was made there have been various opinions voiced about whether it should have gone ahead or not. So, let’s get this straight. The Auckland Trotting Club, currently drowning in debt and losing money virtually every time they hold a race meeting, is expected to put up a few thousand dollars for no return, for what would be basically a glorified trial, making an exception to the general guidelines as the horses involved are in The Race in two weeks time.
Guess what, the connections have decided to stage a trial anyway, at no expense to the Club or the Industry. Will they go slower because it’s a trial, no they won’t. They will go whatever speed the trainers/drivers want to do for to gain maximum benefit, yes they will, exactly the same as they would if there was stake money involved.
In other words, they are going to the trials, just as they very often do, and would do if no race had been programmed, therefore the only ones missing out are the connections of the horses, who are preparing to race for $900k. Forgive me if my sympathy level is not high.
Pete Cook