I know it sounds like common sense, but apparently there have recently been a couple of occasions where the application of that emotion was absent.

There seems to be a fashionable trend by some in the Industry (not for the first time) to move away from standing starts and go virtually all mobile, and I notice the Southern Harness are looking at following it.

This year, I was, for the second time, invited to attend the Canterbury Cadets Prize Giving night held at the Casino. Once again it was a pleasure to see how many young people were mad keen to make a career in harness racing, with 31 cadets on the 2019 Roll Call, the same as the previous year.

It’s currently somewhat unusual to hear anyone in the harness racing game speaking about the RIU in positive terms, and with good reason. However, I’ve always believed in giving credit where it’s due.

As we all know the Racing Board, or RITA, or whatever, is fighting an uphill battle to restore racing to its’ former glory.

Apologies for a lack of updates recently due to personal and racing matters, but I have to say the last week has been one of the more unusual Cup weeks I can remember – and I’ve seen a few.

Gordon Lee began the meeting by outlining the current situation regarding the National Council, and explaining why he was designated as the Interim Chair.

Next Tuesday 22nd, sees another bi-annual meeting of the Trainers & Drivers National Council, this year to be held in the HRNZ Boardroom. Also at some stage we will be joined by HRNZ Chair Ken Spicer and CEO Peter Jensen.

Following the regular round of regional awards nights, the HRNZ recognition of last season’s excellence was staged in late September. For me, a veteran of a few of these functions, there were several points of interest.