No update this week – report on National Council meeting next week.

This subject is a bit of a ‘hardy annual’ for me, and I’m hoping that the current review of the Racing Act will encompass well overdue change.

The RIU stewards have contacted the Association voicing their concern at a recent increase in the number of horses being presented late on the track at race meetings.

May 3rd will see the Trainers & Drivers Assn. National Council meet again with, as usual, a wide range of topics to be discussed.

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.