Double dose of good news for Owners and Junior Drivers

Owners will be allowed back to the races, and the Junior Drivers championship is back on, Harness Racing New Zealand has announced.

“Following considerable work with a number of Government agencies we are pleased to be able to allow all owners of horses engaged in workouts, trials and race meetings to attend those events from Friday 5th June 2020,” said HRNZ Racing and Marketing Manager Darrin Williams.

“It is important that if owners are attending they liaise with Club with regards exactly where they can enter the course and be on the day/night. This is a huge step forward for the industry and HRNZ recognizes the many people involved.”

An updated Order and Direction is also underway and will be on www.hrnz.co.nz

The main changes include :

No requirement for the continuation of the health questionnaire.

Bloodstock Agents allowed on course and must liaise with the club before attending.

License holders are free to travel between islands.

Ability to use the drivers room and shower areas under the Club protocols in place.

Any announcement on public attendance will be made following further advice for Government.    

The Junior Drivers championship which had been cancelled in wake of the COVID 19 pandemic is now back on.

“The HRNZ Board has agreed to run this in conjunction with the juniors at Addington Raceway on 24/26 July 2020. In doing so it recognizes the generous support of those who have made donations to the cause.”

HRNZ is also pleased with the response to racing’s resumption at Addington, Cambridge and Invercargill.

The turnovers for the four meetings were :

-      Thursday 28 May 2020 NZMTC (9 races) $624,586

-      Friday 29 May 2020 NZMTC (12 races) $1,168,115

-        Saturday 30 May 2020 SH (11 races) $781,228

-        Sunday 31 May 2020 WBOP (9 races) $582,750

Racing continues this week with four meetings, with Auckland’s resumption at Alexandra Park on Thursday.

“It’s been a great start,” says Williams, “we need to keep the momentum going.”