HRNZ's Trials and Workouts coverage to be expanded in 2025

A solution has been found to two harness racing trials/workouts "black spots".

Effective immediately, Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ) has finalised agreements with two videographers to provide footage of the North Otago trials at Oamaru, and the Mt Hutt workouts at Mt Harding Racecourse in Methven.

"We have been very mindful for some time that both North Otago and Mt Hutt have not been covered," says HRNZ's Head of Racing and Wagering Matthew Peden,  "they were black spots in our trials and workouts coverage."

Now action from both venues will be uploaded to the HRNZ website as quickly as possible after they have been run.

“Given a large number of horses attend both trials and workouts at these venues, it is critical that we provide such footage to allow punters to make an informed and confident decision when placing their bets," says Peden.

"It will also help owners unable to attend the meetings to keep updated on their horses' progress and provide opportunities for Entain to use the footage at various times, including race previews."

The first of the Mt Hutt workouts will be on January 18 while North Otago (Oamaru) kicks off on January 22.