Kapiti Coast Harness Racing Club – Meeting Update

Harness Racing New Zealand advises that a decision regarding the upcoming Kapiti Coast Harness Racing Club meeting will be made following a track inspection at Ōtaki Racecourse, after concerns were raised following a number of recent meetings conducted at the venue.

The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 15. 

HRNZ’s preferred outcome is for the meeting to proceed at Ōtaki Racecourse. However, any decision will prioritise driver and horse welfare.

A formal track inspection will take place at the conclusion of the Ōtaki-Māori Racing Club meeting on January 9, involving representatives from Harness Racing New Zealand, the Racing Integrity Board (RIB), Ōtaki Racecourse, and the Kapiti Coast Harness Racing Club. 

A determination will be made shortly thereafter.

If the track is deemed suitable, the Kapiti Coast Harness Racing Club meeting will proceed at Ōtaki as scheduled.

If the track is deemed unsuitable, the meeting will be transferred, with Hawera the preferred alternative.

This approach is supported by the Kapiti Coast Harness Racing Club, Harness Racing New Zealand, and the Racing Integrity Board.

Further updates will be provided once the inspection has been completed.