Gallops boss lays out how and when racing will restart with July 1 the target date

Thoroughbred racing is working on a return to racing by July 1 at a reduced number of venues.

In a statement released today NZTR chairman Dr Alan Jackson and CEO Bernard Saundry say it is hoped a single meeting each week can be held in each region during July.

That target assumes the COVID-19 shutdown will end after four weeks, with training resuming in May and trials by late June.

The initial focus of the four-month calendar developed will be to have racing near the horse population, building to wider venue use by late Spring.

Dr Alan Jackson … no reduction to minimum stakes.Nomination and acceptance fees will be waived during the initial period and programmes will mostly have races over shorter distances.

Incentives are being explored to get horses to the races rather than seeing them have multiple trials.

Jackson says a team from NZTR’s National Racing Bureau will be making contact with trainers over the coming weeks. Information on the number of horses potentially able to enter work would play a key part in forming the programming of races.

Jackson signalled there would be no reduction to minimum stakes but a flatter stakes model across the board would ensure wider distribution of money to owners.

“The full impact on stake allocations will only be known once we have the full picture from RITA and the Government.

“We are providing them with data and information on how NZTR wants racing to resume with an appropriate funding model.”

Jumps racing is likely to be held in the northern region but is unlikely in the south due to likely travel restrictions.

The scheduling of Group and Listed races had been discussed, he said, recognising that travel restrictions will require a new way of thinking.

Staff pay cuts

On costs, Jackson says NZTR’s payroll and contractor wages have been cut by 20% since the shutdown, with board members forgoing salaries entirely and the CEO taking a 25% reduction.

NZTR’s priority was to restart racing as soon as possible to maintain employment and to distribute much needed funds.

“We recognise that people may be under considerable stress as they consider the future of their business and urge you to make use of the government financial assistance packages.

“We are also very aware that you are all working hard to maintain equine welfare at the highest level.”

* In overseas developments, prizemoney in Western Australia will be cut by 20% starting April 6.

Racing and Wagering Western Australia’s CEO Richard Burt said the necessary social distancing and containment restrictions caused by the COVID-19 virus had impacted significantly on its income.

“National and international sports and international racing has all but shut down in addition to the recent complete closure of our 330 outlet retail network which accounts for around 50% of the business,” Mr Burt said.