Stakes will certainly fall at Alexandra Park, estimates of $10,000 the most optimistic. PHOTO: Peter Rubery/Race Images.
Harness racing set to use only four venues after we come out of coronavirus lockdown
By Barry Lichter • 10 April 2020
Harness racing is set to be conducted on only four of the country’s tracks as the needs of the TAB and the industry take priority over individual clubs in a new COVID-19 landscape.
Harness Racing New Zealand had been keen to restart racing post lockdown at five racetracks but the cash-strapped Racing Industry Transition Agency is understood to be firm on initially using only four, citing the need to be more cost-effective by not moving personnel around the country.
The four venues earmarked are Auckland, Cambridge, Addington and Ascot Park in Invercargill, with Auckland and Cambridge to run in alternate weeks until the number of horses fit to race increases.
Industry leaders are more confident after canvassing trainers in the last week that there will be enough horses to run meetings in June or July, with racing likely to start first in the south.
While public tracks are closed during the level 4 lockdown, many horses are still being worked up to half pace on trainers’ private tracks, many more in Canterbury than Auckland and the Waikato.
With track fees paid by 170 to 180 horses a month at Pukekohe, which remains closed, Auckland officials are reluctant to programme race meetings too soon, some time in July the best guess for a resumption.
One thing is certain, stake levels will drop, especially at Auckland, the club no longer able to supplement basic prizemoney while it is haemorrhaging money on its building development, losses already topping $70 million with expensive legal battles still to be fought.
* In other disturbing news today it has been revealed that for the first time the number of mares bred in a season has dropped below 2300.
Just 2171 individual mares were served, down from 2333 the previous year. That means the foal crop is likely to be not much more than 1500.
In the last 10 years the number of mares served has declined 35%. In 2011, 3365 mares were bred. Three years earlier the number was 4074.
More news in Harness
Fine Cambridge double but Ray’s packing Lincoln Cove off to Matamata for scintigraphy
34 more meetings in the north next season as Auckland reclaims Friday nights
No way to sugar coat it - it’s tricky to predict what Sugar Ray will do on Friday night
Argyle out of action, injured, and barrier draw will take Nemo out of play too on Saturday
Our runners this week
Saturday night at Albion Park
Captain Nemo.
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Major Achievement
5.19pm
“It’s his first race for a while and he hasn’t been setting the world on fire at the workouts. But he’s been racing better animals and this isn’t a stellar bunch. He’s a chance if things go his way. I’ve given Mathew Salaivao the drive.”
Race 1: Commander Lincoln
5.19pm
“He’s an average horse but the last time he raced here in amateur company he all but won. He’ll need luck from the second row but, while I couldn’t label him, he’s a runner’s chance.”
Race 5: Onyx Shard
6.59pm
“She got a bit sick for a while with a virus and I had to back off her. She seems over that now but I’m picking she’ll need a race. This will be like a glorified trial for her.”
Race 8: My Copy
8.14pm
“He came to the end of it so I gave him a little freshen-up and he seems in good shape again. It will be interesting to see how he goes fresh - he may need a race but he’ll appreciate the step-down in class. I’m running him here so he doesn’t come up against any bear cats first-up.”
Race 9: Lincoln Cove
8.47pm
“Hopefully he’s getting better but you’ve just got to take him on trust. He has ability but the desire has been sadly lacking. Zac will have to sit quietly on him as he broke when given only one tap with the stick last time. The small field will suit him as he won’t be too far off them. If he doesn’t make any mistakes, he’ll give them a fright.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 3: Leo Lincoln
6.43pm
“Maurice said he would have finished a lot closer last time than sixth (fourth or even third) had he not locked wheels at the 100. That took all his momentum away. He’s been holding his form well and he gets out well enough to use the inside draw. He’s a chance to get some of the money.”
Race 5: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.39pm
“He did have marks on his boot after his last run and trying a spreader on him has helped. But he’s a real baby. He has real ability but he’s still developing mentally and physically and we’re still finding our way with him.”
Race 5: Lincoln Lou
7.39pm
“He’s racing well but he’ll find it tough from the outside draw.”
Race 6: Debbie Lincoln
8.07pm
“I can’t see her improving enough to give the Purdon/Phelan trio a fright. She can go (fast) enough but still has a lot to learn. The main thing for her is getting round safely. She’s put two in a row now so hopefully she’ll start improving.”
Race 10: Lincoln La Moose
9.59pm
“He had an excuse last time - he got wiped out on the first corner and that was the end of his race. I like him, he’s a nice horse, just not quite as experienced as Frisco Bay.”
Race 10: Frisco Bay
9.59pm
“I lean towards Frisky as the better chance of our two. You can’t fault what he did the other night at Cambridge, and he seems to be on the improve. He’s more reliable than Lincoln La Moose.”
