
New Zealand Trotting Cup starts have often been a shambles, like this one two years ago when the outside horses got a flying start.
HRNZ backtracks on big race handicaps - review underway but status quo for 2022
Harness Racing New Zealand has backtracked on its decree that the country’s top races like the New Zealand Cup will in future be run as handicaps.
HRNZ chief executive Gary Woodham said tonight the present free-for-all conditions would remain this year and be reviewed to see whether changes are needed in 2023 and beyond.
The announcement comes after a week of turmoil in the industry after general manager of racing, marketing and communications Catherine McDonald sent an email to clubs declaring it had been unanimously decided at an HRNZ board meeting that the New Zealand Trotting Cup, Dominion Handicap, Auckland Trotting Cup, Rowe Cup and Invercargill Cup (which is already a handicap) had been changed to handicaps to hopefully see better and more competitive fields and improve betting turnover.
The decision came as a complete surprise to both the Christchurch and Auckland clubs who were not consulted and had major objections.
It also saw the TAB suspend its markets on both the New Zealand Cup and the Dominion as bets had already been taken on both races from punters assuming their fancies would start on level terms.
A portion of McDonald’s shock email to clubs which left industry participants reeling.Woodham made no comment in his release tonight on how McDonald came to deliver the decision, and even underline that it had been unanimous, when it is understood Addington’s representative was not involved in any meeting where handicapping was agreed to, only that they would discuss it once supporting data was provided.
Woodham said an independent team of industry experts was assessing the first six months of the new racing calendar and the handicapping issue was part of their review.
“One thing we need to know is what will the horse population look like in the future?” Woodham said. “Do we have enough highly-rated horses to make our top races fair and competitive?
“We have had handicap races in the past for the very same reasons we are looking at it now. If we have rating 75 to 120 horses in the same race we have to do something to make it a good contest. We are always looking at improving our wagering product.”
Woodham said the review was expected to be completed by October and any changes would then have to be ratified by the HRNZ Board before they are implemented.
Common sense prevailed
Addington Racing Industry Manager Darrin Williams was pleased common sense had prevailed.
“It doesn’t mean there won’t be changes in the future - I’m sure there will be differing views - but HRNZ has a duty to consult,” he said in an earlier interview.
“The club was most uncomfortable with the process. To say we’re doing this without any industry discussion, and with no facts to back it up, is unacceptable.
“It might be that we should have some handicaps but you can’t change the biggest race of the year when it’s so close.
“People would be up in arms if NZTR said the 2000 Guineas in November won’t be at set weights and they’d already set a horse for it.”
Williams said consideration would also have to be given to what a handicapped cup would mean for the lead-up races, which were all free-for-all stands.
More discussion needed, says ATC
Auckland Trotting Club president Jamie Mackinnon said his club understood why the issue of horses being handicapped in Group races had arisen with the dominance of two horses this year in the open class ranks.
“But this was sprung on us by HRNZ and there needs to be more discussion.
“Whatever we do we must keep in mind the importance of offering regular opportunities for our elite horses to race in New Zealand. If horses are unfairly treated through handicapping then we will cause them to be sold or to continue their racing offshore.”
We can support the idea but require further clarification on the following:
• If it is deemed that handicaps are to be introduced then we favour a penalty and not punishment. A 10 metre maximum back mark we would support.
• More discussion is needed around the races for which a horse could receive this penalty. It can’t just be Group or Listed races of any kind. For example, if Akuta had lined up in “The Race” and won, this would not be an acceptable penalty.
• We have not seen any statistical information that supports the theory that there would be an increase in betting if the favourite was handicapped. Could it actually be the opposite?
• Handicapping the favourite wouldn’t necessarily build the field size. Isn’t the motivation there already to get your horse into the cup regardless of whether it has a winning chance?
TAB reopens futures markets
Markets for the New Zealand Trotting Cup and Dominion Trot were tonight reopened with Self Assured ($2.10) and Sundees Son ($2) warm favourites.
More news in Harness
Leo takes the lion’s share to cap terrific Manawatu season - and Ray gets a piece too
Nate looking for more Fergy magic to cap successful two months at Manawatu
Cloud over Angelic Copy again - bug threatens to force her out on Friday night at Auckland
Phone home - ET trotter Whats Up The Hill blasts off with narrow Escape at Auckland
Our runners this week
Friday night at Auckland
What’s Up The Hill.
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them

Nathan’s comments
Tuesday twilight at Manawatu
Race 3: Onyx Shard
5.09pm
“She’s working really well and, from the good draw, hopefully she can run a drum. The field’s not that much harder than the one she beat last time at Manawatu (when parked for the last lap).”
Race 3: Kevin Kline
5.09pm
“We’re very happy with him - he’s come back a better horse. He went well at Auckland last start and is working well. We’ll be looking to go forward from the gate and hopefully get a gun run through behind Onyx Shard. On ability, he’s the better chance of the two.”
Race 4: Leo Lincoln
5.39pm
“He stepped like a bullet in his first go from a stand here in March. I thought he’d do the same on the second day but he galloped. We’ve got an overcheck on and hopple shorteners on Tuesday so he should make a good beginning. If he can step and lead, then maybe take a trail, he should be hard to beat. He likes it down there where the track is quite soft.”

Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Manawatu
Race 3: Onyx Shard
6.04pm
“I thought I had Kevin Kline covered on Tuesday when we got to the straight because she was really travelling but he kicked away on us. It would be nice if she can get out of the gate as well again - she has good gate speed - and, if she does, she can get some of it again.”
Race 3: Kevin Kline
6.04pm
“He was too good for them on Tuesday, thanks to a great Fergy drive, and he’s in the same field again this time. The extra distance and wide draw shouldn’t make much of a difference and he’s our best of the night.”
Race 5: Leo Lincoln
7.02pm
“He’ll be hard to beat again if he steps like he did on Tuesday. The 10 metre handicap shouldn’t stop him. I think he’s even better if he follows something and the extra 500 metres isn’t a worry.”