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
By Barry Lichter • 1 August 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
The dream’s alive but Nate tells why he’ll wait for ‘Harry’ before racing Eric again
Ray gives reformed Rascal his ‘most likely to succeed’ report from the pole on Friday night
Ray doesn’t pull any punches about Sugar Ray but punters weigh in nonetheless
Partners and pedigree made Johnny Lincoln’s win special - but where was everyone?
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Im Not The Maid
5.14pm
“She went pretty well last week considering they came a fast last half (56.3) and she sat parked from the 800. She’s back to the amateur grade, and should get a good run from the two draw, so hopefully we can get a bit of cash.”
Race 4: Dreams Of Eric
6.38pm
“He didn’t handle the right-handed bends at Auckland last week (galloping at the 300) so we’ll stick to Cambridge from now on. There’s a bit of gate speed in the race so Harry (Harrison Orange) should be able to sit in somewhere. I think he’s a good chance to run top three.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Leo Lincoln
5.59pm
“He’s racing very well. He would have run second last week (to American Me) had he not spooked at the winning post. These are tidy horses he’s racing against but he’s holding his own.”
Race 1: Kevin Kline
5.59pm
“He’ll go better back to a mobile start. He did well to finish so close last week after a slow start than having to do all the donkey work when parked for the last lap. Maurice really likes him because he just puts him into cruise control and he keeps going.”
Race 3: Lincoln Downs
6.58pm
“She’s not as good as the other filly but some lift their game when the money’s up so maybe she can pick up a cheque.”
Race 3: Lincoln’s Spice
6.58pm
“She looks a pretty decent chance of winning. She’s a real little tradesman, does nothing wrong, is easy to handle, is a nice drive, tries hard, is great gaited and has the potential to get stronger.”
Race 5: Tyson
7.51pm
“We found out he raced with a virus last time. The next morning snot was pouring out his nose and that’s why he didn’t finish it off as well as we expected. He only whacked away in the run home. With that gone, he should race better.”
Race 5: Johnny Lincoln
7.51pm
“I think he’ll be competitive and he’s the best of ours in the race. He won well last week and has trained on well. He’s promising. I couldn’t go as far as to say he’s a classic colt yet but we’ll find out soon enough.”
Race 5: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.51pm
“He’s doing my head in. He had no excuse for breaking last week. Maurice (McKendry) didn’t blame the wet track. He said he was gliding along, travelling beautifully, when for no apparent reason he put in big steps. I’ll put a hood on him this time to see if it’s a nervous issue.”
Race 8: The Rascal
9.23pm
“All going well, he should win what is a poor maiden field. He’s elevated himself from the transfer list and is going well now. He doesn’t have huge gate speed, so he may not lead but he should get a good trip from one. On paper, he’s our best chance of the night.”
