Kiss goodbye to listening to the nags on your radio - TAB to suspend broadcasts on Sunday
By Barry Lichter • 11 April 2020
Racing will disappear from the airwaves from midnight on Sunday night.
In a cost-saving move the Racing Industry Transition Agency says the TAB will suspend broadcasts on all 31 of its AM and FM radio frequencies around the country.
Punters from Invercargill to Kaitaia who who have relied on the radio to hear their horse racing will now only be able to access the commentaries on the TAB website, the TAB app or through the Rova app.
In a statement on its website RITA says the decision to suspend the broadcasts reflects the absence of New Zealand racing during the COVID-19 lockdown.
“It is aligned with our efforts to reduce non-critical costs throughout the business.
“The TAB recognises the suspension of the simulcast broadcast of Trackside TV will impact some customers and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
It says a lifting of the suspension will be reviewed once New Zealand racing restarts, which could be in July if the coronavirus alert level drops to 3 in two weeks.
It will be the first time in 42 years that punters will not be able to follow the horses on their radios, since Radio Pacific started dedicated broadcasting in 1978.
The New Zealand Racing Board took over full ownership of the service in April, 2015 when it became known as TAB Trackside Radio.
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Lisa’s comments
Saturday at Otaki
Race 3: Platinum Tyche
1:19pm
“I couldn’t be happier with her work and she has certainly improved from her first-up run when she did not have all favours. I don’t think it’s the strongest of fields and the forecast is looking good so I think she will get her chance to bounce back to winning form. Bruno Queiroz rides from gate four.”
Race 5: Platinum Attack
2:29pm
“He drew badly in 19 but they will start only 14 so he will come in to 13 or 14. The positive is there is good speed in the race with Shoes, Party Rocking and Idyllic who all go forward. I couldn’t be happier with him - his final work on Wednesday morning on the course proper was as strong as ever. He still has his summer coat and is looking fantastic. It’s a similar field to the one he beat last start at Trentham and Bruno Queiroz just needs to find some luck in the running.”