Alexandra Park in 1959 … a far cry from the attendances at today’s meetings.
Seven fewer harness meetings next season with no relief for the North Island
By Barry Lichter • 21 May 2023
Harness racing has taken a hit with seven fewer meetings next season in a calendar released by the TAB to “maximise revenue and reduce costs”.
A total of 242 harness meetings are carded, down from 249 this season, with gallops gaining one more meeting to 294 and greyhounds static on 432.
The beleagured Auckland Trotting Club loses one meeting, with just 31 dates, including one extra lower returning Thursday (12) and two fewer Fridays (18).
Waikato will host 28 meetings including 17 Thursdays, seven Fridays, three Sundays and a Monday.
Five back-to-back Auckland and Cambridge meetings on Thursday and Friday nights remain despite the shortage of horses in the north.
The Central Districts holds on to its five Tuesday-Thursday meetings at Palmerston North from November through March, plus a couple of Monday mini six-race cards.
Hawera will be the only central club to host a two-day grass meeting in February, with six-race cards retained for both Tauherenikau and Otaki in January.
North Island dates next season
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Nathan’s comments
Thurday night at Cambridge
Race 2: Dreams Of Eric
6.03pm
“He’s just come back from a two-week break and seems a lot better after the freshen-up. He’s training really well but this will be like a trial for him. There looks to be a lot of speed in the race so, from five, he won’t be put into the early rush. We’re still aiming him at the Harness 5000 at Ashburton in December.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Kevin Kline
4.44pm
“He was held up last week but still got home really well, hard on their backs and, with the right trip, he’ll be dangerous. But the race looks suited to a horse like Hooray Henry who, in a small field, can sit back and outsprint them.
Race 9: Tyson
8.54pm
“We were looking to sit in with him last week but it didn’t work out. He still ran on pretty well as he always does. He just needs a bit of luck.”
Race 9: Debbie Lincoln
8.54pm
“Maurice was happy with her run last week and said she paced strongly through the line. From seven on the gate this week she’ll have to go back but I think she’s better coming from off the pace. She’s a good chance if she can get sucked into it at the right time.”
