Seven fewer harness meetings next season with no relief for the North Island

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