By Duane Ranger
The chairman of North Island Trainers and Drivers Association is delighted at the Auckland Trotting Club’s recent stakes boost announcement.
Todd Macfarlane said more ‘meaningful stakes’ were a positive shot in the arm for the industry.
“There would be no harness racing without owners and this week’s announcement is absolutely fantastic for everyone involved. We now have to come together and work as one. We have to be grateful for not just the proposed increases now, but for the long-term health of the industry up here thanks to the ATC’s vision,” MacFarlane said.
The ATC will boost stakes by $1.3 million for next season, starting August 1. They then plan to add another $40,000 per meeting the following season.
The club’s goal is to race for $30,000 minimum stakes inside five years.
Macfarlane said if the stake increases brought just one new owner to the industry it would be a success.
“I don’t think owners will be so quick to sell now that they know we can race for more meaningful stakes. It just keeps everyone interested and puts a much needed smile on their faces.
“There will always be people who won’t be happy but the increases will affect livelihoods in a positive manner, and that’s all we can ask for,” he said.
The Pukekohe horseman praised the Auckland Trotting Club not only for its stakes foresight but also for its ability to communicate with his association.
“Dominique (Dowding CEO) has been great. All lines of communication have been open and nothing is ever held back. We appreciate that,” he said.
Macfarlane wanted the harness racing fraternity to know that the North Island Trainers and Drivers Association was a democratically elected body which met every month in Pukekohe.
“Anyone can attend our meetings and join our Association. We also have good communication with Harness racing New Zealand. We think it is important that everyone has there say. Our AGM will be in August or September.
“There has been a lot of talk on the handicap system but it is slowly evolving and to be fair the horse numbers just aren’t up here like they used to be.
“Hopefully the stakes boost will put a smile on people’s face and give them something to work towards. The stake increases will cover the $150 trainers bonus. We need to be unified and work with the governing bodies,” Macfarlane said.
“This is positive news. If it was a stakes decrease then we would have something to be concerned with, but this is all good news,” he added.
No race at Alexandra Park next year will be for less than $12,000.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
