One of Tasmanian’s leading trainers Grant Hodges has decided to end his 10-year involvement in Tasmanian harness racing – that included two trainers’ premierships – and return to Victoria.
Hodges said he could no longer make any money in a state that looked after hobby trainers at the expense of professionals.
Hodges in parting took a shot at Tasracing claiming they only look after the hobby trainer and have turned their back on the professionals.
Hodges told Greg Mansfield from the Examiner (Northern Tasmania’s daily newspaper) “Either they look after the professional trainers which will get the better horses here or they just look after the hobbyists, which is what the current programming and prizemoney structure is designed to do.
“I’ve got owners who want to invest in horses but they won’t spend $30,000 or $40,000 to send one here and they won’t send two year olds because you can’t place them.
“I can’t see racing getting any better here for the professionals – there is no light at the end of the tunnel.”
Hodges and partner Erin Hollaway will take a couple of their stars with them including Wingatui Dew (Grinfromeartoear) and Clamorous (JR Mint) .
Erin Holloway is the leading lady driver in Tasmania with 17 wins this season.
Trainer Kate MacLeod had moved into his Bridport stables.
The 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons were Hodges’ best in Tasmania when he won the premierships with 68 and 78 winners respectively.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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