New Zealand harness racing’s handicapping system looks set to be in for an overhaul.
Following on a from a meeting of the Harness Racing New Zealand Handicapping Sub-Committee last month, the wheels have been set in motion for a new look system to be further developed and potentially introduced in the near future.
The committee found it was in full support of the development, and further review of a points based handicapping system, a decision which is certain to be welcomed across the industry. The committee was also supportive that change is required and that there was a strong appetite for such a change within the wider harness racing industry.
With a declining horse population across the board, the committee felt that a points based system may be the best way to counteract the issue and to make better use of the current pool of horses available.
After calling for submissions from clubs and kindred bodies around the country, the Sub-Committee met on April 28 to decide its next move and after strong discussions it was decided that the preferred points based model should be further developed and then considered at the next meeting in June.
That will be analysed with a view to a possible trial in the northern region in the new season, if supported. This may result in national implementation at a later date, following full industry consultation and amendment of Harness Racing New Zealand computer systems to accommodate the agreed changes.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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