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Bit Of A Yarn

Rangatira

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Rangatira last won the day on June 18

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  1. Would seem a but unfair if a horse just got tired after heading forward only to be kept 3 wide by some old Thor Hanover plodder.
  2. Way above my simplicity Gamma, happy to leave it to Dick and Julie
  3. Thank you for acknowledging my economical approach to the conveyance of words.
  4. Seems wrong, leader should be exempt.
  5. My Prediction for the Future of Harness Racing in New Zealand It’s becoming increasingly clear that harness racing in New Zealand is heading for a serious crisis—one driven not by a lack of passion within the industry, but by poor leadership, financial mismanagement, and strategic failures at the top. At the centre of this downward spiral is John Mooney. His reckless spending and apparent disregard for fiscal responsibility are putting our industry at serious risk. It’s baffling how someone with such questionable personal financial history was entrusted with oversight of our industry’s money in the first place. His mismanagement is evident in the race date allocations, where races are created in direct competition for the same small pool of horses. This not only splits fields but drains financial resources—losing the industry money instead of generating it. Communication with clubs has broken down, leading to infighting rather than collaboration. The lack of transparency and consultation from those in charge only deepens division and alienation. This is not how a national sporting code survives—let alone thrives. While the introduction of geo-blocking may offer a temporary fix, the real reckoning comes when the Entain funding deal ends. Our turnover figures are already falling short of what’s needed to sustain current stake levels. When that guaranteed money dries up in a few years, and we’re left exposed, those responsible—Mooney and Brad Steele—will likely walk away, leaving the damage behind for others to clean up. We’re also wasting time and money fantasizing about training centres, at a time when we’re losing trainers and horses. The focus should be on retaining and supporting what we have—not building infrastructure for a future that may never come under the current direction. Auckland Trotting Club is another financial sinkhole. Despite receiving disproportionate industry funding, it continues to produce small fields, low GBRs (gross betting revenue), and poor attendance. The decision to sell Pukekohe—yet still be in financial turmoil—makes no sense. Auckland is losing its training base, which will reduce horse and trainer numbers even further. Alexandra Park is a logistically difficult venue for many, and it’s not serving the wider industry. The only sustainable path for Auckland is bold: sell Alexandra Park, retain Pukekohe, and invest in a world-class training and racing complex, similar to Menangle in NSW. With the right structure, Auckland could then re-emerge as a vibrant centre with strong prize money, improved horse numbers, and renewed interest from owners and trainers. Meanwhile, the proposed handicapping changes—also driven by Mooney—threaten to destroy the bread-and-butter racing that actually generates revenue. Overemphasis on high-end age group races may look glamorous on paper, but it risks alienating the core participants who race week in and week out. It’s the country meetings in Canterbury and Southland that keep the engine running—alongside major days like Cup Week. Harness racing in New Zealand is a television sport, and that model only works if you have full fields, competitive betting, and regular racing. In summary, if we don’t act decisively now—by stopping the flawed handicapping changes, completely reworking our major race dates, developing logical and aligned carnivals, placing the right people in charge of the industry’s money, and getting clubs working collaboratively—the sport will not survive in its current form. We are on the edge of the cliff Mark Jones
  6. used to get fined for that in Aust back in the day ?
  7. Lay of the day @ 1.80 in the Drivers Challenge tonight Forbster?
  8. Anti competitive to the max.
  9. Looks like Harness 5000 on Sunday 21st. Invercargill Cup and Golden Gait on Friday 19th which is nutty and Premier drivers will have to choose one or other. Harness 5000 as a grass roots event could restrict it to drivers that drive a car that cost less than $5000 and is neither warranted or registered.
  10. No Response won the Trotters Final Harness historian might not be your best fit lol
  11. $1000 ?
  12. With a commitment from Harness Racing New Zealand to run this series for at least the next 5 years
  13. Lazarus $4000 this season - Pay on 42 day positive test. $5000 pay on live foal. Includes the vet breeding package AND the working fee
  14. Not for points but Armalight having sat parked.
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