“the Race by Betcha” - What do harness participants think?

[Brodie]

The Race By Betcha, is nearly upon us again

What do harness participants really think about it and slot races?

Does the trainers and owners of horses that  are not in the race really give it much thought?

How many people get excited about these types of races and does it actually bring enough excitement to introduce new people into racing?

Is it just a transfer of funds between wealthier people rather than what it is meant to do?

There are some people that love the tight class racing whether they bet or not which is interesting!

Personally solely from a punters point of view, I would not be putting a brass razoo on any race such as this at Cambridge and I would highly doubt many serious punters looking to win would either!

You have a field of the very best horses racing each other over sprint distances all on the job, when there is very little between them.

Anyway just looking beyond the media hype to see what others thought and whether they think that the money that Entain will be putting in is money well spent?

.

 

Edited Friday at 09:08 PM by Brodie

[Brodie]

Just as I thought, no one really gives a damn about these slot races apart from the ones with horses in them and the Trackside Presenters that are being paid to be so bullish about them!

Does it bring new people into racing, no it doesnt it just costs the i dustry more money that it can not afford to be blowing at the moment.

Feel free to disagree

[TAB For Ever]

IMO supporting and promoting "Cup Class" horses is an important an exciting aspect of Harness..

The biggest excitement IMO is the attraction of the top Australian Horses......results in a competitive trans-Tasman battle.

We used to have the Interdoms but for various reasons these fell out of favour and they got watered down...not only was series too taxing on horses other high stake races started swamping the calendar. Betting and interest increases significantly in these big races and keeps the sport/industry in the media .

The slot races are very new to Harness ,the high-profile will only be matched by the NZ Cup.

A key to the Slot races is that most of the big stake is funded by the participants .

Personally I'd drive up to 4 hours[did in 2024] for the 'event'......NZ v Australia. I wouldn't cross the road for a card of maiden horses many driven by part-timers !

Harness generally has a bad rap among non-racing folk , but big stakes may catch their attention as apotential  owner in racing or breeding stock.And racing needs more outside investment to prosper.

As for the Cambridge track...it adequate and has hosted a few Jewels days successfully.

[Gammalite]

  On 29/03/2025 at 7:52 AM, Brodie said:

Just as I thought, no one really gives a damn about these slot races apart from the ones with horses in them and the Trackside Presenters that are being paid to be so bullish about them!

Does it bring new people into racing, no it doesnt it just costs the i dustry more money that it can not afford to be blowing at the moment.

Feel free to disagree

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The runners PAY a BIG chunk of the prizemoney themselves. 

Doesn't cost the industry much at all to run $1,000,000 races.  The Industry is Looooving It . 👍😍

The BETCHA, The Eureka, The kiwi,  The Nullibor, The TAB trot, The Protostar, The Ascent, The Velocity !!! win win winwin win win  Brodster.

It's called Buying a Slot .you can't buy one mate as they are too POPular and they go like Hot-cakes. and you're showing up as a bit of a DINOSAUR here, not able to adjust with the current way of assembling GReat Fields of the Best. 

GET with the Program Mate. You are the Only one doesn't give a damn . But you do really . as you wrote about it !! on ya mate . Enjoy the Fantastic Racing and watch out for the BIG Queenslander next Friday.  

Addington had a FANTASTIC new Slot for 3 year old trotters and 3 year old Pacers on Show day. They could race in $500,000 races because of this fantastic incentive.  well done NZ Metro club Introducing those !!! 🏆🏆💰💰

Brisbane put on a $500,000 slot for 2 yearold's as well . They went 1.50. last year. Plenty of incentive to run lol. 

Edited Saturday at 09:30 AM by Gammalite

[Gammalite]

  On 29/03/2025 at 9:06 AM, TAB For Ever said:

We used to have the Interdoms but for various reasons these fell out of favour and they got watered down...not only was series too taxing on horses other high stake races started swamping the calendar. Betting and interest increases significantly in these big races and keeps the sport/industry in the media .

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ReBORN soon in July TABman, with 2 heats instead of 3 to qualify for the final, which what was killing it. 

There will be 2 past Championship winners competing . 'Leap To Fame' and 'DON Hugo'. They will scare off a lot of the kiwis. NZ hasn't been the same since Allstars retired during Covid times. (The brand that sent Lazarus and Smolda to Australia for the Interdominion and WON ) and weren't pussies like they are these days. 

The Interdominion Final here in Brisvegas for the next 3 years. Come have a July holiday , and I'll shout you and Greg O'connor (what a fabulous harness man that bloke is) a 'Coffee' or 2. 

[Nowornever]

  On 28/03/2025 at 9:07 PM, Brodie said:

Anyway just looking beyond the media hype to see what others thought and whether they think that the money that Entain will be putting in is money well spent?

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No doubt it adds Aus/NZ interest and gathers exciting fields but there is no way the turnover will pay for it. Good as a viewing spectacle but will it entice people to open their wallets. I am not so sure.

I think getting some fields like this during Cup week would be more beneficial especially if the Aussies bought some stablemates over for the supporting races. Turn Cup week into two weeks of high quality fields and have an Australian/NZ drivers championship at the same time.

[Brodie]

Good to see support for the slot races.

Not sure the exact figure that the race is subsidised from the industry coffers, but no doubt it is not inconsequential.

Does it attract new people into the industry as owners or punters, highly doubt it especially seem the race is in Cambridge where there is dwindling interest in the area.

Anything that is beneficial for harness racing is great and we certainly much need it.

Hopefully it will get people talking and punters  offloading but wouldnt be holding my breath.

[Rangatira]

  On 28/03/2025 at 9:07 PM, Brodie said:

a brass razoo

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[Nowornever]

Leap To Fame drawn 8 and paying 2.30 

Even though he is a Champion leave me out of that. I give him no show from the draw.

[Brodie]

  18 hours ago, Nowornever said:

Leap To Fame drawn 8 and paying 2.30 

Even though he is a Champion leave me out of that. I give him no show from the draw.

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Seem the race is over 2200metres at Cambridge rather than the mile, he will have a chance but yes it ha certainly levelled things up with that draw.

No you couldnt back him at 2.30 but then again for me it just doesn't make much sense to be betting into the race as many of them could probably win on the night!

Edited 18 hours ago by Brodie

[the galah]

  On 29/03/2025 at 9:06 AM, TAB For Ever said:

IMO supporting and promoting "Cup Class" horses is an important an exciting aspect of Harness..

The biggest excitement IMO is the attraction of the top Australian Horses......results in a competitive trans-Tasman battle.

We used to have the Interdoms but for various reasons these fell out of favour and they got watered down...not only was series too taxing on horses other high stake races started swamping the calendar. Betting and interest increases significantly in these big races and keeps the sport/industry in the media .

The slot races are very new to Harness ,the high-profile will only be matched by the NZ Cup.

A key to the Slot races is that most of the big stake is funded by the participants .

Personally I'd drive up to 4 hours[did in 2024] for the 'event'......NZ v Australia. I wouldn't cross the road for a card of maiden horses many driven by part-timers !

Harness generally has a bad rap among non-racing folk , but big stakes may catch their attention as apotential  owner in racing or breeding stock.And racing needs more outside investment to prosper.

As for the Cambridge track...it adequate and has hosted a few Jewels days successfully.

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Honestly,i havent looked at any pre race coverage,whether it be any media or hrnz website.. 

I don't even know who's in the field although i understand the top 3 aussie pacers are coming.

Personally i think most people think like me. I've heard no one i know even mention the races,although the wife did say to me this morning,whats queen elida coming for as its out of form. So obviously its a starter.

I think the average harness follower thinks like me.

Having said that,come friday,i will certainly be watching the races and i think its great leap to fame is in nz.

I understand people like tabforever have a differing point of view,so good for them and no doubt they have followed the pre race coverage and will enjoy being there on friday.Harness racing needs people like that,so you have to cater to their needs as well. 

also i appreciate its always great to experience being on course when the top quality horses run,especially the aussie pacers .

i agree,these type of races are good for the industry as a whol,but with the caveat that they not be heavily funded by HRNZ.

I have no doubt that HRNZ boosting the last  nz cup stake to 1 million  got not 1 extra horse,or 1 extra $ invested in the tote than they would have ,had the race been run for half a million less. The same horses would have started.As i pointed out ,the best field to line up in the last year that i saw,was in the hunter cup and that had a huge stake cut to only $250,000.

But ,i'm not a party pooper and hope everyone enjoys watching the race,as i will on friday, and i hope everyone on course gets to experience the feeling, that witnessing the very best horses race can give you.

Edited 18 hours ago by the galah

[Newmarket]

  18 hours ago, Nowornever said:

Leap To Fame drawn 8 and paying 2.30 

Even though he is a Champion leave me out of that. I give him no show from the draw.

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I’m not sure, I would punt him around $2-50. Gonna be some real speed on early, Don Hugo drawn 2 and Republican Party drawn 3, will view for lead but maybe couple others out wide might try too. 
I can see Leap to fame being up parked about a lap from home, and will outstay them and win by a neck from Hugo…. Only 2 that can win. 
 

Good racing that night 👍

[TAB For Ever]

  18 hours ago, the galah said:

Honestly,i havent looked at any pre race coverage,whether it be any media or hrnz website.. 

I don't even know who's in the field although i understand the top 3 aussie pacers are coming.

Personally i think most people think like me. I've heard no one i know even mention the races,although the wife did say to me this morning,whats queen elida coming for as its out of form. So obviously its a starter.

I think the average harness follower thinks like me.

Having said that,come friday,i will certainly be watching the races and i think its great leap to fame is in nz.

I understand people like tabforever have a differing point of view,so good for them and no doubt they have followed the pre race coverage and will enjoy being there on friday.Harness racing needs people like that,so you have to cater to their needs as well. 

also i appreciate its always great to experience being on course when the top quality horses run,especially the aussie pacers .

i agree,these type of races are good for the industry as a whol,but with the caveat that they not be heavily funded by HRNZ.

I have no doubt that HRNZ boosting the last  nz cup stake to 1 million  got not 1 extra horse,or 1 extra $ invested in the tote than they would have ,had the race been run for half a million less. The same horses would have started.As i pointed out ,the best field to line up in the last year that i saw,was in the hunter cup and that had a huge stake cut to only $250,000.

But ,i'm not a party pooper and hope everyone enjoys watching the race,as i will on friday, and i hope everyone on course gets to experience the feeling, that witnessing the very best horses race can give you.

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As in most things in life Galah the creme of the crop causes excitement , publicity , media attention and ultimately extra investment.

NZ used to have the Golden Kiwi Lottery with one life changing prize and it often took weeks to sell each draw. I note Lotto started and has increased in sales 10 x fold with people investing much of their disposable income to chase a few big wins in Jackpots etc. The big races which capture the publics attention still attract big investment , which racing administrators hope will convert to more regular betting eg the once or twice a year punter will convert to twice a month or even twice a week.

Race for a bag of kumaras , ownership and interest would die in NZ . Coz the TAB is forever folk will still bet on Aussie races and Sports. Sport is already overtaking Racing some months eg February 2025.

Thousands of jobs will be lost , NZ breeders will cease etc etc ...its a slow burn but there are 'new' people entering the Sport. With the Asian invasion ,this obvious influx has often been slower to enter NZ racing than was hoped.

Like many enthusiasts I continue to invest a few pennies in O/ship  now that stakes have risen and there remains the chance of your horse contesting a big race. Dull that possibility and revert to plodders racing for kumaras and I  like many wouldn't cross the street to waste time to watch even let alone bet !

As for Friday...I may attend....but it so tempting to sit at home in comfort at home , with plenty food and drink and enjoy the TV coverage...just like Rugby games now , TV coverage so much better and saves time and money.

And I can note all the presenters errors , poor picks and not only curse at them at top of lungs but I can jump on Internet and vent my spleen.
And pretend I'm a participant .....

[Brodie]

HRNZ/Entain/ TAB are subsidising “ The Race” substantially by $400,000 that is right $400,000 smackeroos if my arithmetic is correct!!

Ten starters paying 60k for a slot and the stake is $1 million !

Where us the $400k coming from, clearly bring massively subsidised and being paid to the slot holders who probably do not need the extra $400k that would be far better spent elsewhere!

Anyway, not surprising going by other decisions being made by HRNZ and Entain although they will not be worried they promised the dosh so they will blow it and then drop racing big time.

Anyone actually believe that Brodie is not on the money and why ?

Edited 15 hours ago by Brodie

[Gammalite]

  15 hours ago, Brodie said:

HRNZ/Entain/ TAB are subsidising “ The Race” substantially by $400,000 that is right $400,000 smackeroos if my arithmetic is correct!!

Ten starters paying 60k for a slot and the stake is $1 million !

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Isn't it great. They can run a Million Dollar race with the VERY BEST of BEST from 2 countries. With a few of the best trainers and drivers involved in the HISTORY of the SPORT. and it only has to put in a measley 400k.

HRNZ must be dreaming and totally thrilled to bits,  how lucky they are to get this roll up of great and tun such a great race in a back water place. for the cost of not even one house. Aren't they worth a million these days ?

Putting Harness racing BACK on THE MAP . well done HRNZ .

Watch out for the Aussie Quinella Brodster. In both races 😉 Gamma on the money . Brodster just 'spent force' with no money left.  tough times mate, tough times for you old time battlers. 🏆😋

[TAB For Ever]

  15 hours ago, Gammalite said:

Isn't it great. They can run a Million Dollar race with the VERY BEST of BEST from 2 countries. With a few of the best trainers and drivers involved in the HISTORY of the SPORT. and it only has to put in a measley 400k.

HRNZ must be dreaming and totally thrilled to bits,  how lucky they are to get this roll up of great and tun such a great race in a back water place. for the cost of not even one house. Aren't they worth a million these days ?

Putting Harness racing BACK on THE MAP . well done HRNZ .

Watch out for the Aussie Quinella Brodster. In both races 😉 Gamma on the money . Brodster just 'spent force' with no money left.  tough times mate, tough times for you old time battlers. 🏆😋

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Exactly Gamma....fantastic to bring the best Aussies over to little ole NZ to race v our best.

I'm tempted to travel to the night...last year it was great seeing the two 'teams' led down the straight before the test match ! Behind the National flags .....hair raising stuff !

At little ole Cambridge too !

Of course Entain /HRNZ are contributing .Where does Brodie 'always on the money' think the money came from to launch this new strategic plan to rebirth Harness in NZ.

Answer ...the money came from Entain ,and 70% of the money has gone to grass roots racing with extra stakes for everyone...across the Board. 

Plus monies are held in reserves for the planned events/promotions etc hoping to stimulate things so if Brodie has a good idea then he should forward it to HRNZ for consideration.

Cos the slot races ,plus those during Cup week are part of the plan , as is resuscitating the North Island hence Manawatu and Auckland events also feature in trying to excite people . Not easy but they trying !

Every club in NZ receives HRNZ /Entain money so a bit pointless in choosing one meeting to point out how betting doesnt cover stakes and meeting expenses..

[Brodie]

  14 hours ago, TAB For Ever said:

Exactly Gamma....fantastic to bring the best Aussies over to little ole NZ to race v our best.

I'm tempted to travel to the night...last year it was great seeing the two 'teams' led down the straight before the test match ! Behind the National flags .....hair raising stuff !

At little ole Cambridge too !

Of course Entain /HRNZ are contributing .Where does Brodie 'always on the money' think the money came from to launch this new strategic plan to rebirth Harness in NZ.

Answer ...the money came from Entain ,and 70% of the money has gone to grass roots racing with extra stakes for everyone...across the Board. 

Plus monies are held in reserves for the planned events/promotions etc hoping to stimulate things so if Brodie has a good idea then he should forward it to HRNZ for consideration.

Cos the slot races ,plus those during Cup week are part of the plan , as is resuscitating the North Island hence Manawatu and Auckland events also feature in trying to excite people . Not easy but they trying !

Every club in NZ receives HRNZ /Entain money so a bit pointless in choosing one meeting to point out how betting doesnt cover stakes and meeting expenses..

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TAB you are not on the money.

They are chucking money down a black hole for little benefit.

Throwing $400k to people who do not need it is in line with other silly decidions being made to use up the $900million.

What will we have when the 5 years of the Entain spend up is finished?

No better than before Entain started splashing the cash.

You are delusional if you think they will continue to chuck their money around.

The stake money will drop significantly and Entain will have what they wanted!

If this is not true, I challenge the management spokespeople for Entain to come on here and dispute this!

They wont because Brodie is on the money.