auckland metro races

[the galah]

i notice HRNZ is continuing with prioritising auckland with their look north strategy and they continue to run these metro series races each month for higher stakes .

as i've pointed out before,if you go back to the previous years stats, the numbers indicated the region in fastest decline both % wise and by far numbers wise,was the area where canterbury is located.

Like,everything points to canterbury needing attention to maintain numbers,yet hrnz continue placing upper north islanders needs ahead of those in canterbury.

it just makes no sense when you look at the numbers.

You have to ask

if the likes of the trackside presenters and hrnz really think they are such a great idea,then why not replicate it in canterbury.

Are they getting any extra numbers up there due to the higher metro stakes.they have 12 and 9 nominated this week for the finals.Wouldn't they get the same field if they just ran for the same stake they run at addington for that class of horse.

is it a wise use of hrnz $.Why are the upper north island exempt?

another thing that is noticeable when you compare auckland to addington.

the upper noth island 2 year old races always tend to have larger fields than they do in the south island.

like,here we are,and hrnz is still programming $30,000 races for 2 year olds that get only 3 nomintions in canterbury,same again this week.

were any questions asked of the people who came up with the ideas for 2 year old racing that failed.Like we predicted they wouldn't get anymore numbers wise and that it was a foolish use of resources.

one thing thats been obvious in the last couple of yeras. You get much more common sense shown on thios forum by its posters than came out of hrnz.

 

Edited August 31 by the galah

[Nowornever]

Looks like they are going all out to try to increase numbers in the North. 

https://harnesslink.com/auckland-harness-summit-unites-industry-behind-a-growth-agenda/

[the galah]

36 minutes ago, Nowornever said:

Looks like they are going all out to try to increase numbers in the North. 

https://harnesslink.com/auckland-harness-summit-unites-industry-behind-a-growth-agenda/

i can't read harnesslink unless i enter my email address and i don't want any future emails from them.Where it says maybe later, keep reading,well that doesn't work either.

but i can read the first 2 lines.

To be bluntly honest,anyone with half a brain knows they are dreaming if they think some summit is going to come up with ideas to spark growth.

like,what a waste of time.

And where have those people with the ideas been for the last 30 years of decline.Hiding in some darkened room ,peering out between the venetian blinds,waiting for their moment to step out into the light and save the day.

They should be planning the best way to minimise harm as they deal with the north islands inevitable decline.

growth,what a joke,what a load of plonkers. 

Edited August 31 by the galah

[Nowornever]

Unless their summit participants had some deep pockets and are willing to dig into them to the tune of millions to buy racing stock and move more more trainers to the area then I do not see how they can increase horse numbers in the North to the point it makes it economical sense going forward.

[Brodie]

Why be so negative?

Brad Steele is the new CEO of the ATC?

Surely he can bring the expertise that he showed at HRNZ?

What could possibly go wrong?

[Spatchcock]

2 hours ago, Nowornever said:

Looks like they are going all out to try to increase numbers in the North. 

https://harnesslink.com/auckland-harness-summit-unites-industry-behind-a-growth-agenda/

With due to respect to everyone involved, this is a waste of time.

Canterbury owners and trainers have repeatedly, for decades, shown that no matter how much better the stakes are in the north, they will not send their horses up there.

This reads like a Steele initiative except he's not been brought up to speed on all previous attempts.

Harness racing in the north is converging rapidly and I don't think anything can reverse that, sadly.

 

[Brodie]

“There was a genuine feeling that Auckland harness racing can once again become a growth story”

Seriously deluded Brad Steele if you believe that the industry’  mindset is changing???
Auckland racing is an absolute disaster, and time people stated the truth, without the delusional statements!!! !!

Mr Steele, how are you going to get the ATC out of the shite, especially seem how poorly HRNZ was run financially, when you were the CEO there???

 

[Gammalite]

2 hours ago, Nowornever said:

Unless their summit participants had some deep pockets and are willing to dig into them to the tune of millions to buy racing stock and move more more trainers to the area then I do not see how they can increase horse numbers in the North to the point it makes it economical sense going forward.

Yeah . close em all down mate . what a legend idea .

Only about  30 professional trainers in the North. Some have been around far to long.

Decades of wins .  They should ALL worry about the economy.  and JUST RESIGN . Give up . like you lot.  

Mind you , the participants there are that good . some are even NZ Order of Merit like Tony and Maurice , they should be shut down for being 'useless at the economy rating'  and still get by for the rest of their days comfortably. 

Big Barry had a couple of drives himself this year , and old Dr Chin . Are you kidding. ?? old as the hills. 

Fancy sending them around still. That young Dunn is getting nothing out of the Dunn Satellite stable in the North either. So he's NO Good . Pull him out .

Turn out the lights . Don't have it . Only been 115 years of Alexandra Par trotting . FAR too Long. 

You guys DON"T Know a GOOD thing when you See it . Blind as Lemmings going off a cliff. 

3 minutes ago, Brodie said:

Mr Steele, how are you going to get the ATC out of the shite, especially seem how poorly HRNZ was run financially, when you were the CEO there???

 

1 hour ago, Brodie said:

Brad Steele is the new CEO of the ATC?

Surely he can bring the expertise that he showed at HRNZ?

What could possibly go wrong?

you're an idiot Broster. The bloke worked and developed as treasurer and CEO the  Redcliffe trotting Club and Albion Park trotting Club for 2 decades Mate. Only about 30 Professional trainers and a cohort of 500 odd horses. About the same as Aucklands Cohort . He did a fine job.  And those areas are in fine propriety for the current participants because of that. 2 out 2 good jobs . I've told you this a hundred times. (now 101 times, but who's counting) 

He's there Trying to HELP at Auckland. , unlike you . WHo couldn't help anyone unless you're Shitting on them . You've been grizzling about HRNZ for years , long before Steele was there. So Play your Cracked record once again .Steele no good  wah wah wah . 🥱 .  you should write a song about it . Could sing along then and get some enjoyment . would be a new experience that you might like .  

[mikeynz]

Numbers not looking that great in Southland either, at least they realise they don't need any more racedays, back to 2 meetings a week up north soon,most likely it won't be any different than before.

Edited August 31 by mikeynz

[Nowornever]

1 hour ago, Brodie said:

What could possibly go wrong?

Well the Steele playbook seems to be adding big races like the slot races and increasing stakes.  I would imagine he will be desperately trying to get a big sponsor onboard to create a carnival of sorts for the Auckland track over a certain period of time like the Queensland Constellations and Ladbrokes as a sponsor.  

[the galah]

just have to face reality gamma.

either you believe the ATC has been run by fools for the last 30 years or you come to the realisation the new initiative by whoever,won't come up with any new  ideas that haven't already been thought of or tried.

its simple enough.

investing in expansion ,or even in maintaining its current operating model, will result in rapid capital destruction/wastage.

that means for the good of the north island industry,the most rationale thing to do is to take a risk adverse/cautious approach.

ATC leadership need to have the right mindset.Having a forum to promote growth indicates the ATC and those whose idea it is for the forum don't have that.

 everyone whose commented on here is expressing opinions as to whats best for the upper north island.You seem tto make out they're doing the opposite.

and the point of my topic is,why all the focus on auckland when canterbury has been losing particpants at a greater rate.

 

[the galah]

41 minutes ago, Nowornever said:

Well the Steele playbook seems to be adding big races like the slot races and increasing stakes.  I would imagine he will be desperately trying to get a big sponsor onboard to create a carnival of sorts for the Auckland track over a certain period of time like the Queensland Constellations and Ladbrokes as a sponsor.  

didn't greg o'connor say last week this years nz trotting cup still didn't have a sponsor.

its just another symptom indicating its not just auckland ,its  canterbury.

[Gammalite]

2 hours ago, the galah said:

just have to face reality gamma.

either you believe the ATC has been run by fools for the last 30 years or you come to the realisation the new initiative by whoever,won't come up with any new  ideas that haven't already been thought of or tried.

its simple enough.

investing in expansion ,or even in maintaining its current operating model, will result in rapid capital destruction/wastage.

that means for the good of the north island industry,the most rationale thing to do is to take a risk adverse/cautious approach.

ATC leadership need to have the right mindset.Having a forum to promote growth indicates the ATC and those whose idea it is for the forum don't have that.

 everyone whose commented on here is expressing opinions as to whats best for the upper north island.You seem tto make out they're doing the opposite.

and the point of my topic is,why all the focus on auckland when canterbury has been losing particpants at a greater rate.

 

. It is always good to support those that support the industry. And those that put the most in , deserve to get the most back out is my opinion. 

I know quite a few people who races at ATC , and None of them are fools . they have prospered well in harness racing and other fields too, from Exactly the Opposite . NOT being fools . a lot of the posters (even yourself) probably don't even know these people . 

It's a trotting Club. They put races on for their members to race horses. PLAIN and SIMPLE . 

And quality deserves better payment than quantity. I think that works in most fields and workpaces. 

an example in trotting is the Albion Park Trainers get twice as much in stakes as they do at Redcliffe. Like Auckland should get twice as much in Stakes as the trainers at Manawatu, Westport , gore or wherever . just makes sense.  

This is because they ( the many fine Auckland trainers stables , 10 of which are veterans that have won countless Group 1 races )  have put in the effort to be World Class , So can charge the most to have horses trained , have the millionaire owners who spend the most on the stock, have the best staff worthy of good re-embursement, horses that run the faster times so win the better races.  many many Auckland trainers fit that bill. They are World class.

They deserve every cent allocated to them from the HRNZ funding each year.  I'm sure Stephen Reid moved to Canterbury as was getting thumped up in the North a year or 2 back, with the Superior track rivals,  and has gone to the 'easier places' to win races. That is my opinion of course , and personally I think a few others should do the same.

I know BOAY have constantly bagged HRNZ and hate them for the way the Allocated annual funding is dished out , and favours those WORLD CLASS participants in Auckland , and not the Canterbury back blocks of multiple trainers with slow horses. But you are just gunna have to Suck it up .

am I the only one who sees the reality of the situation or something ?   at least HRNZ get it right. and so they should with staff dedicated to the task and computer systems that calculate it . With this Rule of Life. . Space. Space. Space>>

QUALITY deserves Better PAYMENT over QUANTITY. whether you're painting a house or racing a horse in NZ, or going to a specialist for your medical episodes, or even sitting jammed up in economy seating when you could fly easier in Business class lol. 🤣 

 

 

[Nowornever]

5 minutes ago, Gammalite said:

And quality deserves better payment than quantity. I think that works in most fields and workpaces. 

Six champions going around for $100,000 isn't automatically more valuable to the industry than ten competitive races people actually want to bet on.

[Taku Umanga]

 

Here's the spin from HarnessLink .....

More than 20 leading stakeholders from across the Australasian harness racing industry came together at the recent Auckland Harness Summit 2026, sending a strong message that the industry is ready to move from managing decline to planning for growth.

Hosted by the Auckland Trotting Club (ATC) at Alexandra Park, the Summit brought together owners, trainers, breeders, administrators, sponsors, investors and industry leaders with a shared objective: to identify practical initiatives that can strengthen the future of harness racing in Auckland and the Upper North Island.

ATC Chief Executive Brad Steele said the Summit exceeded expectations, with attendees demonstrating a high level of engagement, optimism and willingness to collaborate.

“What stood out most was the positive energy in the room and the strong sense of unity around the challenges and opportunities facing Auckland harness racing.

While there were many different perspectives, there was widespread agreement that Auckland has a future worth investing in and that we now need to focus on growth rather than simply managing decline.”

Discussions throughout the day centred on increasing horse numbers, growing ownership participation, strengthening trainer support, improving industry collaboration and enhancing the long-term sustainability of harness racing in the region.

A key outcome from the Summit was agreement to establish a small Implementation Group, tasked with progressing ideas and recommendations generated during the event.

The group will focus on practical initiatives aimed at:

• Growing the horse population in Auckland and the Upper North Island;

• Increasing ownership participation and investment;

• Supporting trainers and racing participants;

• Enhancing collaboration across industry stakeholders;

• Turning Summit discussions into measurable outcomes.

“One of the strongest messages from the Summit was that we cannot allow this to become another discussion forum. Participants wanted action, accountability and momentum.

The Implementation Group will provide a vehicle for moving ideas forward and ensuring the enthusiasm generated by the Summit translates into meaningful industry outcomes,” Steele said.

The Summit also provided a valuable opportunity to review key industry data, including horse population trends, ownership participation, wagering performance and broader economic and operational challenges.

Despite the challenges currently facing the industry, attendees identified a significant number of opportunities to rebuild participation and create a stronger future for harness racing in Auckland.

Steele believes the industry’s mindset is beginning to shift.

“There was a genuine feeling that Auckland harness racing can once again become a growth story.

ATC is also exploring the possibility of holding a follow-up Auckland Harness Summit in February 2027, providing an opportunity to review progress, share outcomes and continue building industry alignment.

The Club will be releasing updates from the Implementation Group over coming months and will continue engaging with stakeholders as initiatives are developed.

“The Summit demonstrated that there is a strong appetite throughout the industry to work together.

We received overwhelmingly positive feedback after the event and there is a clear desire to keep the momentum going.

Auckland harness racing has a future worth investing in, and the responsibility now sits with all of us to help build it.”

Edited August 31 by Taku Umanga

[Gammalite]

12 hours ago, Nowornever said:

Six champions going around for $100,000 isn't automatically more valuable to the industry than ten competitive races people actually want to bet on.

every sport needs there Champions. 

even though you don't think so , or the Galah or Pete Cook who just want to bet on them. 

Champions are VALUABLE to the industry as they are the ones that Support it enough to keep it going.  

and not just the horses either. THe People involved . Auckland trotting club is full of people that have Contributed to the SPORT at a World Class level for generations now. But BOAY talks about them like they are the lepers of the sport , because they take money that could go to some South Island bush participant , that can't get a Horse to break 2 minutes.  South Australia harness racing would have folded, but Champion man  Kevin Seymour pours millions into it from his own money , as the stakes to keep the people racing their employed and racing, whereas in NZ you call him , an old Git. for Racing Leap To Fame . charming . What do you think of Boots then? who supports 30 trainers NZ and Australia wide ? with 300 horses? Must be for personal gain ? 

The bloke is a champion of the sport . And knocked off Seymour in the Interdominion accordingly . that's what champions do . And get in the Public Spotlight accordingly. as has happened for decades. 

(alas NZ turned out to many lights . Got to SAVE POWER you know !!!)  😉🤣

I Appreciate that NZ have retreated into it's shell , and don't recognize champions anymore. The Lack of support for Cambridge and other concepts that HRNZ put on is laughable .

Best races Ever Run in the country , with some Supreme unbelievable performances. Worlds Best. 

Waste of money according to BOAY.  send em' home. No Appreciation of Champions. Goodness me . you could of bought shares in some horses for a day. what a glorious opportunity . That's alright. Aus will run them and make a quid , as run a bit smarter than that . 

You guys so far down the TUNNEL of DOOM , you can't even see how the sport developed over the years , from a STRUGGLE for many years ago, even getting into this century, to a Millionaires play field , because the game has been run so well. Most of the current participants in the North Island are CHAMPIONS of THE SPORT and millionaires from it. Excellent stuff. well done North Island participants !! well done HRNZ. what a level you reached !!!! 

South Island really has Tall Poppy syndrome . 😋

BOAY even grizzled with the Invercargill Cup going to Group status and being worth $100,000 . won by Republican Party the past 2 years.  more waste of money lol 😆. As he has with the Auckland Cup winning the last 2. I think Carter Dalgety is one of the very Few that actually 'Have a Go' in NZ anymore. He could possibly go to America and make a fortune from the sport would be his best bet.

Good on Auckland for running METRO races too. Looking after her Champions !! well done ATC. 🏆 probably good work by Mr Steele. ( sure to go un-noticed on BOAY though 😉) or with much criticism 😎💪  

 

[the galah]

39 minutes ago, Gammalite said:

every sport needs there Champions. 

even though you don't think so , or the Galah or Pete Cook who just want to bet on them. 

Champions are VALUABLE to the industry as they are the ones that Support it enough to keep it going.  

and not just the horses either. THe People involved . Auckland trotting club is full of people that have Contributed to the SPORT at a World Class level for generations now. But BOAY talks about them like they are the lepers of the sport , because they take money that could go to some South Island bush participant , that can't get a Horse to break 2 minutes.  South Australia harness racing would have folded, but Champion man  Kevin Seymour pours millions into it from his own money , as the stakes to keep the people racing their employed and racing, whereas in NZ you call him , an old Git. for Racing Leap To Fame . charming . What do you think of Boots then? who supports 30 trainers NZ and Australia wide ? with 300 horses? Must be for personal gain ? 

The bloke is a champion of the sport . And knocked off Seymour in the Interdominion accordingly . that's what champions do . And get in the Public Spotlight accordingly. as has happened for decades. 

(alas NZ turned out to many lights . Got to SAVE POWER you know !!!)  😉🤣

I Appreciate that NZ have retreated into it's shell , and don't recognize champions anymore. The Lack of support for Cambridge and other concepts that HRNZ put on is laughable .

Best races Ever Run in the country , with some Supreme unbelievable performances. Worlds Best. 

Waste of money according to BOAY.  send em' home. No Appreciation of Champions. Goodness me . you could of bought shares in some horses for a day. what a glorious opportunity . That's alright. Aus will run them and make a quid , as run a bit smarter than that . 

You guys so far down the TUNNEL of DOOM , you can't even see how the sport developed over the years , from a STRUGGLE for many years ago, even getting into this century, to a Millionaires play field , because the game has been run so well. Most of the current participants in the North Island are CHAMPIONS of THE SPORT and millionaires from it. Excellent stuff. well done North Island participants !! well done HRNZ. what a level you reached !!!! 

South Island really has Tall Poppy syndrome . 😋

BOAY even grizzled with the Invercargill Cup going to Group status and being worth $100,000 . won by Republican Party the past 2 years.  more waste of money lol 😆. As he has with the Auckland Cup winning the last 2. I think Carter Dalgety is one of the very Few that actually 'Have a Go' in NZ anymore. He could possibly go to America and make a fortune from the sport would be his best bet.

Good on Auckland for running METRO races too. Looking after her Champions !! well done ATC. 🏆 probably good work by Mr Steele. ( sure to go un-noticed on BOAY though 😉) or with much criticism 😎💪  

 

oh well,your consistent.

basically advocating for hrnz to drag the whole of new zealnad down with the sinking north island ship.

yiou haven't addressed the point i made about cantabury being the place where % wise and numbers wise the industry is shrinking.

You don't seem to recognise there are similarities in our arguments.

We advocate for the canterbury region where the stats indicate the problem is worse and you advocate for the auckland region.

basically your criticising us for doing what your doing,except for a different region which really just illustates a double standard. Anyway,our arguments are driven by the head and yours by the heart.

[Brodie]

19 hours ago, Gammalite said:

Yeah . close em all down mate . what a legend idea .

Only about  30 professional trainers in the North. Some have been around far to long.

Decades of wins .  They should ALL worry about the economy.  and JUST RESIGN . Give up . like you lot.  

Mind you , the participants there are that good . some are even NZ Order of Merit like Tony and Maurice , they should be shut down for being 'useless at the economy rating'  and still get by for the rest of their days comfortably. 

Big Barry had a couple of drives himself this year , and old Dr Chin . Are you kidding. ?? old as the hills. 

Fancy sending them around still. That young Dunn is getting nothing out of the Dunn Satellite stable in the North either. So he's NO Good . Pull him out .

Turn out the lights . Don't have it . Only been 115 years of Alexandra Par trotting . FAR too Long. 

You guys DON"T Know a GOOD thing when you See it . Blind as Lemmings going off a cliff. 

 

you're an idiot Broster. The bloke worked and developed as treasurer and CEO the  Redcliffe trotting Club and Albion Park trotting Club for 2 decades Mate. Only about 30 Professional trainers and a cohort of 500 odd horses. About the same as Aucklands Cohort . He did a fine job.  And those areas are in fine propriety for the current participants because of that. 2 out 2 good jobs . I've told you this a hundred times. (now 101 times, but who's counting) 

He's there Trying to HELP at Auckland. , unlike you . WHo couldn't help anyone unless you're Shitting on them . You've been grizzling about HRNZ for years , long before Steele was there. So Play your Cracked record once again .Steele no good  wah wah wah . 🥱 .  you should write a song about it . Could sing along then and get some enjoyment . would be a new experience that you might like .  

Gamma, no point debating with you as you are living in the past!

Reality is that Brad Steele was detrimental to harness as CEO at HRNZ while he was there!

Do not give a Rats what he did at Redcliffe, he was well past his best when he was appointed CEO of HRNZ by his mate!

When you think Nigel Armstrong of Harness Racing Unhinged is Neill Armstrong who supposedly walked in the moon, you are not functioning 100%!

Stupid ATC appointing him as the new CEO just shows how incompetent ATC is and they are aint getting out of their financial predicament unfortunately!

Their product does not entice people to enter the game any more.

You can go on about McKendry, Herlihy etc. from decades ago but at the end of the day, they continue to pay approx. $500k each and every month in interest.

They will continue to go backwards unless you have a way they can turn things around??

[Spatchcock]

5 hours ago, Taku Umanga said:

 

Here's the spin from HarnessLink .....

More than 20 leading stakeholders from across the Australasian harness racing industry came together at the recent Auckland Harness Summit 2026, sending a strong message that the industry is ready to move from managing decline to planning for growth.

Hosted by the Auckland Trotting Club (ATC) at Alexandra Park, the Summit brought together owners, trainers, breeders, administrators, sponsors, investors and industry leaders with a shared objective: to identify practical initiatives that can strengthen the future of harness racing in Auckland and the Upper North Island.

ATC Chief Executive Brad Steele said the Summit exceeded expectations, with attendees demonstrating a high level of engagement, optimism and willingness to collaborate.

“What stood out most was the positive energy in the room and the strong sense of unity around the challenges and opportunities facing Auckland harness racing.

While there were many different perspectives, there was widespread agreement that Auckland has a future worth investing in and that we now need to focus on growth rather than simply managing decline.”

Discussions throughout the day centred on increasing horse numbers, growing ownership participation, strengthening trainer support, improving industry collaboration and enhancing the long-term sustainability of harness racing in the region.

A key outcome from the Summit was agreement to establish a small Implementation Group, tasked with progressing ideas and recommendations generated during the event.

The group will focus on practical initiatives aimed at:

• Growing the horse population in Auckland and the Upper North Island;

• Increasing ownership participation and investment;

• Supporting trainers and racing participants;

• Enhancing collaboration across industry stakeholders;

• Turning Summit discussions into measurable outcomes.

“One of the strongest messages from the Summit was that we cannot allow this to become another discussion forum. Participants wanted action, accountability and momentum.

The Implementation Group will provide a vehicle for moving ideas forward and ensuring the enthusiasm generated by the Summit translates into meaningful industry outcomes,” Steele said.

The Summit also provided a valuable opportunity to review key industry data, including horse population trends, ownership participation, wagering performance and broader economic and operational challenges.

Despite the challenges currently facing the industry, attendees identified a significant number of opportunities to rebuild participation and create a stronger future for harness racing in Auckland.

Steele believes the industry’s mindset is beginning to shift.

“There was a genuine feeling that Auckland harness racing can once again become a growth story.

ATC is also exploring the possibility of holding a follow-up Auckland Harness Summit in February 2027, providing an opportunity to review progress, share outcomes and continue building industry alignment.

The Club will be releasing updates from the Implementation Group over coming months and will continue engaging with stakeholders as initiatives are developed.

“The Summit demonstrated that there is a strong appetite throughout the industry to work together.

We received overwhelmingly positive feedback after the event and there is a clear desire to keep the momentum going.

Auckland harness racing has a future worth investing in, and the responsibility now sits with all of us to help build it.”

Harnesslink's former owner lives on site at Alexandra park and was a backer of this summit. Would take this with a huge grain of salt.

Edited September 1 by Spatchcock

[Nowornever]

6 hours ago, Taku Umanga said:

Hosted by the Auckland Trotting Club (ATC) at Alexandra Park, the Summit brought together owners, trainers, breeders, administrators, sponsors, investors and industry leaders with a shared objective: to identify practical initiatives that can strengthen the future of harness racing in Auckland and the Upper North Island.

ATC Chief Executive Brad Steele said the Summit exceeded expectations, with attendees demonstrating a high level of engagement, optimism and willingness to collaborate.

“What stood out most was the positive energy in the room and the strong sense of unity around the challenges and opportunities facing Auckland harness racing.

While there were many different perspectives, there was widespread agreement that Auckland has a future worth investing in and that we now need to focus on growth rather than simply managing decline.”

Discussions throughout the day centred on increasing horse numbers, growing ownership participation, strengthening trainer support, improving industry collaboration and enhancing the long-term sustainability of harness racing in the region.

A key outcome from the Summit was agreement to establish a small Implementation Group, tasked with progressing ideas and recommendations generated during the event.

The group will focus on practical initiatives aimed at:

• Growing the horse population in Auckland and the Upper North Island;

The number one priority is growing the horse population in the North. But how?

The national horse population is already declining, so where are these extra horses coming from? Moving horses north simply shifts the problem. Breeding more horses to start the process from the beginning will take years and who is going to be owning and breeding these horses? 

Less reporting about momentum and just give us the measurable initiatives and targets. How many additional horses does Auckland need? How are they going to attract them? What incentives will be offered to owners? What support will trainers receive? How much money is being committed? What are the wagering targets? Who is responsible for delivering each initiative, and by when?

I have high hopes something might come of this but are also wary that we might just get another several years of reports.

 

Edited September 1 by Nowornever

[the galah]

8 hours ago, Taku Umanga said:

 

Here's the spin from HarnessLink .....

More than 20 leading stakeholders from across the Australasian harness racing industry came together at the recent Auckland Harness Summit 2026, sending a strong message that the industry is ready to move from managing decline to planning for growth.

Hosted by the Auckland Trotting Club (ATC) at Alexandra Park, the Summit brought together owners, trainers, breeders, administrators, sponsors, investors and industry leaders with a shared objective: to identify practical initiatives that can strengthen the future of harness racing in Auckland and the Upper North Island.

ATC Chief Executive Brad Steele said the Summit exceeded expectations, with attendees demonstrating a high level of engagement, optimism and willingness to collaborate.

“What stood out most was the positive energy in the room and the strong sense of unity around the challenges and opportunities facing Auckland harness racing.

While there were many different perspectives, there was widespread agreement that Auckland has a future worth investing in and that we now need to focus on growth rather than simply managing decline.”

Discussions throughout the day centred on increasing horse numbers, growing ownership participation, strengthening trainer support, improving industry collaboration and enhancing the long-term sustainability of harness racing in the region.

A key outcome from the Summit was agreement to establish a small Implementation Group, tasked with progressing ideas and recommendations generated during the event.

The group will focus on practical initiatives aimed at:

• Growing the horse population in Auckland and the Upper North Island;

• Increasing ownership participation and investment;

• Supporting trainers and racing participants;

• Enhancing collaboration across industry stakeholders;

• Turning Summit discussions into measurable outcomes.

“One of the strongest messages from the Summit was that we cannot allow this to become another discussion forum. Participants wanted action, accountability and momentum.

The Implementation Group will provide a vehicle for moving ideas forward and ensuring the enthusiasm generated by the Summit translates into meaningful industry outcomes,” Steele said.

The Summit also provided a valuable opportunity to review key industry data, including horse population trends, ownership participation, wagering performance and broader economic and operational challenges.

Despite the challenges currently facing the industry, attendees identified a significant number of opportunities to rebuild participation and create a stronger future for harness racing in Auckland.

Steele believes the industry’s mindset is beginning to shift.

“There was a genuine feeling that Auckland harness racing can once again become a growth story.

ATC is also exploring the possibility of holding a follow-up Auckland Harness Summit in February 2027, providing an opportunity to review progress, share outcomes and continue building industry alignment.

The Club will be releasing updates from the Implementation Group over coming months and will continue engaging with stakeholders as initiatives are developed.

“The Summit demonstrated that there is a strong appetite throughout the industry to work together.

We received overwhelmingly positive feedback after the event and there is a clear desire to keep the momentum going.

Auckland harness racing has a future worth investing in, and the responsibility now sits with all of us to help build it.”

Boy mr steele talks a load of hot air. No doubt about that.

but hes also clever at the same time..

basically what hes done is formed a powerful lobbying group which will tap into using their united front and their relationships with hrnz personnel to get hrnz policies which are advantagous to the atc and to the participants from that region.

you've got to give him credit for that smart strategy.

Of course it was that very type of strategy used by the influential in nz harness racing, which created the financial mess in the first place.

i've commented many times about the how unorganised or seemingly non existant lobbying groups for the grass roots type participants are in the likes of canterbury. They talk about the regions woes at the local pub or on social media,but thats about it.

ateele and his group of 20 leading stakeholders have the poorer cards to play.But they are stronger because steele is uniting them.

thats why the atc decision to employ mr steele was a good move for them. Not good for nz harness racing,but good for them.

Edited September 1 by the galah

[Gammalite]

3 hours ago, Brodie said:

They will continue to go backwards unless you have a way they can turn things around??

they do . they have a club of millionaires. 

You and I could turn them around if we wanted. We have lots of good ideas for harness racing.

Mr Brick turned QLD harness around and everyone wants to race here now.

That was part of the efforts of Mr Steele as well. I don't know why you don't think his experience Level doesn't help but that's your problem I spose. Auckland trotting Club will benefit from it . which is more important than your discredits anyway.

ATC have presumably been going backwards because of the Debt. in your mind. The Club was supposed to be in crisis 2018 with the failed apartments windfall. ( Caused by a bankrupt Company) well * years Later they're still trading . Smart people . They have won the court case (against the Construction company) so that proves who was at fault . 

Not trotting people like you want to believe.

Get behind them . and help out. At least Brad Steele is and a few others are

14 minutes ago, the galah said:

thats why the atc decision to employ mr steele was a good move for them. Not good for nz harness racing,but good for them.

well it is tricky to look after a nation Mr Galah. You argue about who gets what as your main beef with HRNZ ? 

Funnily enough in Politics , the same thing happens. Some areas are prone to more funding than others , and some are more self sufficient , and hatred of political parties running the show becomes common too. I'm NOT a locked in voter for life like many are . And give reasonable thought to NEW schemes . like the great advancement in harness with slot racing bringing the chance for regular folk to race a champion for a day , etc. and BE a Winner in life. 

I'm just saying the better ( and stronger playing ) players ( IN ANY SPORT) deserve the most credits and prizes and in this case the Prizemoney.  HRNZ puts on races for the poorer places. as well  What else can they do. ? doing their job. 

BTW . Feature 2 year old racing is Vital for the sport . there are several reasons for this . All the best stables aspire to be competitive in them and promote their brand and get a return for their owners. It also gives the 'Poorer Players' a Chance at hitting the Bigtime . and striking it lucky with a good un' . They aren't going to win FFA's . there's lots more reasons too . It is a great topic , but I've written enough and you never believe anyway about any advancement.  

 

[Nowornever]

Losing horses overseas is an issue that is not really talked about. Hike the export fee up to 5K for horses who leave permanently and put the fees back into stakes. Its a win win! If 100 horses get sold overseas a year that is an extra 300K to put back into stakes. If it lowers the numbers getting exported then good as well it will lift the up the horse numbers racing.

 

[the galah]

1 hour ago, Gammalite said:

you argue about who gets what as your main beef with HRNZ ? 

  

 

thats one of several points i try to make.

so,you haven't answered the question i posed .

statistically and numerically the 2025 figures in the hrnz annual report showed the  canterbury region is declining at a far greater speed than the upper north island.

heres the figures that i posted a couple of months back.They come from the hrnz annual report for 2024/2025.

trainers.

north- 4 less licensed than the year before.(-2.72%)

central(which is canterbury) -20 less licensed(-6.08%)

drivers

north-1 less driver-(-0.99%)

canterbury -12 less(-5.29%)

breeders

north-32 less(-9.88%)

canterbury-66 less(-9.34%)

so i would like you(and hrnz), to explain  why you think aucklands needs are greater than canterbury's.

[Gammalite]

16 minutes ago, the galah said:

so i would like you(and hrnz), to explain  why you think aucklands needs are greater than canterbury's.

well they don't really need anything.

They've got the prime Friday night slot to earn Entain money from overseas wagering. 

We can't clear the traffic , for better access , which would of been good for the racing folk,  so give up on that.  we used to get held up at TIP TOP corner on the M1 in the 80's trying to get there. God knows how bad it is now some 40 years later lol 🤣

They have plenty of 'feature races' through the year.  Great horses, great trainers , 'some' good drivers  lol😉

The members are all quite wealthy and have a good time racing their stock . what could be better ? 

watching The tennis or Golf or Rugby ?  naaaahhhh 

Mr Steele doing a great job by the look of it , getting some extra bucks with this Metro racing you mention. good stuff.

Everyone worrying about the Bank being owed money from the construction chaos ?? Why worry ? 10 years have gone by and the bank is loving the interest. Who cares about a bank . As long as we are trotting . All good . 

Probably should get Dr Chin to retire though. No one would be betting on him. Better to have Mark and Barry and Tony to bet on . Made heaps last week . money for Jam old mate 👍💰  class acts get CLASS results .  

 

Maybe Get Canterbury to Consolidate a Little Bit Mr Galah !!  Copy Queensland , and/or North Island and race in the one place on a regular basis (twice a week , country and Metro) Bob's your Uncle . problems are solved .

Leave the Bush racing as 'Picnic' racing like the gallopers do. for a few bucks . and keep the prizemoney up the city , Like the gallopers do. It's the best way forward. 

Take the feature racing a bit more seriously , so big players will spend Big bucks (at yearling sales and that) to Win Big races. Run a few more 2 year olds . Get em' racing .