Dates calendar released for 2021-22

[Wandering Eyes]

The lower half of the North Island is one of the big winners, with 16 meetings confirmed for next season.

After months of consultation between clubs, the TAB, Harness Racing New Zealand, NZ Thoroughbred Racing and New Zealand Greyhounds  the Dates Calendar has been released for next season.

There will be 257 meetings in the new season, a drop of four on this season.

“It’s a massive balancing act,” said HRNZ’s General Manager – Racing Catherine McDonald, “we have to be fair to all the clubs and at the same time ensuring the sport itself isn’t disadvantaged. We think we’ve achieved that.”

The lower North island gets a total of 16 meetings, up from 12 this season.  Hawera will host two  grass track meetings over Waitangi weekend (Feb 4 and 6 2022). Manawatu also gets 12 dates for the season – ten 8-race meetings and two 5-race meetings. Two will be dual code with the greyhounds. The other meetings will be at Wairapapa and Kapiti.

In the South Island Wyndham is back racing at their venue with five meetings, plus their annual grass meeting at Cromwell in January. Gore will race four times, with two at home on the grass, and two at Wyndham.

Wyndham will also pick up two of the Forbury Trotting Club’s four meetings for the year, with the other two going to Wingatui.

The  popular summer racing circuit in Central Otago and the top half of the South Island will continue to be a feature while Geraldine will host two meetings next season, one in November, the other in April after their very successful meeting at Orari last November.

“We asked  clubs to front up and Geraldine was one to really do that, so they have been rewarded. Grass track racing really was one of the success stories of last season and we have amendments in the calendar to reflect that,” says McDonald.

With Methven and Motukarara among those to get plenty of grass track meetings Canterbury has the same number of licenses as last year with Addington racing twice a week in June and July and Ashburton getting three new dates, and Rangiora one.

“This calendar is a compromise but we feel we have got it right and look forward to building on what have achieved this season,” said McDonald.

To see the full 2021-22 calendar check here .

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