Welcome to the first newsletter from Southern Harness to all the owners and participants of the industry in the south.
 
This initiative is one of the many changes that have happened over the last year, the Board which is Murray Little, John Earl and myself were adamant that we must improve the communication to all, but especially direct to owners.  The plan is to produce three or four newsletters a year at this stage but the key is to keep everyone informed and up to date.
 
In regard to the industry changes there have been many, but in a simplistic way for those who are not fully aware of what’s happened, clubs have retained their identity, name, assets and sponsors as well continuing to run race days as in the past.  What has changed however is that Southern Harness is now bulk funded all the distribution (on and off course turnover) from Harness Racing New Zealand and the Board allocates this distribution across all 41 race meetings, as well as doing all the raceday programmes.  This is opposed to individual clubs doing their own.
 
Unfortunately this does not mean that the money is given in bulk at the beginning of the season, rather it is received as it is spent, but we know in advance how much we can spend for the whole season.
 
By allocating the stakes centrally in a consistent manner this allows the programming sub-committee to also be consistent in its programming, to have these programmes done well in advance and made available online on the Harness Racing New Zealand website.  Any owner or trainer therefore can see what programmes are coming up and plan their racing accordingly.
 
With the increase in funding available, as well as the bonus paid to winners of their first totalisator race, the total increase paid to the race meetings run under the banner of Southern Harness for last season and the current season is around $1.4 million.  The total stakes paid for the season will be well in excess of $4 million, so it is important that we operate the best way we can for the benefit and sustainability for the whole industry.
 
On that basis the operating model of Southern Harness has the support of Harness Racing New Zealand the New Zealand Racing Board and the Minister of Racing.  It is a model that Harness Racing New Zealand is now encouraging to be rolled out over the whole country.
 
Southern Harness is made up of all Southland Clubs, Central Otago, Roxburgh and from this season Tuapeka which in total covers 41 race meetings.  As things are only improving in the industry I would encourage you all to support these clubs’ racedays and enjoy the thrill of either yourself or watching someone else winning a race.
 
Kevin McNaught
Chairman
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PROGRAMMING

Welcome to our first newsletter from the Programming Committee.  The representatives of this sub-committee are Geoff Knight, Nathan Williamson, Clark Barron, Murray Swain, John Earl (SHR Board Member) and Jason Broad.
 
Many hours has been spent to try and have a consistent flow of races to suit all horses racing.
 
The start of this season has had basic programming to date to incorporate as many horses as possible when our numbers are a little lighter compared to in the peak of the season.
 
A new concept to the season is the Nugget Series which is run on all maiden races over four consecutive meetings with a Nugget Championship Final held at the following meeting for a stake of $12,000.  All winners automatically qualify and the remainder of the field selected on a points basis.  The first final is to be held at the NSTC meeting on 7th October 2017.
 
Also we have not lost the fact to look after the trotters so the Gold Chip Series starts at the NSTC meeting with the final at Wyndham on 12th November 2017.  Once again a stake of $12,000 and a discretionary handicap trot with a maximum back mark of 30m.  Eligibility is open to all trotters aged 3yo & older that have never won a race (non winners, MR), or have one win for lifetime.

Please contact Southern Harness for any further information regarding these two series.
 
2 YEAR OLD RACING
2 year old racing will start in mid January.
 
SOUTHERN BELLE SERIES
This season the first heat will be held at Wyndham on 19th November.  This is a month earlier than normal.  Series conditions are for all 4yo & older mares with winning stakes up to and including $30,000 for lifetime as at date of nomination closing time for the first heat.
 
JUNIOR DRIVER RACES
In upcoming programmes there will be regular Junior Driver races for horses with 1 win for lifetime only, with a stake of $9,000.

PROGRAMMES
Tentative Raceday Programmes have been done up until 11th January.  These will be forwarded in due course to HRNZ and will appear online.

NON WIN RACES
If non win races (MR) are split, these will be done by Ratings if no conditions are listed for this race.
 
$1,500 BONUS
A reminder to all owners of the $1,500 HRNZ bonus which is added to the stake for horses having their first totalisator win.  It is still apparent that some owners are not aware of this added bonus.
 
 
Any queries regarding raceday programmes should be directed to
John Earl or Jason Broad
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CLUB NEWS

WINTON HARNESS RACING CLUB
All maiden races will have a stake of $9,000 for the rest of the season.
NORTHERN SOUTHLAND TROTTING CLUB
The first Nugget Championship Final to be run on 7th October for $12,000.
Their March meeting will have a $20,000 Super Nugget Final.
All Nugget winners and second placegetters automatically qualify for this.
The remaining runners will be selected on a points basis then money won in Southland.

INVERCARGILL HARNESS RACING CLUB
Drivers Day this year is Friday 24th November.
WYNDHAM HARNESS RACING CLUB
Sunday 19th November Stella Frost Stakes will be run for non win fillies & mares, 1609m, $10,000 

Southern Harness Racing
http://www.southlandharness.co.nz/