Southern Harness update

Welcome to the Christmas 2017 newsletter from Southern Harness updating what's happening in the industry in the south.
 

Recently the AGM of Southern Harness was held with John Earl, Murray Little and myself reappointed for another 12 months.  As we have done in the last year, we are open to discuss any issues or suggestions for the benefit or improvement of the industry.

One of the objectives of the changes made over the last year, is working to improve the ongoing viability of the member clubs. Since the last newsletter all clubs financial results have been reported to their members which in the main were very positive.

Some funding changes have been made this season, like on course bulk funding and an equalisation and reduction of TAB race day venue service charges. As a result of these changes the Board is confident that if you exclude the clubs discretionary operational expenditure most if not all will return positive results this year.
 

While thinking about positive results, at the recent Presidents meeting the race day results up until the end of November were presented to the clubs. This date is about a third of the way through the season and average field sizes have increased from 10.7 last year to 11.5 this year.  Relative to the number of races ran on course turnover is slightly down at -3%, off course and fixed odds combined is up 12.8% with stakes paid up 18.3%.

These results are extremely pleasing to the Board and the clubs. While on course betting is down a day by day analysis shows no real pattern as some meetings are up, some down and other about the same.

It should be obvious to most in the industry, that at this point in time there are plenty of horses racing at our meetings. This brings its own problems in trying to cater for all as best we can. The programming subcommittee are doing an extremely difficult job very successfully, as our race day results are showing this. Programmes cannot be provided to suit every horse all the time, but are designed to cater for most on about a two week cycle. Therefore, to think that programmes should suit any horse every week is impracticable and unreasonable.

Much of the feedback on programmes has when considered in detail, been driven by a person’s own horse and therefore self-interest which is understandable. However we must look at the big picture. To cater for most regularly is the best we can do and it’s not good practice to make changes to suit individuals or the minority, so this will not happen.

Our basis is regular programmes to achieve like with like racing, thus increasing turnover. Whether we like it or not the TAB is where the funding for stakes comes from, and the results above show that we are achieving the objective of increased turnover. At the end of the day however, success will be determined by the year end result so the figures will continue to be collected and analysed with programme changes made as appropriate.

As we lead into the busy Christmas period hopefully plenty of suitable options are available to horses given the number of race days to be held.

On that note the Board and staff at Southern Harness would like to wish you all a wonderful Christmas with family and friends as well as a happy start to 2018.
 

Kevin McNaught

Chairman

______________________________________________________________________________

PROGRAMMING

The season is now in full swing and the new concept of the Nugget Series has been well received.  The last final, the best yet with 9 eligible runners was won stylishly by 'Nota Bene Denario' who joins past final winners 'The Bus' and 'Franco Santino' along with second place finishes from 'Kilowatt Kid', 'Lawrence' and 'Detroit Lily' to head to the Northern Southland meeting on 10th March for the SUPER NUGGET FINAL for a stake of $20,000.

Franco Santino                   – Photo Bruce Stewart

The Gold Chip series will have its second finals winner found at Wairio's meeting on 23rd December. Congratulations to the connections of 'She's Allthe Craze' who won the first Final at Wyndham in November.

She's Allthe Craze               – Photo Bruce Stewart.

In discussions with Haras des Trotteur (Dave Sanders) has led to a 3yo Fillies Trot programmed for $20,000 at already Northern Southland's bumper day on 10th March and works in well two weeks before the NZ Trotting Oaks. This joins three group races and the Super Nugget Final on the day.

2yo racing begins next month and we hope with a later start to 2yo racing in the south it should reward us with the 'babies' running regularly on racedays.

______________________________________________________________________________

CUPS KICK OFF:

Wairio 23rd December  –  Gore 27th December  –  Central Otago 2nd January  –  Roxburgh 4th January  –  Wyndham at Cromwell 6th January  –  NSTC Summer Cup 11th January  –  Invercargill 27th January

______________________________________________________________________________

CLUB NEWS:

Winton Harness Racing Club:

17th December 2017  – Free entertainment and ice-blocks for all the kids.
31st December 2017 – 'Get out stakes' for the year.  Southern Belle Heat and Nugget Final.

 

Wairio Trotting Club: 23rd December 2017 -$2 mini jeep rides for all the kids plus other entertainment.  An appearance by Santa and a lolly scramble.  Gold Chip Final for trotters.

Gore Harness Racing Club: 27th December 2017 – Plenty of free childrens entertainment and a live band.  Bottles of wine to all race winning owners with a photo finish label.  Best presented horse in each race to get a bottle of wine.

Central Otago Trotting Club: 2nd January 2018 – Red Hot Racing and Entertainment!
Guest Highlanders and All Blacks on course with signed rugby balls up for grabs.  Two family season passes to be won for Highlanders home games.
 
For the children – obstacle courses, bouncy castles, pony rides, mega lolly scramble, mini jeeps, scavenger hunt, aqua bubbles, kids tote and the exciting family 100m mobile race.
 
Two Gibbston Valley Concert double tickets up for the taking, check out our Facebook page the Central Otago Trotting Club on how to win one.  The ladies 'Fashion in the Field' for our obviously glamorous crowd  –  Prizes for the top 10.  Punters Club.
 
Be in to win the exciting Dunedin City Ford/Otago House of Travel Queenstown vehicle/accommodation package weekend. Must be on course to qualify for this.
 
Major prize for the best picture posted on our Facebook page (Central Otago Trotting Club)  of the day.
 
Roxburgh Trotting Club: 4th January 2018 – Interislander Summer Festival .  $10 entry fee, children under 18 free.  Free childrens entertainment and 'Fashion in the Field'.  Punters Club.

Wyndham HRC @ Cromwell: 6th January 2018 – Interislander Summer Festival.  $10 entry fee, children under 18 free.  Free childrens entertainment, 'Fashion in the Field'.  Punters Club.  Gold Chip Final for trotters.  Grass Track Cup.

Northern Southland Trotting Club: 11th January 2018 – Summer Cup.  Lucky prize draw for season end.  Two lucky members will each win a $100 on course betting voucher plus tickets to the 'Top of the Park'.  Losing ticket draw for major prizes to be won 10th March.

  

Invercargill Harness Racing Club: 27th January 2018 – Group 3 Invercargill Cup.  Free entertainment, competitions and activities for the children. 'Fashion in the Field'.
 

For all promotional/sponsorship and tent site booking enquiries please contact Lindsay Beer (021 351 499) or 2174 288

______________________________________________________________________________

GRASS TRACK RACING

Gore's grass track day will be held on 10th February – a popular day out for all the family.

Invercargill HRC returns to the grass at Ascot Park on 3rd March.  A novelty in the south but a chance for the public to be close to the action.

These two days follow on from grass track racing at Oamaru on 17th February and Waikouaiti's two days 22nd and 24th February

Southland Harness Racing