Temporary harness program adjustments need to be introduced for the last five weeks of this financial year (up to 30 June 2016).
This year there has been a higher demand for races than anticipated and acceptances have been strong which is a positive sign for the harness code.
The temporary amendments take account of the sustainability measures announced last year and will ensure budgetary discipline is maintained.
The changes involve the deletion of nine races and the cessation of $3,000 lower points races between 29 May and 26 June (see below for more information).
It is important to note that similar temporary amendments have also been introduced in the thoroughbred and greyhound codes.
In all cases, horses that could have been accepted for these races will have other racing options at that race meeting.
In addition, the deleted races are spread across a variety of classes but no change has been made to two-year-old or open class races.
It is anticipated that the actual number of harness races for the financial year will still exceed the target of 687 (excluding King Island).
From 1 July 2016, usual harness programming will resume and stake money increases for next financial year will be notified shortly after.
The deleted races are:
Launceston – 29 May – LNC29051607 – C3 Or Better (SS)
Launceston – 5 June – LNC05061606 – C1 Or Better (SS)
Hobart – 6 June – EHC06061604 – Trainers Encouragement Pace. C0/C1 (MS)
Hobart – 6 June – EHC06061609 – Claimer (MS)
Launceston – 10 June – LNC10061601 – Non-Winners (MS)
Hobart – 12 June – EHC12061608 – C6/C10 (MS)
Launceston – 19 June – LNC19061607 – Claiming Novice Drivers. C1/C2 (MS)
Devonport – 20 June – DVC20061603 – Trainers Encouragement Pace. C0 Or Better (SS)
Hobart – 26 June – EHC26061605 – Mares. C0/C1 (MS)