HARNESS Racing New South Wales this week announced a no Withdrawal Policy for horses from set conditioned races.
As of September 1 horses nominated for set-conditioned races cannot be withdrawn.
However, this will not apply to Divided Stakes events where the Handicapping Panel frame race conditions and select race fields from the nominations received.
After consultation with industry stakeholder groups, HRNSW chief executive officer John Dumesny believes this amendment will help races “stand up”.
“We tried an increased fee change over the last two months to help clubs and owners with assurance of what races will stand up but this has not assisted the situation,” Dumesny said.
“Races to be conducted on and after September 1, horses nominated in a set-conditioned race, for example a two or a three-year-old race or maiden race, trainers won’t be allowed to withdraw between the close of nominations and the release of fields.”
Both the Harness Racing Clubs Committee and the Harness Racing Industry Consultation Group supported the amendment to the HRNSW Racing Policy 609.9-2.4.
Trainers should make themselves aware of this Policy to which they have been directly alerted.
Further assistance can be obtained from the HRNSW Handicapping Panel or head to www.harnessmediacentre.com.au/industry-integrity/hrnsw-policies
Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) is the controlling body for harness racing in New South Wales with responsibility for commercial and regulatory management of the industry including 33 racing clubs across the State. HRNSW is headed by an industry-appointed Board of Directors and is independent of Government.
To arrange an interview or for further information please contact:
Amanda Rando
MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
p: (02) 9722 6600
e: arando@hrnsw.com.au
