HRNSW Chief Executive Sam Nati was instrumental in the Maxi Trots concept.
HRNSW in conjunction with the NSW Mini Trotting Association have created a new level of participation for 14 and 15 year-old Mini Trots drivers.
Analysis over a ten year period highlighted that there was a large drop off rate in participation in the 14 to 15 year-old age bracket which effected the progression of Mini Trots drivers obtaining a B Grade Drivers Licence.
Following a series of concept meetings, a new racing brand labelled Maxi Trots will allow drivers that have competed in Mini Trots during the preceding three years to drive full sized Standardbreds in exhibition races.
Its introduction aims to provide stimulation, progression, a greater challenge and to encourage a larger participation in the sport of harness racing.
NSW Mini Trotting Association Secretary Daryll Jackson was welcoming the news.
“Maxi Trots will promote friendly competition in an atmosphere of co-operation and good sportsmanship and will assist the void between when participants are too old for Mini Trotting and when they can be involved at senior level - a gap that needs to be bridged,” he said.
“The Maxi Trotting concept also provides an additional opportunity to promote life after racing for Standardbreds and the relative application of important animal welfare strategies.
“Offering the opportunity to participate in Maxi Trots is seen as a way to address the wastage of horses in the industry, in essence Maxi Trots can provide viable opportunities for sound horses of good temperament that are not competitive in licensed events.”
There are restrictions on which horses can compete in Maxi Trots events and it includes certain limitations such as; they must be deregistered from racing; they must have had a minimum of 20 official career race starts and not won more than 2 official career races, they must be six years of age or older, though officials also reserve the right to include other horses upon application.
Maxi Trots events are to be limited to six (6) horses per race and will predominantly use the standing start mode which will allow races to be handicapped based on both the horse and drivers ability.
Furthermore, the practice of easing or pushing in or out at any time is prohibited as is the use of whips and the use of more than one item of removable or adjustable gear on horses is prohibited. (e.g. hopple shorteners, deafeners, sliding blocks etc).
Guidelines for penalties have also been created.
HRNSW Chief Executive Sam Nati was instrumental in implementing the concept.
“HRNSW is committed to thinking outside of the square when it comes to the sport of harness racing. We must evolve as other sports have around us otherwise we will be left behind,” said Nati.
“Maxi Trots will provide an exciting opportunity for our up and coming drivers in a restricted and safe environment and will enhance in between race entertainment for on course patrons.
“I’d like to commend Daryll Jackson for his foresight with the concept and our insurer OAMPS for recognising the need for such an avenue in our sport”.
Maxi Trots will commence in late February 2012. Drivers will be licensed under the conditions of a stablehands licence with the same terms and conditions, pending insurance compliance.
For further information contact Daryll Jackson (NSWMTA) on 0418 433 979 or Adam Fairley (HRNSW) on 02 9722 6614.
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 31 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:
|
|
Name:
|
Dale Walker
|
|
Position:
|
Marketing Manager
|
|
Phone:
|
(02) 9722 6600
|
|
Email:
|
|
.
