At the Waikato RC meeting on Wednesday 3 February an Open 2100m race has replaced the R74 2100m. This Open race remedies a gap in programming for the region. Thanks to a contribution from FastTrack Insurance this race will run for the increased stake of $20,000. At Matamata on Monday 25 January a R65 1600m race has been added to the programme to take the meeting to eight scheduled races.