NZTR can now provide clarity regarding funding for industry participants when racing resumes on 3 July.

 

With the assistance of working groups of trainers and clubs, NZTR has developed a return to racing plan which includes a flat stakes level of $15,000 for all races at 13 meetings during July.

 

In addition, the following initiatives will also be introduced with the focus on reducing costs and spreading returns for owners:

Race programming during July only will allow for open nominations to ensure those horses wanting to race are able to gain a start.  More detail regarding the racing policy can be found here. 

 

We understand that this is a different approach. But NZTR recognised this as an opportunity to provide some innovation and flexibility around the payment of stakes to owners, trainers and jockeys during July. 

 

Confirmation of RITA’s transitional funding to the codes follows discussions with codes, and industry consultation on a draft racing calendar for a resumption of racing. The distribution from RITA reflects the reduced racing over the period and the phased return to racing for each code.

 

NZTR and the other codes are also working with RITA on funding and race dates for the 2020/21 season and further updates on these important issues will be provided as it comes to hand.

 

This has been a testing time for all our participants, and NZTR thanks you for your patience while we have worked through this process for the resumption of racing in July. It was pleasing to see our horses back at the training track under alert level 3 this week and we appreciate the work of those at the coalface who are implementing the protocols at training tracks and race clubs across the country.

 

We will continue to keep you informed through regular communication on our website and weekly updates from the CEO via our social channels.

 

Yours in racing,

Dr Alan Jackson, Chairman and Bernard Saundry, Chief Executive