NZTR would like to advise that its 2023 Handicapping Review has now been completed. The Review was carried out by a panel comprising Neil Jennings, Tim Aldridge, Tyler Tane, Bruce Sherwin, Andrew Castles, Craig Baker, Tim Mills, Mike Breslin, and Tony Pike and myself. Topics discussed were the rating of maiden winners, flat winners dropping below R55, preference to last start Feature or Premier winners in R75 races, minimum topweights in Open Handicap races including Group and Listed, minimum topweights in Group and Listed Handicap races, as well as Open Handicap races at withdrawal closing time, and a review of rating after a long absence. The Handicapping Policy and the Standard Regulations are in the process of being amended to reflect all changes made under the Review, taking effect from 1 August 2023. Key changes to the Handicapping Policy agreed under the Review are available to view here.

NZTR has also conducted a review of the Whip Rule Breaches and proposed an amendment to allow flexibility in whip use before the 100m mark, while still promoting a reduction in overall whip use. The amendment aims to prevent situations where riders are penalised and suspended for minor misjudgements in whip use, while adhering to the purpose of the Rule and reducing overall use. This change aims to avoid unnecessary suspensions in specific circumstances without encouraging more whip use. The Rule Change will effectively set a lower limit on permitted whip use when riders rely on it. NZTR is satisfied with the progress in reducing overall whip use, as indicated by recent internal research from the RIB. This minor amendment will prevent unnecessary suspensions when whip use has been reduced in the relevant race.

The 2023 the New Zealand Racecourse Managers Association (NZRMA) conference took place at Ellerslie from 18 to 20 June. Racecourse Managers gathered to explore Auckland Thoroughbred Racing Inc's StrathAyr track at Ellerslie, presented by Track Manager Jason Fulford. Content was provided by various organisations, including NZTR, HRNZ, PowerTurf, Paradigm, Colin Cromarty, Andrew McKerrow, and NZSTI. Delegates also visited Alexandra Park to assess the facilities and discuss post-Auckland flood solutions. Awards were presented to Kane Smith and Ryan Thistoll (Up and coming Racecourse Managers Award), Derek Collett (Industry Contribution Award), and Graeme Styles (NZRMA Life Member). The conference drew positive feedback from the NZRMA, with an attendance of 39 Racecourse Managers.

Following the abandonment of the Hasting's meeting on 25 May, an NZTR Abandonment Review Committee was formed to investigate the cause. The committee considered reports from Hawke's Bay Racing Inc., NZ Sports Turf Institute (NZSTI), and the Racing Integrity Board (RIB) Stewards, as well as other evidence provided on and after the race day. It was noted that Richard Fenwick, the Track Manager of Hawke's Bay Racing Inc., had acknowledged that the track had "tightened" in some areas but did not consider it a safety concern for racing on 25 May. NZSTI's report supported this assessment, suggesting that the combination of track tightness, heavy dew, and an earlier start time may have played a role. After careful consideration, the Committee recommended that tracks seek advice from NZSTI or another member of the Regional Track Advisory group should they have any concerns for improved outcomes. Ultimately, the abandonment was determined not to be caused, or contributed to materially, by Hawke’s Bay Racing Inc.

Finally, NZTR has released our ‘Save the Date’ for the 2022-23 Horse of the Year Awards, this year to be held at Shed 10 Auckland CBD on Sunday 10 September. The black tie event always provides an outstanding evening of acknowledging achievements and saluting successes. Athletes, both horse and human, are celebrated at this event culminating in excellence, passion, and a love for the sport. Tickets will be on sale from Monday 10 July and you can view more information about the awards here.