Auckland Trotting Club announces new incentives

Wednesday, 4 May 2016

Auckland Trotting Club announces new incentives for owners and trainers

Auckland Trotting Club president Bruce Carter has announced from 1 August a new incentive scheme will be introduced for the 2016/17 season.

The announcement signals a new era and follows the board of the Auckland Trotting Club agreeing in February to a comprehensive programme to revitalise and reinvigorate harness racing in the north – a key pillar of Alexandra Park’s long-term strategic business plan.

This ground breaking scheme rewards owners of all horses racing at Alexandra Park with a minimum of $250 for each starter. Trainers of these horses will receive a payment of $150.

“The Auckland Trotting Club takes its responsibility of supporting the industry as a whole extremely seriously and as such we need to look after our owners and trainers. They are critical to harness racing’s future,” says Mr Carter.

He says the scheme will be monitored with the view that if it is supported by the industry, the ATC board will potentially grow the incentives for owners and trainers for the 2017/18 season, and look to improve stakes in 2018/19.

“We’re keen to take a leadership role in turning the industry around and this move is seen as one of the major initiatives to help achieve that,” says Mr Carter.

The Auckland Trotting Club board has a range of positive initiatives it will roll out over the next three years, all aimed at securing a brighter future for harness racing in the northern part of New Zealand.

As well as incentivising and growing the returns for owners and trainers, the Auckland Trotting Club also has a renewed focus on growing horse numbers, industry funding, betting, and audiences.

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