Horse Racing: Threat of strike action avoided as industry agrees on financials

  • 30/04/2020

The threat of strike action has been averted, as thoroughbred racing looks to make a return to action on July 3.

The trainers' association had advised members to delay putting horses back into work, until assurances were received from governing body RITA about the industry's financial position. 

Those assurances were finally given on Thursday, along with confirmation of a $15,000 stake for all races in the first month of resumption.

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing says it's delighted some sort of normality can resume for an industry savagely struck down by the coronavirus pandemic.  

"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 told the trainers.

"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. "

Thoroughbred racing in New Zealand is set to resume with a meeting at Riccarton Racecourse in Christchurch.