Stratford to face licence review next Friday

Harness Racing New Zealand has bowed to the overwhelmingly negative coverage of the Mike Stratford saga by planning to review the appropriateness of Mike Stratford holding a licence after being found with a whip with a metal rod attached.

The coverage has been very damaging to the industry and the $1,000 fine the source of much ridicule both online and in the print media.

As a result Harness Racing New Zealand released the following press statement this afternoon

HRNZ TO REVIEW MIKE STRATFORD’S LICENCES

HRNZ has serious concerns from an animal welfare perspective with licensed person’s Mike Stratford
attempt to drive with a modified whip on Friday 11 September at the New Zealand Metropolitan
Trotting Club race meeting.

Pursuant to Rule 324, HRNZ is to review Mr Stratford’s appropriateness to be licensed.

Rule 324(1) states:

324 (1) The Board may, in its discretion, at any time cancel, withdraw, suspend, or impose, amend or
delete any conditions or restrictions upon any licence for such period during the currency thereof as it thinks fit, giving seven days notice of its intention to do so.

A meeting has been scheduled for Friday, 25 September to consider this.

HRNZ believes animal welfare considerations are paramount to the sustainability and integrity of the
harness racing industry.

Activities that compromise the wellbeing of the horse in any way will not be tolerated.

Edward Rennell

With Mike Stratford already sanctioned by the JCA last week, one would have some doubt that they can have round two next week.

Harness Racing New Zealand had no choice after the outcry but to take some form of action but weather this is right way only time will tell.

Harnesslink Media