Changing the NZ Cup to a handicap makes no sense

Barry Lichter writes for Lincoln Farms that changing the New Zealand Trotting Cup to a handicap, at a time when harness racing desperately needs to promote its heroes, makes no sense.

Why, asks Addington Racing Industry Manager Darrin Williams, would you want to disadvantage the better horses in the hope a lesser light can win the country’s most prestigious race?

“Why are they trying to find ways to get our top horses beaten, or worse, chase them out of the race? says Williams who, along with the NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club, opposes Harness Racing New Zealand’s shock decree.

“The best horse should win the New Zealand Cup. Other races can be handicaps but not the one which showcases your industry.”

Williams says when the decision was made to turn the race into a free-for-all in 2008 it was in response to “fiddling” with Group One races in Australia.

“We were uncomfortable with them trying to even races out with preferential draws.”

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by Barry Lichter, reprinted with permission from Lincoln Farms