Inter runners in retention as of Friday

All runners in Sunday’s TAB.COM.AU Inter Dominion, including the two emergencies, will be stabled in the harness racing Retention Barn at Tabcorp Park Menangle from 11am on Friday.

Combined the 16 horses have won nearly $11million and will remain in the complex until Sunday.

A year ago all runners were required to be in the facility by Thursday, but Harness Racing New South Wales CEO John Dumesny explained why there had been a change this year.

“HRNSW is always reviewing our policies and our current intelligence suggests having the horses arrive on Friday is the best practice on this occasion for both integrity and animal welfare purposes,” Dumesny said.

“There are 48 surveillance cameras in the barn as well as security guards present at all times, so connections of each horse can be assured that all horses will be closely monitored throughout the period.”

It is within the rules that any horse can be required to enter the barn and it provides the industry with confidence in relation to the sport’s integrity.

“HRNSW has been the industry leader in this regard and will continue to provide that assurance to its participants and punters alike,” Dumesny said.

• HRNSW Media