Conference opposes Racing Authority

Press, 2 July 1983, Page 19

Conference opposes Racing Authority

PA Napier The New Zealand Trotting Conference disagreed with the New Zealand Racing Authority over the issuing of additional permits, the outgoing president of the Trotting Conference, Sir James Barnes, told the annual meeting in Napier yesterday. While there was no case for a widespread issue of additional licences, some growth areas of the country were being severely disadvantaged by the authority’s current policy, he said. Sir James said that in spite of New Zealand’s economic problems, the light harness sport could still be proud of its achievements and of the recognition of those accomplishments throughout the international trotting world. The turnover from trotting on the Totalisator Agency Board was expected

to reach $l5O million compared with $132 million last year. The number of trotting meetings had increased by only three from 194 to 197, he said. Sir James said the export market continued to offer considerable opportunities. “In the period August 1, 1982, to May 25, 1983, 277 horses were cleared to the United States and Canada compared with 257 for the whole of the previous season, he said. “Australian exports were 291, against 364 for the previous season and a small consignment of five pacers was cleared to Macau.” The treasurer, Mr Bruce Woods, in his report, said that the conference’s financial position had never been healthier. Mr Woods said because of the price freeze the executive would not seek any increases in fees for the coming year.