Racing: Ashburton to install passing lane

In a break with tradition, the Ashburton Trotting Club has decided to install a passing lane in preparation for the rich Harness Jewels race meeting planned for next Queen's Birthday.

Club president John Rollinson said yesterday that the club had resisted the move in recent years but the time was right for change.

"The international spotlight will be on the day of high-class racing and the club agreed it was important that all horses were seen to be given an equal opportunity," he said.

Rollinson said there were members who still held the view that the passing lane was unnecessary with the 300m straight ensuring that all horses got a run on almost every occasion.

"However, everyone knows of one or two incidents where horses were denied a run and if we can reduce that possibility, the races will have even greater appeal."

The club planned to install the sprint lane during the summer months in plenty of time for the club's February meeting. There are four quality mile races on that day and they will provide an ideal test of the new facility.

- NZPA