CHRISTCHURCH - Harness racing clubs yesterday voted against the controversial push-out driving rule but it may not yet happen.
At the annual meeting of harness racing clubs in Christchurch a motion by the Manawatu Harness Racing Club's seeking Harness Racing New Zealand's (HRNZ) support for the removal of the push-out rule was carried.
But because it was not a remit, clubs were not voting on it as a change to be effected immediately. Instead it will now be reviewed by the HRNZ executive.
The rule, introduced three years ago, means drivers cannot force a rival wider on the track until the final 1000m of a race.
Erin Crawford, representing the Rangiora club, asked if the Manawatu club had any evidence to back up its claims that the push-out rule had directly impacted on betting turnovers and public confidence.
Braeden Whitelock, speaking for Manawatu, responded by stating his club had no factual evidence, but wanted HRNZ to gather more evidence and make its appraisal in a year's time.
Whitelock said the Manawatu believed HRNZ had a responsibility to review the rule.
Carl Middleton, representing the Harness Racing Trainers' and Drivers' Association, said northern horsemen were split on the issue but southern horsemen were overwhelmingly in favour of the status quo.
Middleton said a new consideration which could come into play if the push-out rule were abolished was an increased chance of litigation.
"If a less experienced driver pushes out and makes a mistake [causing injury to other drivers], then serious litigation could take place," Middleton said.
"The push-out rule has made racing very safe, and there is plenty of opportunity for drivers back in the field to improve their position before the 1000 metres."
An Auckland Trotting Club item, that executive members be paid, just gained the required two-thirds majority for consideration.
When queried by the Rangiora club how many hours a month was spent being an executive member, HRNZ's general manager Edward Rennell estimated members would give three-four days a month for the cause.
The Auckland club pointed out that with the workload expected, it believed it unreasonable not to provide some remuneration, similar to directors fees for companies.
The Auckland Trotting Club's proposal of introducing drivers colours for the leading 10 in each island, for marketing purposes, was heavily lost.
Other items of correspondence to be carried were the Manakau Trotting Club's suggestions for an amateur driving club, already established in North America and Europe, and the adoption of policies to find more novice country racing opportunities.
- NZPA
Racing: Clubs against push-out rule
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