KEY POINTS:
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing has decided to retain jumps events, following a review and forum involving representatives in the sport.
The main aim of the review was to provide a sustainable plan for jumping, NZTR chief Paul Bittar said.
"The (NZTR) board's approval of our recommendations will deliver jumping a commitment of a minimum of three years, with increased funding in return for commitment to change.
"This ensures we have a clear structure and accountabilities, as well providing an opportunity to grow."
NZTR said it had committed to funding changes despite the negative betting impact on clubs of running jumping races, and would provide on-course incentives to clubs.
"We will also be injecting additional funding of $185,000 for the current season, being the winter of 2008," said Bittar.
"Due to the lower financial return from jumping races, some clubs have become reluctant to stage them; these changes have largely addressed this."
The overwhelming feedback to NZTR from all sectors was that jumping needs to be retained, he said. NZTR will take over the management and coordination of jumping, setting the programmes and stakes, in consultation with clubs, and managing the total jumping budget.
The number of venues at which jumping is conducted will drop from 28 to 13 and there will be a five-month season - May to September.
- NZPA
