It's been about 18 months since Harness Racing New Zealand issued a directive to the Racing Integrity Unit to stand down trotters only if they had caused interference or fell during a race - not if they break at the start.
I can't say I've heard too many complaints from punters about the change. But I'm not entirely sure it does much for the reputation of the trotting code when half the runners in a trotting field break at the start, leaving their chances - and punters' money - in tatters.
The rationale behind the change was that sending a horse back to the trials was costing the owners additional money. Fair enough.
But we're trying to attract new people into racing, and watching your $5 each way go up in smoke without even a run for your money might leave you feeling a bit sour about having a bet on the squaregaiters again.
For example, if you have backed Splash Cola in her last few starts, you might be just about ready to sob uncontrollably. Note, this is not a case of talking through my pocket.
I had a profitable weekend, thanks to taking some cover in trotting races. Unfortunately, that's probably my one profitable weekend for the year.
Bulging at the seams
It seems every harness racing man, woman and their dog wanted to be at Forbury Park tonight.
The club received more than 230 nominations for tonight's meeting, which includes the group 3 4&5yr-old championship and a 3yr-old fillies heat.
Some trainers may have been disgruntled at missing out, but Forbury Park president Gerald Cayford is quick to point out two of his horses didn't make the cut, so there are no favourites being played.
By the way, a belated congratulations to the Forbury Park club for the rejuvenation of the members' bar. It was doing a solid trade at the meeting on March 5, and Gerald advises a free barbecue will be put on once again tonight for members.
The Mac attack
We've all known for the last few years that gun jockey James McDonald was no mug in the saddle. But what he's been doing recently in Sydney is phenomenal.
Four wins in Sydney last Saturday included the BMW and the Tulloch Stakes. His association with Godolphin will open even more doors in Europe and he has the racing world at his feet. From what I've seen so far, he still remains reasonably grounded - a good Kiwi lad.
Lazy Fiver
The run had to come to an end, although Father Christmas fought on well for third at Addington on Friday. Let's keep it local and cheer home Wild Bill in race 8 at Riverton on Saturday. He's in good form and looks like a horse on the rise.
