Support for jumps racing

The New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing board yesterday confirmed its support for the continuation of jumps racing as part of the racing programme.

This decision follows a process announced in September that included the appointment of a Jumps Racing Review Panel.

The panel resolved to recommend that jumps racing in New Zealand should continue, but that continuation will need to be supported by several initiatives to ensure the success of the industry, both in the short and long term.

"The panel have taken a comprehensive review of jumps racing in New Zealand and whilst the recommendation is for the continuation it is not for jumps racing to continue in its current state. Changes do need to be made to give it the best chance to thrive," Darin Balcombe, NZTR chief operating officer and and Jumps Racing Review Panel chairman said. — APL