According to reports, a vote within the New Zealand thoroughbred horse racing industry has resulted 3-1 in favour of giving the go-ahead towards the amalgamated 'One Racing' concept which would bring together thoroughbred racing, standardbred racing and greyhound racing
bodies.
An article by the New Zealand Herald states that after a general meeting held on Friday, January 22, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Inc. chairman Guy Sargent offered comments on the situation.
"This decision by the thoroughbred racing clubs marks a real turning point for our industry; the opportunity to start the process of adopting the recommendations of the One Racing report," he said.
"NZTR initiated this process with a report, presented at our last AGM, which recommended 'the creation of a new and potentially quite different organization' comprising the three codes and the Racing Board, subject to the agreement of all parties. That was supported then by our clubs and today they took another important step on the road to improving our industry.
"Ultimately we are looking at a more self-sufficient and productive industry, and ensuring the financial future of our clubs."
Thoroughbred Racing New Zealand has stated such a move could save the industry up to $11 million. Although, reportedly, at this point the decision to amalgamate may still be a longshot.
An article on the Radio New Zealand website cites Harness Racing New Zealand as taking the position that 'within its discipline there is little support for shared governance;' and therefore the vote may not mean all that much.
(With files from the New Zealand Herald and Radio New Zealand)