Cambridge Raceway launch inter-island travel subsidy

14th October 2021

From HRNZ

Cambridge Raceway have launched a new travel subsidy in the hopes of bolstering their fields over the summer period.

From today Waikato-based trainers can apply for the subsidy which covers the return travel on TFS Horse Transport of up to two horses per trainer from the South Island to the Waikato region to race at Cambridge Raceway from late November to early February.

Horses accepted to receive the subsidy by Waikato-BOP Harness Incorporated will also be eligible for a special $1,000 bonus for their first win at Cambridge Raceway during their northern campaign in addition to the CRL $1,500 second win bonus and Dunstan Cambridge Horse of the Year competition worth $10,000 that all runners at the raceway are eligible for.

Cambridge Raceway track, trial and workout fees will be free for the accepted horses throughout November, December and January.

“We were looking for some creative ways to boost our fields over the summer and wanted to help facilitate local trainers to add additional horses to their stables over this period and this is the concept we came up with” Cambridge Raceway CEO Dave Branch said.

“Then we were fortunate to have our great partner TFS Horse Transport come on board to make it a reality.”

Applications are open to trotters or pacers rated between 40 and 55 that are currently racing or at race fitness on November 25 and have been based in the South Island for the 12 months prior to the application.

The full and final decision on which horses are accepted to receive the subsidy will be made by Waikato Bay of Plenty Harness Incorporated.

Cambridge Raceway have 10 race dates this summer: November 25, December 2, 16, 24 and 29, January 7, 13, 20, 27 and February 11.

“It’s a win-win situation for us, our local trainers and the owners of the South Island-based horses who are sent up here to race in smaller fields with some nice bonuses to sweeten the deal,” Branch said.

Trainers wishing to apply for the trans-Cook travel subsidy can do so at www.cambridgeraceway.co.nz/transcook. Applications close on October 31. – Cambridge Raceway