Should Harness Racing Introduce Drivers Colours?

[Maorisidol]

This was a "hot topic" on In The Gig tonite and it sure gets some people hot.
I loved Dan Mieleckis explanation of the opposing view and Tappy also in support of the Owners who put on the sport as well.
Gareth Hall seemed to come up with only the type of opinion "for" that Dan described, fairly hollow argument with not much thought, i also agree with Dan and John
I feel as drivers jump on certain horses and jump off, as Dan described its so much harder to recognise horses if the colours change all the time.
Personally i think its great where the Trainers colours are consistently used such as looking for the yellow Aiken colours, or the Chris Lang colours or Van Ryn, Grant Dixon etc.
Whats everybody's thoughts?

[Race For Fun]

I think if the owner pays to buy or breed the horse, pays to get the horse educated and pays to have the horse trained the owner is entitled to have the horse race in their colours. If a punter is either too dumb or too lazy to read a program or study the form they deserve to do their money. Punters are important but without the owners there is no racing

[Triple V]

The powers that be will have to prize our colours out of my dead clenched fist.

[Danno]

I think if the owner pays to buy or breed the horse, pays to get the horse educated and pays to have the horse trained the owner is entitled to have the horse race in their colours. If a punter is either too dumb or too lazy to read a program or study the form they deserve to do their money. Punters are important but without the owners there is no racing

100% spot on!

[Mitch]

There are far bigger issues to deal with than this. I can't believe it gets any air time.

[aussiebreno]

There are far bigger issues to deal with than this. I can't believe it gets any air time.

Spot on. A once weekly half hour (less ads) show and this is what they talk about? I just didn't want to be the first to post it!

[DRUIDRACING]

This was spoken about 3 to 4 years ago and Johny Tapp thought it was good idea. Having not watched the program this time it sounds like he has switched camps. This is another way of trying to drive the hobby trainer / Driver out of the sport and creating the Menangle Super Proffessional Area. Most of the changes they make is all moving in that direction, squeezing them out. I for one will leave the sport if they continue reduce the country money and race at Menangle for big $$$ (with 8 or less horses in each race "great for turnover" ), I like to be involved with my horses and I can see how they are trained and cared for not just watching them on Tv and getting a monthly bill. Instead of treading on the little guy give us an equal oportunity to succeed in this wonderful industry...............promote the good stuff and then turnover will increase. rant over!! btw love seeing my colours going around.

[mightymo]

This was spoken about 3 to 4 years ago and Johny Tapp thought it was good idea. Having not watched the program this time it sounds like he has switched camps. This is another way of trying to drive the hobby trainer / Driver out of the sport and creating the Menangle Super Proffessional Area. Most of the changes they make is all moving in that direction, squeezing them out. I for one will leave the sport if they continue reduce the country money and race at Menangle for big $$$ (with 8 or less horses in each race "great for turnover" ), I like to be involved with my horses and I can see how they are trained and cared for not just watching them on Tv and getting a monthly bill. Instead of treading on the little guy give us an equal oportunity to succeed in this wonderful industry...............promote the good stuff and then turnover will increase. rant over!! btw love seeing my colours going around.

Hi Steven

There is something that I think is worth pointing out. That is, the difference between Harness Racing New South Wales(HRNSW) and the New South Wales harness racing club(NSWHRC)

Harold Park was owned by NSWHRC. They chose to sell it and relocate to Menangle. They still control the proceeds from the sale and hence Menangle has the biggest prizemoney.

This is not a case of HRNSW picking on country tracks and giving money to Menangle at others expense.

Hopefully I explained that correctly!

Regards

Harvey

[DRUIDRACING]

Thanks Harvey.......... I do understand that. They both compliment each other in a industry which is just holding on and by helping each other the industry will rise again. Then why are they not attracting full fields even with the better prizemoney ? Can you answer me that. There must be other things other than colours that will improve the fields. Maybe the past few years of negativity has driven people from the industry? I love my racing and breeding and have not raced a horse for 3+ years for various reasons. Menangle been there once only with 2 horses both in the same race one came first one came last totally enjoyed the day, winning helped.

[Triple V]

This was spoken about 3 to 4 years ago and Johny Tapp thought it was good idea. Having not watched the program this time it sounds like he has switched camps. This is another way of trying to drive the hobby trainer / Driver out of the sport and creating the Menangle Super Proffessional Area. Most of the changes they make is all moving in that direction, squeezing them out. I for one will leave the sport if they continue reduce the country money and race at Menangle for big $$$ (with 8 or less horses in each race "great for turnover" ), I like to be involved with my horses and I can see how they are trained and cared for not just watching them on Tv and getting a monthly bill. Instead of treading on the little guy give us an equal oportunity to succeed in this wonderful industry...............promote the good stuff and then turnover will increase. rant over!! btw love seeing my colours going around.

VVV- John has always strongly opposed the removal of Owners colours. He HATES the idea.
Adam 'Minty Man Nº1' Hamilton was the one doing the bidding of the TAB. Hayes was in favour of it too.