There was an interesting interview with long time industry member John Hallam on Harness review this week

https://soundcloud.com/user-46112780...5th-april-2016

Tune in from about the 40 min mark if you only wish to here JH's interview

In discussing the merits of a tiered racing system, John pointed out a few things that many may not realize eg
There will be 800 less Country front races and 800 more Restricted class races

He fears that such a tiered system will not work - that the good horses/big stables will not skip over these Restricted class races but rather work their way through them - resulting in more, not less, Odds On faves

He emphasized that participants have to be able to get a reasonable return

I totally agree with his point that restricted class racing at Melton cheapens what is supposed to be our Premier track (can you imagine the gallops doing this to Flemington)

It was alarming that he believes the rank and file trainers and drivers are still not really being heard and stated that while Lance Justice is being quoted as supporting the system - as their representative, the association has not had a meeting for 18 months! (JH said that Lance was in NZ when contacted and not yet aware of the details of the proposed system)

In JH's opinion the continued strengthening of the Vicbred Bonus system is essential