Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Harness Racing against combining with other boards

Updated at 7:22 am on 24 November 2009

Harness Racing New Zealand is resisting a proposal to create a single racing industry body.

A racing industry taskforce has recommended forming a single racing body in a move it says would save $11 million a year.

The report says the single industry body called Racing and Wagering New Zealand would eliminate duplication, streamline decision-making and save money.

Thoroughbred Racing chairman Guy Sargent says the industry is under threat as punters take their betting money elsewhere.

However, Harness Racing says the proposal favours Thoroughbred Racing ahead of other codes.

Harness Racing board chair Pat O'Brien fears the change would allow Thoroughbred Racing to get the best race dates, funding and marketing.

He says he supports sharing some administrative services to cut costs, but not the single governance structure.

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