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TasRacing to maintain race numbers despite harness meeting cuts

TasRacing has confirmed that the total number of harness races scheduled for the 2026/27 season will remain steady, even as the governing body proceeds with a reduction in statewide race meetings — including the previously signalled cut of up to 10 harness meetings for the financial year.

While thoroughbred meetings have also been trimmed — the organisation recently confirmed 61 gallops fixtures for 2026/27, three fewer than last season — the sharper impact is felt in the harness calendar, where meeting numbers have been deliberately consolidated.

TasRacing CEO Andrew Jenkins said the revised harness schedule follows extensive consultation with participants, trainers, drivers, and club representatives, emphasising that the objective is efficiency, not contraction.

“Our preliminary plans were adjusted following a genuine consultation process with participants and a broad range of racing stakeholders,” Jenkins told The Straight.

Despite fewer meetings, Jenkins stressed that race opportunities and stakes levels for harness participants will not be reduced.

“While there will be fewer race meetings across both equine codes, the total number of races and the overall stakes pool will remain unchanged.”

Jenkins said the reshaped harness calendar is designed to reduce unnecessary travel, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen wagering performance, ultimately protecting returns to trainers, drivers, owners, and clubs.

“We’re not taking those savings out of stakes or participants’ and owners’ pockets. This is about delivering a more efficient racing program while maintaining returns to the industry.”