25 March 2021
REGIONS in which horses will be eligible to compete in the upcoming TAB Regional Championships have been defined.
Following the forced introduction of regional racing during the COVID-19 pandemic and the eventual return to open travel, industry stakeholders requested a review by Harness Racing New South Wales into the appropriateness of the existing boundaries.
The previous boundaries were set in the 1980s and now have been updated to be in accordance with Local Government Areas.
“There was considerable conjecture when the boundaries were implemented for COVID,” HRNSW Chief Executive John Dumesny explained.
“We (HRNSW) called for submissions and then further feedback from Clubs who were entrusted to be in discussion with their region’s trainers.
“Following this consultation a map that defined the boundaries by local government areas was presented to and subsequently endorsed by the Clubs.
“The only change which was logical was that trainers based around Canberra were closer to Wagga Wagga and therefore should be included in the Riverina Region.
“Whilst the redefined regions have an absolute effect on the TAB Championships, when it comes to the major series in the Breeders Challenge trainers should be aware the defined regions only carry a preferred effect which has always been the case.
“Hopefully we will not experience another pandemic such as COVID and be forced back into regional racing but if we are we can assess the situation under those extreme circumstances at that time.”
The updated NSW Regional Boundaries are effective from March 31, 2021, and are outlined below or to see a map, click here:
Hunter:
To the North - The NSW/Queensland border.
To the South - Walgett Shire, Coonamble Shire, Warrunbungle Shire, Upper Hunter Shire, Muswellbrook Shire, Singleton Shire, City of Cessnock and Wyong Shire.
Western:
To the North - Brewarrina Shire, Warren Shire, Gilgandra Shire, City of Dubbo, Wellington Council and Mid-Western Region.
To the East - City of Lithgow and Oberon Council.
To the South - Bathurst Region, Cowra Shire, Weddin Shire, Forbes Shire, Lachlan Shire, Cobar Shire, Central Darling Shire Wentworth Shire to the Murray River.
To the West - The NSW/South Australian border.
Riverina:
To the North - Balranald Shire, Carrathool Shire, Bland Shire, Hilltops Council, Vass Valley Council, Queanbeyan - Palerang Council and Eurobodalla Shire.
To the South - To the Murray River.
Metropolitan:
Border LGA's - City of Gosford, City of Hawkesbury, City of Blue Mountains Wollondilly Shire, Upper LachIan Shire, Goulburn Mulwaree Council and City of Shoalhaven.
Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) is the controlling body for harness racing in New South Wales with responsibility for commercial and regulatory management of the industry including 33 racing clubs across the State. HRNSW is headed by a Board of Directors and is independent of Government.
HRNSW CONTACT
SHAUN SNUDDEN | INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
ssnudden@hrnsw.com.au | (02) 9722 6600