Taranaki Racing Inc. today announced that the second running of the $101,000 ITM Winter Challenge may not be run as programmed on Saturday 24 August.

At this stage nine of the 14 slot holders from the initial year have replied to the club that they do not wish to participate in 2019. 

Club CEO, Carey Hobbs, commented “Unless the club can confirm 14 slot holders by the 19th of July, the race will be reprogrammed as a $30,000 Special Conditions Maiden run over 1400m, with no slot holder payments, and usual conditions”.

The club ran two such event this season in August and February, with capacity fields and outstanding turnover. Whilst we are disappointed the market place dictates how many these such events will take place in New Zealand each year. It is still out intention to continue to programme these races, but they can only be run at $101,000 stakes level if we have 14 slot holders.

Anybody interested in either of the slot races needs to email taranakiracing@xtra.co.nz.