What's the rule?

[We're Doomed 4,866]

Interesting to see in the noms for Ashburton this week NZTR mention they will decide whether to persevere with a $10,000 3yo race with only six noms. I seem to recall 3yo races with much higher stakes going around with only six starters at Tauranga and Matamata recently, and a race at Avondale on a firm track with only four starters. Also a meeting at Tauranga I think with really tiny fields all day. They do seem much keener to drop a race with small noms in the South than in the North. Is there a minimum number of noms to ensure they run a race?

[tasman man 11 979]

I believe ,from experience, there is no hard and fast rule.

But the racing policy states that races with 6 or less nominations /withdrawal time MAY be deleted.

Races with 4 or less will LIKELY be deleted..........but group or listed races will go ahead regardless.

My view is that races with some point of difference e.g. early 2 yr old races or races seen as a stepping stone to upcoming feature races e.g. 2 and 3 yr old races , MAY be more likely to be run with these minimums.

Dare I say that clubs which contribute more thru betting turnover MAY be more likely to run a small field than a lesser club with a smaller turnover.

Of course the odd trainer can accept with horses then scratch to ensure the race goes ahead.

But then ......what would I know ?