Manawatu Harness Racing Club Inc
Meeting: Manawatu End March Two Day Meeting (Night 1 FESTIVAL CUP) at Manawatu Raceway, Palmerston North
Chairperson of Stewards:
Scott Wallis- Race Number:
- Race 1,2
NON-WINNERS & R35 TO R55 WITH COND. DISCRHCP TROT 2000m
Of $12000 ($6600, $1860, $1140, $720, others $210)
For 3 yrs & older trotters with no wins for lifetime. Also R35 to R55 3 yrs & older horses. The winner of the highest rating race will get a rating penalty free win if 4YO and older, and driven by a Junior Driver, and has not previously won a rating penalty free race this season. Ratings and or conditions may be used when determining the splits for these races. The winner(s) of a race from Day 1 of the meeting (29 March) should it then be rated above R55 shall remain eligible for Night 2 (31 March) but shall be required to be driven by a Concession Junior Driver.
- Race Number:
- Race 3,4
NON-WINNERS 3YO & OLDER MOBILE PACE 2000m
Of $12000 ($6600, $1860, $1140, $720, others $210)
For 3yo-&-older pacers. The splits for Races 3 & 4 to be determined based on the nominations received.
- Race Number:
- Race 5
3YO & OLDER R35 TO R40 MOBILE PACE 2500m
Of $12000 ($6600, $1860, $1140, $720, others $210)
For R35 to R40 3yo-&-older pacers. The winner of this race should it still be rated (R35 to R40) will not be eligible for the corresponding race on Night 2 of the meeting.
- Race Number:
- Race 6,7,8
3YO & OLDER R35 TO R55 MOBILE PACE 2000m
Of $17000 ($9350, $2635, $1615, $1020, others $297.50)
For R35 to R55 3yo-&-older pacers. Ratings and or conditions may be used when determining the splits for these races. Preferential barrier draws numbering sequentially from 1 may apply should it be deemed necessary to ensure overall fairness to all horses given the ratings spread in these races. The highest rating race to be run as the Festival Cup for a stake of $17,000. The two lower rating races to be run for a stake of $12,000. The winner(s) of these races should it then be rated above R55 shall remain eligible for Night 2 (31 March) but shall be required to be driven by a Concession Junior Driver.
Special Conditions
- RATINGS PROGRAMME
These race days will be run using an open nominations type format. The intention of these races is to have like racing like to provide the opportunity for horses to race in a competitive environment. The programme only serves as a likely indication as to the type of races to be run and rating bands where indicated, and as nominations permit conditions may be included in races for out of form horses, those with lesser winning or placed stake earnings, age criteria and/or fillies and mares. Preferential barrier draws may apply.
- ONE NOMINATION PER HORSE
Trainers are advised that a horse may only be nominated for One Race at this meeting. Trainers do however have the right to Transfer their horse(s) following the close of Nominations. The Club reserves the right to transfer any horse deemed necessary, unless trainers specify that their horse(s) is NOT to be Transferred.
- RESTRICTED PROGRAMME
Owners and Trainers please note that these meetings are restricted to eight race programmes.
- Nominations Close
- Night 1 FESTIVAL CUP - Night 1 & Twilight 2 Tue, Mar 24, 2026 @ 12:00 noon
- Withdrawals Close
- Night 1 Tue, Mar 24, 2026 @ 2:00 pm
- Drivers Notified
- Night 1 Wed, Mar 25, 2026 @ 2:00 pm
- Contact Details
- The HRNZ Bureau - Meeting Contact: Kevin Smith
- Nominations, Withdrawals, Drivers, Scratchings
- Phone: 0274-358-560 or 0508 287 328
- Email: kjsmith@hrnz.co.nz or bureau@hrnz.co.nz