Greenfields site for new Tamworth Harness Facility

Thursday 14 March 2013

Meetings on Tuesday between representatives from Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW), the Tamworth Regional Council and the Tamworth Harness Racing Club set-out the future direction for harness racing in Tamworth and, more specifically, the strategy for investment in infrastructure.

HRNSW previously considered two options for Tamworth:

1. Purchase the Tamworth Showground and continue racing at the existing venue;

2. Build a new facility at the Tamworth Racing Precinct adjacent to the thoroughbred track.

It has been determined that neither of these options are aligned with current HRNSW objectives including track size and design and the inclusion of oncourse stabling facilities to encourage hobbyists and provide a pathway for new participants.

Notwithstanding that, the North West region is considered integral to the NSW harness racing industry and, as such, a search for an appropriate Greenfields site in Tamworth to fulfil such outcomes will commence immediately.

The independent Chairman of the Tamworth Harness Racing Club, Mr Charles McCarthy, confirmed that his Board of Directors unanimously supported the new proposal.

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 31 racing clubs across the State. HRNSW is headed by an industry-appointed Board of Directors and is independent of Government.