New Zealand racing is quite similar to that of Australia. Many horses are able to easily “cross the Tasman” and compete as well on either side of the sea that separates Australia and New Zealand. In both New Zealand and Australia the same system of an ‘open lane’ operates, although in Australia it is called a ‘sprint lane’ and in New Zealand a ‘passing lane’. These lanes do not operate on all tracks and have been a point of argument between many industry participants.Modern Starting gates used in Australia now include Auto start. This innovation allows the starter to concentrate on the actual horse’s positioning during the “score up”.
The modern Starting gates use only a driver for steering the vehicle and a starter in the rear to observe the race and call a false start if required. The start speed, acceleration, score up distance, and gate closing are controlled via a computer system, which takes control of the vehicle and provides a printout at the end of the score up. Some harness racing clubs have been granted additional funds for the installation of the AVA computerised mobile barriers.
See more at: Harness Racing it’s not a phase its my life it’s not a hobby it’s my passion poster
