Not so Trackside

By Michael Guerin

New Zealand racing’s television landscape has changed just as dramatically as the rest of the industry.

 TAB bosses have made immediate changes to how racing will be covered with no presenters on track at any meetings in the weeks, and possibly, months ahead.

 The move is for health reasons of the presenters, camera crew and the people they come in contact with and to reduce the chance of coronavirus spreading.

TAB employees will still broadcast the racing action from the tracks using their usual OB vans but the comments and previews of the races will be done by presenters based in studios around the country.

 The commentaries will still be live from the track.

 That will mean no live pre or post-race interviews and reactions from the track will be possible until coronavirus protocols are changed.

 The TAB has also cancelled with immediate effect its magazine, review and preview shows The First Call, Dogzone, The Box Seat and Weigh In to cut costs.

 But the turnover-driving Punters Lounge will still screen on Saturday morning with shorter versions of that show possible on domestic race days to try and stimulate turnover.