Standardbred & Thoroughbred Seasons ...

About 30 years ago, the then Aust Harness Racing Council moved it back a month, after a study by a leading Vet, showed that the months of December and Jan were the optimum months to breed mares.

So bascially it was designed to help the breeding industry. I think the jury is still out, on whether it made any real difference.

Thanks Howarde

Howarde is spot on with the reason although I think it happened in the 1988-89 season.

Interestingly, the NZ harness season still starts on 1 August so given it is significantly colder over there something doesn't quite add up with the logic.