Racing: Govt input crucial catalyst says Lowry

Guy Lowry (left), with fellow Hastings co-trainer Grant Cullen, believes the racing industry will come right at some point. PHOTO/FILE

Guy Lowry believes the New Zealand thoroughbred industry is going through a cycle and will correct itself at the axis in its own time although it's imperative the Government offers a fiscal fillip as a catalyst.

"It's always been tough training ever since I started 20 years ago," says Lowry, who co-trains with fellow Hastings trainer Grant Cullen.

However, he feels prizemoney has not been kept in step with expenses and the trainer exodus will continue to happen, exacerbating the brain drain, but he didn't think it will overtly affect the industry in New Zealand.

"It's very hard to survive as a trainer," he says, adding that a lot of main tracks also need to have investment to "keep a safe and fair surface".

But he accepts the clubs aren't making enough money to maintain infrastructure as the cost of running races has accelerated in the past decade.

So what needs to happen to address the anomalies?

"We need to bring the cost of running races down and we need to increase the stakes.

"You only get out of something what you put into it and the Government doesn't seem to be putting much into it at all."

Lowry believes the thoroughbred industry is a lucrative one.

"It's been disappointing and it must be disappointing for owners."

He counts his blessings for having loyal owners who have stuck with him through thick and thin but accepts that loyalty has the propensity to start fraying.

"You can only put so much in without a feed so I always try to make sure they get that feed.

"You know, loyalty is always tested with things that don't work," says Lowry, who with John Bary is one of the Bay's top two trainers.

Lowry says it's a great industry despite meagre pickings.

"As long as you're getting part of it you're going pretty good. There's never been much money in it.

"Eventually it's going to right itself so the question is, at what point?"

Lowry believes for the industry to find a firm footing, Government intervention is essential.