The decision was made via a conference call this morning (Friday) between co-trainer Mark Purdon and the Mach Three 4-year-old's owners who are located throughout New Zealand, Australia and North America.

World renowned bloodstock agent, John Curtin of JC International said connections were extremely keen to have Auckland Reactor line up in both next Friday's Miracle Mile at Harold Park and the $375,000 Victoria Cup at Moonee Valley on December 20.

"With all the equine influenza (EI) and quarantine issues in Australia there was no guarantee we could have the horse back here in New Zealand by the end of January. If we did go it would have ruined his whole season. He's a horse on the way up and his physique is still developing. He's only had 14 starts and his best is still to come.

"Our decision is in the best interest of the horse. We wanted to bring him home after the Victoria Cup but since that can't happen he is staying put," Curtin said.

He said owners from Australia, New Zealand and Perth now had to cancel bookings they had already paid for to come to Sydney.

"We are unhappy about the decision but when the quarantine issues are behind us we will still be keen to make fleeting visits to and from Australia.

Meanwhile Wayne Reid of Harness racing New Zealand said he had contacted MAF on Thursday to get the latest update on the quarantine regulations in Australia.

"At this stage it would be the third week in January at best before Auckland Reactor could return home without quarantine restrictions.

MAF is looking to modify its quarantine regulations considering the first outbreak of EI was in August 2007 and the last noted case was around Christmas time.

After the recent cancellation of the World Cup of Harness Racing, Harness Racing New South Wales chief executive officer, John Dumesny described Auckland Reactor's withdrawal as another kick in the guts for his club.

"We are absolutely devastated. We are gutted by what appears to be a breakdown in communications regarding the lifting of international quarantine restrictions. We were originally advised these would be lifted on December 22. We can't understand why it has been pushed back another month.

"We will be making representations to discover the reasons why. The race will still be the sprint championship of Australasia, but now it is missing the X-factor, which would have decided who the actual harness racing champion of Australasia really is. We now have to rely on Changeover to carry and hoist the Kiwi flag in the Miracle Mile," Dumesny said.

Duane RANGER (editor)