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We get very little media from out of HRNZ apart from every now and then we get the CEO interviewed and telling us how positive things are! Within 2 years there is going to be a lot of media reports but for the wrong reasons! If we are wrong then why is the CEO not coming out and denying that things are dire?

Oh,could this be the reason why The Harness Code have been deafening with their silence in supporting their Rival Code from avoiding impending closure! They only see $$$$ signs with their greater share of The Entain Cash Splash Pie. (not to worry about Cambridge/Palmy/Addington/Ascot Tracks loss of rental income after July 31st)

Seems they ain't queuing for slots, but maybe it will be a no go, if not this year, again.

It is turning into a shit fight. But this is the problem if there is a completely dominant horse who is likely to draw to dominate the race who wants to put up 10s of thousands to try to beat them on that leaders bias track.

Because Keayang Zahara and Jiliby Balarini are coming and are likely to draw one and two in the race everyone else has virtually no chance of beating them so no one wants to turn up. In fact there is one slot holder who is trying to back out and is going to court to try to get his money back.

a sober read.. RIP Taiki Yanagida

Andrea Atzeni is focusing on quality over quantity when he rides four strong chances at Happy Valley on Wednesday evening, including Awesome Fluke in the feature Class Two Magazine Gap Handicap (1,800m). Ricky Yiu Poon-fai’s galloper is a staying specialist at Happy Valley, winning a pair of 2,000m races at the venue in May and June 2024, before adding to his tally with an 1,800m success on his second start this season. He showed he was not short of speed, however, when smashing the track record...View the full article

Cambridge could chuck in a couple of hundred thousand dollars to increase the stake and entice more in?

Its all good then Gamma lol If you think HRNZ are doing an amazing job, would hate to see a bad job! Anyway, I hope you are correct and they are doing an amazing job! The thing is one of us is going to be right and I definitely hope it is you Gamma! Reality is that it wont be unless Boots and Seymour are prepared to throw in a lazy $100m each and every year going forward! I challenge someone to speak up in affirmative of how HRNZ is currently managing the finances, and why they believe it is possible to maintain the current stake money in 2 years time and grow the business!

After they sell the nest egg what do they do next time they run into trouble which is almost a certainty with the reduction in horses and trainers? How to stop the downward spiral to the bottom? They need punters but if the product is no good it is a vicious circle of death. My weekly spend on the North is 5% of what it used to be. You can tell by the exotic pools that many punters have abandoned the North island in droves. They used to get 20K quite regularly in the Alex Park trifecta pools on a Friday night and now they are generally well below 10K and sometimes below 2K in those 6 and seven horse fields and they are also comingled. At least the grass tracks are still worth playing into.

What do you do when you're in deep shite mate ? A/ you dig yourself out. A company worth over $3,000,000,000 has bailed out NZ harness nicely. Many owners and trainers still enjoying themselves. they Won't disappear at 2 years Brodster. Stop shitting yourself about it. ATC are trying to sell assets to help with their debt. IMO selling off Training facilities of 20 trainers and 200 horses is a MAJOR mistake, and I keep praying it doesn't happen. It will only speed up the demise , like selling the Takanini training track of the thoroughbred Trainers that time by the Auckland Racing Club. just ruins it. IS Not HRNZ job to treat the public . They provide racing for the participants . and Rules for the hands on Participants too. I could go in to more detail , but you hate them already. Your fellow kiwi's putting on a sport. HRNZ are doing an amazing job of it. So much so the Aussies are back in force to capitalize on this amazing good fortune for them . The clubs put on the facility for the public . As Cambridge do each year annually for 1000's of your NZ People (public to enjoy ) along with music and that . bloody legends doing that. where's the contempt you talk about? that's just BS Brodie in your head. Did I give you THE JANITOR tip mate ?? 😉 watch out for stablemate GUS too. in the TAB Slot trot. Might as well make Cambridge Part of the Queensland racing circuit ? the way Leap To Fame kicked in last year.

Ohope Wins (NZ) (Ocean Park), the impressive winner of last Saturday’s Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Ellerslie for trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott, is set to continue her racing career in Australia and will transfer to the stable of champion trainer Chris Waller in Sydney next week. The daughter of Ocean Park is raced by Yulong Investments and her connections have opted to forgo the Gr.1 World Pool New Zealand Derby (2400m), for which she was $1.70 favourite, to instead target the Gr.1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill next month and the Gr.1 Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick. Ohope Wins has been installed a $3 favourite for both Sydney targets, while her ownership-mate and Oaks runner-up Autumn Glory, is now the $3.50 favourite for the New Zealand Derby, despite needing to be late-nominated for the race on March 7. View the full article

Numbers (NZ) (Tivaci) is one of Hong Kong racing’s brightest talents, and jockey Derek Leung hopes the imposing galloper can make a big impact in Sunday’s HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) for in-form trainer Frankie Lor. A two-time winner from only three starts in the city, headlined by his two-length score in the HK$4.2 million Gr.3 Centenary Vase Handicap (1800m) this month, the classy Numbers has emerged as a leading contender in this weekend’s race – the second leg of the three-race Four-Year-Old Classic Series – at Sha Tin. Leung said: “I galloped him yesterday (Monday, 23 February) and he did it well. He’s good, and I think he’s slightly improving. He’s a stayer and he needs a few runs, but I think it’s a good time to go to the Classic Cup.” Leung has won the Hong Kong Classic Cup previously in tandem with Lor, striking aboard Mission Tycoon in 2019 as a 91/1 chance. However, Numbers – who, like Mission Tycoon, is expected to press forward and lead – won’t be anywhere close to those odds. Weighing in at 1,212lb last start, Numbers is of considerable size, and Leung believes the 100-rater is still a work in progress at the beginning of his races. “He’s very long and tall – so when he gets in the gates everything feels small to him. Sometimes he gets a bit agitated, but we always practice in the gates for him to calm down, so fingers crossed this weekend he can jump at the perfect time,” Leung said. Lor, who has six wins this month, is satisfied with Numbers and said: “Everything is good. He’s much better now and he’s more relaxed. Further distances are no problem for him. The light weight helped him in the Group 3, but it was a good win.” Numbers – who placed in the 2025 G1 Queensland Derby (2400m) in Australia when known as King Of Thunder – carried 117lb to victory last start when defeating Speed Dragon, Encountered, Ensued, Chancheng Glory, Beauty Joy and Straight Arron on 8 February at Sha Tin. The Four-Year-Old Classic Series culminates with the blue riband HK$26 million 149th BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) on 22 March at Sha Tin. NZB Ready To Run graduate Straight To Glory (Hellbent) goes for a hat-trick of wins in Wednesday night’s Class 3 Wan Chai Gap Handicap (1200m) at Happy Valley with Leung in the plate. “He’s had perfect runs in his last two starts. He’s up to Class 3 now, but he gets a light weight and a good draw (two),” Leung said. “He loves a battle, and it seems like he calms down more at Happy Valley. He can be quite hot sometimes.” The HK$3.12 million Class 2 Magazine Gap Handicap (1800m) sees seven runners square off at the city circuit, including Huge Wave (NZ) (Vadamos), who placed second two runs ago in the HK$4.2 million G3 January Cup Handicap (1800m). Alexis Badel retains the ride and said: “He seems to enjoy the track at Happy Valley and he’s been very consistent. He has a good gate (four), he has a little bit of weight on his back, but I think he’s strong enough and he’s mature at the moment to handle it.” View the full article

A major innovation in global racing is now a big part of New Zealand thoroughbred racing’s most iconic race, with Hong Kong Jockey Club’s World Pool the new naming rights sponsor for the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby next month. The 2400-metre race for three-year-olds, an integral part of the New Zealand racing landscape since the 19th century, will be held at Ellerslie in Auckland as part of the second-ever Champions Day on Saturday, 7 March. Entain Australia and New Zealand has partnered with the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) and New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) to deliver the HKJC World Pool New Zealand Derby. By linking New Zealand’s premier three-year-old staying race into HKJC’s global commingled pools, World Pool delivers access to a truly international betting audience, with up to 25 racing jurisdictions across the world betting into World Pool. World Pool was part of the inaugural Champions Day last year, elevating the NZ Derby on the world stage and driving greater exposure for New Zealand racing. Entain ANZ CEO Andrew Vouris said: “It is fitting to have HKJC World Pool as the naming sponsor for the iconic New Zealand Derby. Having World Pool in action at Ellerslie takes global engagement with the meeting to another level, and it’s pleasing we can recognise that through the race name. Winfried Engelbrecht‑Bresges, CEO of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, added: “New Zealand’s first year as part of the World Pool — becoming one of nine leading racing jurisdictions showcasing top‑class Group 1 races since its debut on this day in 2025 — has been a tremendous success. We are delighted to see our collaboration with our New Zealand partners continue to strengthen, further elevating New Zealand racing for our global customer base.” The meeting includes two other Group 1 races, two Group 2 races including the Auckland Cup, a Group 3 race, and the $4m NZB Kiwi – a 1500m race open to New Zealand-bred three-year-olds. World Pool will be operating on five premier races on the day, which is a flagship meeting for NZTR along with Auckland Thoroughbred Racing, the host club at Ellerslie. Auckland Thoroughbred Racing CEO Paul Wilcox said: “We are delighted that World Pool will be in action across these feature races — it’s a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on New Zealand racing at its very best.” View the full article

WATCH: Pride Of Jenni in action Cranbourne Jump Out 1 – 23.02.2026 HEAT 3 JIMMYSSTAR (won the heat) Ciaron Maher (trainer) “He’s super, I’m rapt with Jimmy. It’s hard to think he can improve off what he’s done but at this stage, I couldn’t be happier.” 1:21 WATCH: Jimmysstar Cranbourne Jump Out 3 – 23.02.2026 View the full article

Entries for NZB’s 2026 National Online Yearling Sale are now open, with the Sale set to be held again on leading online auction platform Gavelhouse Plus. The source of champion filly Well Written (Written Tycoon), the catalogue for the Sale will be available to view online from Tuesday 31 March, with bidding set to open on Friday 10 April and closing from 6pm (NZT) on Tuesday 14 April. A significant benefit of the digital catalogue is that all lots offered in the National Online Yearling Sale are eligible to be nominated for the lucrative Karaka Millions Series. Just nine short months after they make their virtual sale-ring debut, graduates of the online sale can compete for a share in the 2027 $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m), followed by the 2028 $1.5m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m), as well as the NZB Mega Maiden Bonus Series. Graduates of the relatively new sale have already had multiple successes on the racetrack, with just 169 runners claiming an impressive 159 wins on the track, including the unbeaten Group One winner and TAB Karaka Millions 3YO winner Well Written, plus Listed Counties Challenge winner De Armas (NZ) (Ardrossan) and Group Two Eight Carat Classic winner Hitabell (NZ) (Embellish). Bought by Stephen Marsh Racing and Dylan Johnson Bloodstock for a Sale-topping $80,000 from Brighthill Farm’s 2024 National Online Yearling Sale draft, Well Written has now had five starts for five super-impressive victories and more than $1.4 million in prizemoney. Several high-class yearlings have already been confirmed for the 2026 National Online Yearling Sale catalogue, with the Sale marking a cost-effective platform for breeders and vendors. Entries for the 2026 National Online Yearling Sale are open now and will close Wednesday 18 March. To enter the Sale, visit NZB’s online portal at portal.nzb.co.nz or for enquiries contact NZB’s Bloodstock Administrator Mary Jane Harvey by calling +64 9 393 9832 or emailing MaryJane.Harvey@nzb.co.nz. One quality conformation photo must be submitted with each entry, by 24 March at the latest. For more information about the Sale, contact NZB Bloodstock Sales Manager Kane Jones on +64 27 274 4985 or email Kane.jones@nzb.co.nz. SALE SCHEDULE Entries Close: 18 March Sale Online: 31 March Bidding Opens: 10 April Bidding Closes: Tuesday 14 April, from 6pm View the full article

Melbourne-based expat Mick Dee is set for a return to familiar territory at Ellerslie on Saturday week with a strong book of Champions Day rides. Since relocating to Victoria in his late teens, 29-year-old Dee has enjoyed immense success, interspersed with regular trips home for feature race assignments. One notable such occasion was last year’s inaugural Champions Day when he achieved a career highlight with victory on Willydoit (NZ) (Tarzino) in the Gr.1 Trackside NZ Derby (2400m) as well as the Gr.3 Sunline Vase (2100m) on Island Life. This time around Dee will partner Aksil in the Derby, while his book also includes Belle Cheval in the Listed NZB Kiwi (1500m), Lara Antipova in the Gr. 1 Sistema Stakes (1200m), Waitak in the Gr.1 Bonecrusher NZ Stakes, Grail Seeker in the Gr.2 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Classic (1400m) and Espionage in the Gr.3 Haunui Farm King’s Plate (1200m). Last year Dee conjured a form reversal out of Willydoit after he had been unplaced in the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m), and he’s hoping he can do the same again on Aksil (NZ) (Ace High). In Saturday’s Avondale Guineas, the Katrina and Simon Alexander-trained gelding, who now races in the OTI Racing colours, finished a below-par sixth after racing keenly in the early stages. “I’ve been told he was quite fresh in what was his first run over ground and he’ll have the blinkers off for the Derby, so I’m hoping he’ll be better for the experience,” Dee said on Tuesday. “He looked pretty good when he won at Ellerslie the time before.” With the news that Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai NZ Oaks winner is set to be transferred to Chris Waller and will not be running in the Derby, the reframed TAB futures market is now headed by Oaks runner-up Autumn Glory at $3.50, while Aksil is on the fourth line at $12. The most fancied of Dee’s Champions Day rides is Lara Antipova (Russian Revolution), who remained unbeaten with her last-start victory in the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) and is currently quoted at $1.50 for the Sistema Stakes. “I’m really looking forward to riding Lara Antipova in the big two-year-old race, she looks the best of that age-group,” said Dee, who finished second on Closer To Free in last Saturday’s Melbourne juvenile feature, the Gr.1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield. Dee will also combine with another Mark Walker/Sam Bergerson-trained filly in Belle Cheval (NZ) (Savabeel), who likewise is weighted below stable rider Opie Bosson’s minimum. On Saturday the Savabeel filly completed her NZB Kiwi preparation with a comprehensive win in the Uncle Remus Stakes, but Dee is keeping his feet on the ground given the challenge presented by the unbeaten Well Written. “She certainly looks the goods that other filly, but I’m happy to be riding one that also has a strong formline – you never know what might happen.” The prospect of being legged up on the well-proven Wexford Stables pair Waitak (NZ) (Proisir) and Grail Seeker (NZ) (Iffraaj) is also something for Dee to look forward to. “I’m not sure what to make of Waitak’s run the other day, but I think they’re going to change things with his training and hopefully that can turn him around. On his day he can win anything. “Grail Seeker also has strong Group One form and she’s been targeted at the fillies and mares’ race, so she should be a good ride too. “I always enjoy coming back home to ride and it’s great to have such a solid book on what’s become New Zealand’s biggest raceday.” View the full article

Gamma, firstly Entain is no White Knight for racing in NZ! Quite the opposite in fact! They are in it solely to reap 50% of-the profits from the NZ TAB for 25 years, nothing at sll to do with assisting harness racing!! A big mistake was made by the TAB and McAnulty you will get to see! What we dont support is the mismanagement of the finances of harness racing, it is a shocking indictment on HRNZ that they are putting the harness industry into jeopardy! You can go on about the current racing as being great and stakes are good but only due to Entains cash splash which is going go finish and then big time problems bigger than currently! Finally, can you suggest to Boots and Seymour to contribute say $100million each year to harness NZ to keep the stakes where they currently are? Auckland and Csmbridge are in deep shite and thats with the Entain $ imagine what will happen in 2 years? HRNZ are treating the public with contempt

Haha… i think they will be looking for a long time. Have a nice night…

Another name id forgotten, Jack certainly was an icon on the coast, remember the days huddled around the ole valve radio which were the best at picking up the required station, the frustration of the signal fading in an out, Jack called my uncles galloper to win at Nelson, her only win, very frustrating horse, track work an trials nothing would get close to her, remember her bolting in at a trial in hoki one day, a spectator quipped she'd be a cert next start, we warned him,, couple weeks later at hoki races she finished last, race day just wasn't her thing, unfortunately.

The CJC members just approved this at their last AGM though (see 8 in particular):

Similar should be in all club constitutions imo.

I doubt I have it wrong as you say , the cost of anything these days is a strain on organisations of all types. That many pony clubs folded around here it made me near cry. Insurance is a huge cost these days for Sporting groups and social clubs of all kinds. Trotting clubs really feel it too , as have large premises. There's a lot of detail in running a club. for any sport. The Australian Turf Club Sydney went bust , even with running expensive thoroughbreds racing . Racing usually does much better than harness , as is 10 times more popular. I thought people on forums are/were supposed to be Harness racing fans ?, but offer No support to the sport . On this site anyway. Thankfully ENTAIN did for NZ and QLD harness racing, BUT you all get stuck in to them as a bad business decision ???? . hahahaha that's so ironic it's funny. And then the way the HRNZ have supported All the clubs is tremendous with the Entain funding. you blokes ONLY want to support some of the clubs. (and hardly any of the New races and concepts put in place the last 3 years.) Fancy thinking you all have the right to Allocate the funding as You see fit when it's been the job of HRNZ for over hundred years? . They know what they're doing. But keep picking on em' . The racing is better than ever. We even had driver Slot races at Albion last weekend . twas brilliant stuff innovations for plenty of people to enjoy something different. Brodie and Galah would pick it to pieces though as someone had to put up some money for a slot lol 🤣 Thankfully in OZ people make moves to keep the harness racing going, (Seymour sponsors SA trotting to keep them going for example) (Vic State Government bought land of HRV to prop them up from a $66,000,000 debt.) Entain have done the same in NZ but this forum site doesn't appreciate a company worth over 3 billion dollars helping.😂🤣 bite the God's hand that helps them lol. Using punting dollars they made too. so what goes round comes round. . Of course we want the rich Participants to do ok as in getting winners. BECAUSE They pour in the Most money to breeding and yearling sales. Seymour and Mick BOOTs with 300 horses plus each doing a tremendous job (Like Stonewall there I guess as the equal of that effort) so plenty of staff , breeders and trotting clubs benefit. Excellent stuff and never been at this Racing level before . Too high up for you blokes . probably why all the angst. Harness Racing is obviously running very light on the punting dollar everywhere. Not just because it's a very poor betting sport (things galloping out the back taking peoples money with them for example) , but Pokies reign supreme for the average gambler and returns are instant. also animal welfare is a 'thing' these days. My very own 2 children wouldn't support horse racing even though I love it. there's also the 'State of the nation's economy' for people too. There's simply better things to spend on , like your bills, rent or mortgage lol 😋 . people love all the cruises and things like that these days for recreational dollar spending. They're smart and will take a holiday rather than waste hundreds on silly horses . that may or may not be even trying lol 😅

NOTIFICATION THAT CORONER’S INQUIRY WILL NOT BE RESUMED Sections 70(1)(b) and 70(2) Coroners Act 2006 IN THE MATTER of Taiki YANAGIDA The Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Wellington I notify you pursuant to section 70(2) of the Coroners Act 2006 that an inquiry will not be resumed in respect of: Deceased: Taiki YANAGIDA Late of: 182 Station Road Matamata Date of birth: 02 November 1993 Date of death: 09 August 2022 Place of death: Waikato Hospital Pembroke Street Hamilton New Zealand Age: 28 Occupation: Jockey Sex: Male Cause of death: 1a. Direct cause Non-survivable traumatic brain injury 1b. Antecedent causes Spinal fractures at several levels Haematoma in paraspinal tissue and mediastinum 1c. Underlying condition/s Chest injuries to lungs and fractured ribs 2. Other significant conditions contributing to death, but not related to disease or condition causing it Sustained in fall and trampling by horses in a competitive horse race Circumstances of Death: Taiki Yanagida was 28 years, of Japanese descent, a jockey, single and resided in Matamata. Taiki was physically and medically fit with no underlying health conditions and no medications. Jockeys require regular medical certification in order to train and competitively ride. Taiki was first licenced to ride in New Zealand as an apprentice jockey in the 2017/2018 season. He progressed to a senior rider having completed his apprenticeship with Wexford Cor10 CSU-2022-HAM-000352 2 CS0010 On 3 August 2022, Taiki was participating in a race meeting at the Cambridge Jockey Club. He had ridden in four previous rides during the race day. There had been no issues with the race track or weather conditions. Incident During the running of Race 9 at 16:48 (the Martin Collins New Zealand Maiden 2000m), the incident occurred as the field of 12 horses had exited a bend and straightened into the home straight, at approximately 250m from the finish line. Taiki was riding “Te Atatu Pash” when another jockey (Sam Weatherley) riding “Jack Hammer”, directed his mount with insufficient clearance of another horse “Goodo Jo” making heavy contact with its hind quarters and unbalancing its jockey. That horse then shifted outwards into the direct line of Te Atatu Pash, who was immediately brought down with Taiki dislodged to the ground. Taiki fell over the front of his horse and was trampled by both his horse and the following horse. In addition, another horse “Nantucket” was badly hampered by the fallen horse and its jockey was also dislodged but was not injured. Paramedics examined Taiki on the race track, ascertaining that he had suffered severe and multiple injuries. He was transported to Waikato Hospital where he was cared for in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for almost seven days. He underwent spinal surgery and had chest drains inserted. Two days following surgery, medical personnel attempted to wake Taiki, but he was unresponsive. A brain CT scan revealed a traumatic brain injury that would not be survivable, or if it were then there would be significant loss in the quality of Taiki’s life. Doctors consulted with Taiki’s family, and a collective decision was made to withdraw intensive care. Taiki was verified deceased by a hospital doctor at 20:14 on 9 August 2022. A coronial inquiry was opened on 12 August 2022 and was adjourned pending an investigation by the Racing Integrity Board into the incident that had led to Taiki’s death. WorkSafe NZ / Haumaru Mahi Aotearoa Due to the Cambridge Jockey Club racecourse being a “workplace”, Taiki’s death was notified to WorkSafe NZ the day after the incident. A member of their Critical Response, Specialist Intervention team advised the Coroners Court by email dated 11 August 2022 that WorkSafe had assessed the information from the notification, and a decision was made not to intervene. This outcome and reasons were communicated by WorkSafe NZ directly to Taiki’s family by letters dated 18 November 2022, 20 December 2022 and 18 April 2023. Post-Mortem and Toxicology Results A lesser post-mortem examination (confined to an external examination, scans and review of Waikato Hospital’s treatment records) was completed. Pathologist, Dr Michael Dray provided an autopsy report dated 23 September 2022 confirming that the direct cause of Taiki’s death was a non-survivable traumatic brain injury. The post-mortem report confirmed brain and spinal injuries from hospital CT and MRI scans. Principally, a subdural haemorrhage, subarachnoid haemorrhage and haemorrhage within the cerebral parenchyma, and features of diffuse axonal injury. There were also small fractures at the occipital region of the skull. Spinal fractures at C1, C6 - T2, T5, T6 - T7 with instability and displacement, T7 - T9. These spinal fractures resulted in a haematoma in the paraspinal tissues and mediastinum. There were additional chest injuries to the lungs and fractured ribs. 3 CS0010 Dr Dray also reported a healing abrasion on the left side of Taiki’s forehead (105mm) presumed to be from his riding helmet, and another healing abrasion on the left side of his face (70mm) presumed to be from the helmet’s chin strap. Forensic Toxicologist, Michelle Christensen provided a toxicology report dated 16 September 2022 with results of the analysis of Taiki’s ante-mortem blood and plasma samples. No alcohol was detected in Taiki’s blood, Ketamine (an anaesthetic mediation administered by medical personnel during treatment) was confirmed. Apart from this, no other drugs or substances were detected. Racing Integrity Board Investigation, Report and Recommendations The Racing Integrity Board (RIB) conducted an investigation into whether the incident had involved a breach of the RIB’s Health and Safety Policy (2021), the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA), and New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Incorporated (NZTR) Rules of Racing authorised under section 37 of the Racing Industry Act 2020. On 27 September 2022, an Adjudicator Conducted Hearing on the charge of reckless riding was held in relation to the jockey, Sam Weatherley. That charge was found to be proven, Weatherly was found to be in breach of riding Rule 638(1)(d), and a penalty of a nine-week suspension from race-day riding was imposed. In closing statements, the Adjudicator Committee noted that Weatherley had a poor record for breaches of the Rules. Prior to the current incident, he had had 11 offences for careless riding since November 2019, five of which had occurred in the previous 12 months. A number of these involved Weatherley directing his mounts out in the home straight to force runs, some in Group races where suspensions of up to 10 riding days, and fines of up to $1,000 and $2,000 were imposed. He also had four other careless riding suspensions while riding in Australia. Given the deliberate and sustained nature of Weatherley’s actions in the subject incident (Race 9) in directing his mount outwards where there was no run available for him and the level of contact made with “Goodo Jo” (with the onflow consequences to other jockeys and horses, in particular Taiki), it was found that Weatherley had been “reckless” in his riding. Furthermore, following Race 4 at the same race meeting on 3 August 2022, Weatherley admitted a charge of careless riding after directing his mount outwards when not sufficiently clear and crowding other horses. After considering submissions, the Adjudicator Committee suspended Weatherley’s licence to ride from the conclusion of racing for the period of 6 to 20 August 2022 (i.e., a deferred suspension under Rule 1106(2) of a total of seven national riding days). This earlier incident led the Adjudicator Committee to observe that Weatherley’s inappropriate riding “… was becoming an unfortunate habit…”. Ten Recommendations made by the RIB Rider penalties – Concern that penalties issued to riders are an insufficient deterrent for reoffending (especially when considering Weatherley’s previous charges up to and including the day of the incident). It was recommended that a review of penalties and their effectiveness takes place, with consideration as to whether stricter standdown periods and fines would be appropriate. Other considerations included could the incident have been avoided if Weatherley’s suspension in Race 4 was effective immediately, therefore not enabling him to ride in Race 9; and would a stronger penalty act as a more effective deterrent for reckless riding. Cor10 CSU-2022-HAM-000352 4 CS0010 Mandatory post-incident drug and alcohol testing – Supported by other jockeys for safety reasons, but noting the logistics of mandatory drug testing is not straight-forward with accredited personnel not immediately available to attend every race-day meeting. Further consideration to identify how a mandatory post-incident drug and alcohol testing regime could be structured. Racing Integrity Unit steward’s induction manual – This requires a full revision to include improvements that meet “best practice”, including the provisions about serious injury response planning being a priority, an incident checklist to aid an efficient and timely response, and improving and maintaining radio communications until after the completion of the last race. Development to include testing to ensure best practice and deliver a training package for existing stewards and new employees. Next of kin register – To be readily available, with key contact information in order to maintain communications with a jockey’s immediate family members post-incident. Club Health and Safety Procedures – Currently no oversight of club procedures and NZTR to explore options for affiliated clubs’ health and safety policy and practice documents. Preservation of evidence – RIB to develop guidelines for track personnel in relation to maintaining the security and chain of evidence for equipment / exhibits following a serious incident that will likely be the subject of an investigation. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) checks – Introduction of clear standards of what PPE is required, ensure jockeys have clear guidelines and minimum standards, supported by an audit register of all PPE checks. Clearance from rider falls – Work being undertaken by NZTR regarding concussion reviews, whether to extend to track work riding, and the need for medical clearance to return to riding. Significant Event Response – A Racing Incident Significant Event Response checklist has been drafted and under review for use by RIB. The intention of this document is to assist the Chair of Stewards with a framework for assessing, coordinating, leading and managing a serious incident response in conjunction with the racing club and race track personnel. However, this is not designed to mitigate or assume responsibility over other entities’ relevant HSWA obligations and/or responses to an incident. Collaboration of Industry Stakeholders – Noting the importance of industry collaboration to understand any lessons and learnings following serious incidents, make meaningful safety improvements to protect those working in the racing industry, and review of the existing Health Safety and Wellbeing Committee to be fit for purpose with regular meetings to review serious incidents and implementation of proposed safety actions. Other Considerations Taiki’s Racing Helmet Taiki was wearing a UoF racing helmet (skull cap) made in Italy. This particular helmet meets racing industry standards (VG101.040) and NZTR’s specified list of approved skull caps. Taiki’s helmet became dislodged from his head during the act of falling from his horse (albeit the chinstrap clip remained fixed). During the course of RIB’s investigation, direct enquiries of UoF were made as to performance expectations of this helmet (i.e., whether or not to expect that the helmet should have stayed on). No responses were forthcoming. Following the incident, it was confirmed that the chin strap of Taiki’s helmet was still fastened. Having reviewed video footage, it was considered that Taiki’s helmet appeared to have slid forward and dislodged leaving the chin strap fastened. Flowing from this, is the critical question as to whether Taiki’s injuries would have been less severe or survivable had his racing helmet remained in place. A representative of ARRO Helmets engaged by various emails directly with WorkSafe NZ, the RIB and the Coroners Court offering their expert assistance and seeking to physically examine or have photographs of Taiki’s racing helmet to understand why it might have failed. Such communications were purportedly for the sake of enhancing future safety measures. ARRO asserted that it was universally agreed that helmets are not meant to detach from the wearer during such incidents. This contrasts with evidence of a senior jockey also involved in the incident who expressed a rider’s view that all safety equipment has its limitations and only provides a certain level of protection for the wearer. All agencies were bound to exercise a degree of caution in relation to ARRO Helmets on the basis of that entity not being truly independent and being a NZ-based market competitor. One particular engagement from ARRO to RIB was termed unhelpful and bordering on offensive. RIB also received a letter (Thames Medical Centre Limited dated 20 September 2022) produced on behalf of the offending jockey Sam Weatherly, that expressed a view that the injuries sustained by Taiki would not have been as severe had his helmet not come off. Whilst it is acknowledged that Taiki’s primary injury was a traumatic brain injury following the fall (with trampling by his own horse and a following horse), it is clear that his other severe injuries were secondary and contributory to his subsequent death. Thereby, assertions that Taiki would have survived had his racing helmet stayed in place are speculative. Public Interest Submission By way of email dated 4 May 2023, I received a submission on behalf of an interested member of public concerning Taiki’s incident and a prior contribution to the Coroners Court in relation to the death of jockey Megan Taylor (December 2022). The submitter (with 15 years’ experience in the thoroughbred breeding side of the racing industry) was seeking to challenge RIB’s adjudication processes, the Rules of Racing and paucity of penalties in the case of deaths and serious incidents. In short, the submission asserted and challenged the protocol of “competitive riding” and “aggressive riding” that gets “rubber stamped” by the RIB. Another concern was that the practice of allowing horses to be steered into others, is and remains a highly dangerous manoeuvre to both jockeys and horses’ welfare. It is outside my coronial jurisdiction to make any formal comments or recommendations in relation to these submissions. However, it is noted that a number of RIB’s recommendations, including review of rider penalties, speak directly to the issues raised by the submitter. In the absence of other interventions, then continued advocacy within the racing industry itself is more likely to bring about changes to rules and behaviours. Disclosure and Key Family Concerns By way of letter to Taiki’s family dated 25 November 2025, I noted that the Adjudicative Committee’s decision had been disclosed directly to them. With no objection from the RIB, I disclosed RIB’s final Incident Investigation Report to the family (with minor redactions on the grounds of protecting personal privacy and/or maintenance of the law). Earlier on 13 March 2023, I had also disclosed WorkSafe NZ’s Enquiries Report (no further action or Coroners report) to Taiki’s family. Cor10 CSU-2022-HAM-000352 6 CS0010 My letter acknowledged several of the RIB’s recommendations, notably progressing a review of penalties and effectiveness, and to consider whether stricter stand-down periods and fines towards an offending jockey would be proper. I also noted other positive recommendations for racing industry checks, improving policy and procedures, greater collaboration and safety improvements following RIB’s investigation of the incident. The RIB has since advised the Coroners Court that all recommendations are either completed, underway or ongoing. My letter also invited any comments or feedback from the family about the cause or circumstances of Taiki’s death to inform my decision not to resume my coronial inquiry. Despite strong and earlier criticisms of the RIB investigation process and lack of communications, Taiki’s family appreciated RIB’s report which they found to be very thorough. However, they maintained a concern that the report did not reach a definitive conclusion about who was at fault. Taiki’s family considered that Sam Weatherley had a history and reputation for aggressive riding, taking risks and reckless or careless riding. Evidence was clear (including video footage of the incident) that no gap existed for Weatherley to push his horse through, he had clearly showed no regard for the other jockeys in the race, Taiki was not in a position to take evasive action due to having no visibility of the horses and jockeys behind him, and that the poor judgment and careless action of Weatherly had caused fatal injuries to their son, causing the subsequent loss of his life whilst still in his prime age and racing career. In this regard, the family advocated that a criminal charge of manslaughter was justified. For the avoidance of doubt, I have no powers under the Coroners Act 2006 to assign blame or fault in relation to any death, and no jurisdiction to inquire into or determine any civil, criminal, or disciplinary liability or penalty. I referred Taiki’s family’s request for a criminal charge of manslaughter to the NZ Police for comment, and was advised in May 2023 and again on 10 December 2025 as follows: “NZ Police have reviewed the Racing Integrity Board (RIB) investigation file and the related race day footage. There is nothing untoward leading up to the race nor any information that exists outside of the events of the incident in question and contained within the RIB file that warrant Police to conduct any further enquiries or seek an opinion from another jurisdiction … The jockey who caused the chain of events leading to the death of Taiki YANAGIDA was found guilty of Reckless Riding at a subsequent RIB hearing and as a result was suspended from riding for nine weeks. The tier of offending that the RIB deal with from most serious to least is Foul (deliberate), Reckless, Improper, Careless and Incompetent. His riding was deemed reckless (not deliberate) by the authorities that have the expertise and legislative powersto assess and lay the appropriate charges. Under NZ law a horse is not a motor vehicle or conveyance and reckless use of a horse causing death are not criminal offences under the Crimes Act 1961 or the Land Transport Act 1998. The racing industry is regulated under the Racing Industry Act 2020 and by the RIB's promotion and enforcement of racing rules that govern the conduct and control of race meetings, including managing risk to health and safety of participants. The NZ Police have no powers or authority to either influence or [criminally] charge the jockey outside of the decisions made by the RIB regulatory regime.” Cor10 CSU-2022-HAM-000352 7 CS0010 The other key concern of Taiki’s family was that Sam Weatherley had not been alcohol or drug tested immediately following the incident on 3 August 2022. Rather, at his evidential interview on 26 August 2022, it was confirmed that he was not tested on the day but was asked whether he had consumed any substances that day, he stated he had not. It was also stated that he did not use recreational drugs. Weatherley was asked to provide a one-inch hair sample for the purposes of drug testing and following legal advice, on 29 August 2022 a sample of urine and hair were provided for forensic examination. Both results were negative. Not unexpectedly, those testing results are of little comfort to Taiki’s family as not reflecting the situation on the actual day of the incident. However, it is encouraging that one of RIB’s report recommendations included further consideration to identify how a mandatory post- incident drug and alcohol testing regime could be structured. In response to family concerns around penalties condoning inappropriate riding and how was Sam Weatherley to be monitored to change his risky riding style, the RIB informed the Coroners Court that it does not condone careless or reckless riding in any fashion. The RIB works hard to hold jockeys accountable for their actions and this can be seen with the number of charges of careless riding taken against jockeys each year and published on their website. Of note, Weatherley was charged with and admitted careless riding on 4 February 2023, wherein he was suspended from riding for a further six days. Concluding Remarks My evaluation of the cause and circumstances surrounding Taiki’s tragic death, is that it was an avoidable incident had the other offending jockey not ridden recklessly. Taiki’s passing has likely been challenging for his family to reconcile given the breadth of his racing career, skill and experiences within the horse racing industry. Having regard to the specific incident and circumstances that resulted in Taiki’s death, clearly there is merit in my observation that undoubtedly this incident could have been avoided had Weatherley’s earlier suspension in Race 4 been effective immediately, thereby not enabling him to ride in Race 9. That said, it is acknowledged there may be other considerations, such as a jockey’s race day contractual commitments and race horse owners who could also be prejudicially affected by such an approach. By its very nature, it must be recognised that competitive horse racing is a high-risk activity with high impact and consequences when thing go wrong. However, all jockeys should be entitled to the professionalism of their industry and riding colleagues for collective well- being and safety through observation and enforcement of the Rules of Racing. I give my sincere condolences to Taiki’s family, friends and his racing industry colleagues who grieve as a result of his death. My reasons for the decision not to resume an inquiry: 1. By way of written statement dated 3 October 2022, Constable L Herewini (Coronial Services Officer, Waikato) confirmed that in the absence of further information indicating otherwise, Police were satisfied that there were no suspicious or untoward circumstances surrounding Taiki’s death; and that no person was criminally liable for his death; 2. I am satisfied that the reckless riding incident that resulted in this death has been considered by the racing industry’s Adjudicator Conducted Hearing and the Racing Integrity Board’s investigation, with associated and reasonable recommendations; 3. I accept the Pathologist’s opinion as to the causes of death described above; Cor10 CSU-2022-HAM-000352 8 CS0010 4. I am satisfied that Taiki Yanagida died as a result of traumatic head and spinal injuries following a fall and trampling by horses in a competitive horse race; 5. Based on the available information, I am satisfied that all matters required to be established under section 57(2) of the Coroners Act 2006 (the Act) have been established; 6. Having regard to sections 57 and 63 of the Act, I am also satisfied that there are no further circumstances relating to this death that make a coronial inquiry necessary or desirable; and 7. Accordingly, I have decided not to resume my inquiry opened on 12 August 2022. Prohibition on Publication Under section 74 of the Coroners Act 2006, I am satisfied it is in the interests of decency and personal privacy to prohibit the making public of photographs of Taiki Yanagida taken during the investigation of his death. I am satisfied such interests outweigh the public interest (if any) in the publication of that evidence, and an infringement on the principles of freedom of expression is justified.1 Signed at Rotorua on 9 February 2026. Coroner D Llewell

Love these old stories but if it wasn't on the tele how did you know how accurate the calls were. Funny how racing was so big then and no vision and now you can watch everything and nobody is interested