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NZ Racing Integrity Board shifting into high gear ahead of new Online Casino Gambling Act
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Championing Life Beyond the Finish Line
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Neville Harris reappointed as RIB Chairperson
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Racing Taupo @ Taupo, Sunday 17 August 2025
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Bred 4 Champions – Dr Eliot Forbes discusses his work with Chrissy Fox on the Bred 4 Champions podcast
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The question is, does anyone know if the Bookies are accepting large sports bets from anyone? It does appear that they just arent, which is hard to fathom if they want to be making increased profits? when they announce on Trackside that $1k at 1.40 is worthy of promoting as a Big Bet alert then you would have to question how much they are accepting? -
By Murray Fish · Posted
Those currently challenged by Pro A.I please look away now! For the record, A.I. looking at racing often appears lacking re 'things racing nz'. That is partly a lot of info is 'hidden' and also, A.I. (for me Deep Seek) works better when you prime it first, so0mething I have been doing, more for fun that actually wanting to be involved with 'nz racing polices", I am now at the 'feckem all' stage... To the question: "can you comment? what 'feeling' does the organization NZTR give you? progressive? conservative? modern? backward? popular? unpopular" Based on the information available, here is a summary of the "feelings" or impressions that New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) projects based on its recent actions and stakeholder feedback. ### 🏛️ Progressive vs. Conservative NZTR comes across as attempting to be **progressive and modernizing**, but it is perceived as moving too fast by a significant portion of its core stakeholders. - **Progressive Actions:** The organization is driving significant structural change. Initiatives like **Project Stamina** (a joint masterplan for racing infrastructure) and the proposal for a new "Greenfields" racing precinct in Hawke's Bay suggest a forward-thinking, strategic approach rather than just "reactive maintenance" . - **Grassroots Concerns:** However, this push for centralization and change has led to a perception of being **conservative or out-of-touch with the grassroots**. The 2025 Stakeholder Survey revealed that one-third of stakeholders reported declining confidence, citing "centralisation and loss of grassroots" as a key reason. Trainers and breeders—those with the most industry experience—were the least confident in NZTR . ### 💻 Modern vs. Backward The impression here is of an organization that is **embracing modern tools and strategies**, even if the execution is still a work in progress. - **Embracing Modernity:** NZTR is actively trying to modernize the sport's operations and appeal. They are developing a new digital **Owners' Service Centre** for online self-service and reviewing the LOVERACING.NZ website to improve engagement . CEO Matt Ballesty speaks of a "season of bold transformation" and a new strategic plan focused on innovation . - **Challenges with Fundamentals:** Despite these digital efforts, the organisation is grappling with very basic, "backward" infrastructure problems. The complete failure and ongoing reconstruction of the **RACE Awapuni track**—which has left the Central Districts without a premier venue for years—is a significant black mark. Forum comments reflect deep frustration, calling the official updates a "crock of ... spin" given the lengthy delays . ### 🗣️ Popular vs. Unpopular Based on the available data, NZTR appears to be **more unpopular than popular**, particularly with its most experienced and dedicated industry participants. - **Low Confidence Scores:** The 2025 independent survey by Kantar NZ paints a concerning picture. NZTR received a confidence score of **51.5**, meaning roughly only **one in two stakeholders** has confidence in them. Their lowest-scoring areas were **"Vision & Leadership"** and **"Financial Stewardship"** . - **A Divided Industry:** While confidence is stronger among owners and newer participants, it is weakest among the "backbone" of the sport: **trainers and breeders**. Nearly one-third of stakeholders said their confidence had *declined* in the six months prior to the survey . On industry forums, the sentiment is even harsher, with some accusing NZTR of alienating the very people who keep the industry running . ### ✨ Final Impression Overall, NZTR presents itself as a governing body that is **ambitious and strategically focused on long-term survival** through centralization and major infrastructure investment. However, the "feeling" it gives to many in the industry—especially the experienced professionals at the coalface—is that it is a **distant and untrusted leadership** that is failing to communicate its vision effectively while the fundamentals of the sport (like reliable racetracks) crumble around them. I hope this analysis provides the colour and context you were looking for. Are there any other aspects of NZTR's operations you would like to compare? -
By Murray Fish · Posted
in NZ Under Racing Australia’s regulations, breeders must now lodge both the mare return and the foal ownership declaration (FOD) within 30 days of a foal’s birth, with the two requirements consolidated into a single online process on the Australian Stud Book website. FODs submitted between 30 and 60 days after birth will attract a $360 late fee. Foals with FODs lodged more than 60 days after birth will be automatically placed under embargo, rendering them ineligible to race in Australia unless a formal appeal is upheld. -
By Chief Stipe · Posted
A Savabeel-How Womantic filly sold for $190,000 by Vinery Stud on behalf of a client to agents Mark Player and Rob Roulston also had an “ineligible to race” embargo placed on her by Racing Australia before the Magic Millions. It is believed that the filly, who is by New Zealand’s champion sire, did not have the ownership registration lodged on time because an embargo had been placed on her by Waikato Stud due to an overdue service fee payment. The outstanding amount was subsequently paid by the filly’s breeder, but Racing Australia placed an embargo on her due to the apparent late FOD. The appeal process remains ongoing. The development came as Thoroughbred Breeders Australia, which has been at loggerheads with Racing Australia about breeders’ foal ownership declaration obligations, sent its members an extended reminder email on Wednesday about their responsibilities. Under Racing Australia’s regulations, breeders must now lodge both the mare return and the foal ownership declaration (FOD) within 30 days of a foal’s birth, with the two requirements consolidated into a single online process on the Australian Stud Book website. FODs submitted between 30 and 60 days after birth will attract a $360 late fee. Foals with FODs lodged more than 60 days after birth will be automatically placed under embargo, rendering them ineligible to race in Australia unless a formal appeal is upheld. Racing Australia’s policy states that appeals will be reviewed in 21 days but the aforementioned Spirit Of Boom filly’s case extended well beyond that time period. “Our update to members was intended to reassure affected breeders that support is available and that they are not navigating this alone,” TBA and Aushorse chief executive Andrew Hore-Lacy said. “We have consistently raised concerns that embargoes are a disproportionate penalty, particularly where there has been no intent to avoid compliance. “In some cases, they are creating serious commercial and welfare consequences. We have urged Racing Australia to apply greater proportionality and common sense in the administration of these matters. “Our primary focus for now is on fact-finding and ensuring every impacted breeder has the opportunity to gather and present all relevant information and to have their matter determined in accordance with principles of procedural fairness.” It is understood that two horses catalogued for next month’s Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale also have a not-to-race embargo placed on them due to the late lodgement of FOD forms with the industry’s national regulator. @Comic Dog -
By Chief Stipe · Posted
That's the fundamental problem with a club like the WRC. The members buy their membership for the entitlement and none of them can remember when they last painted a rumning rail.
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