Chief Stipe

Why present in negative terms that during a recession the wagering revenue has stayed the same? Most businesses I know would be happy if that was the case - many of them have struggled the last two years or so. However they do report improving economic conditions.

That's a different subject. If they haven't dropped then at least the situation isn't getting worse. Although it isn't a concern yet until 3 years hence.

How is "Turnovers haven't dropped" a vague generalisation? If they aren't less than last year then they haven't dropped.

@Huey In the past year I've talked 4 friends into buying a share in horses. They showed an interest and I gave them the hard honest truth and they still were keen. I told them: There are no guarantees; Spread your risk - if you can buy a small share in more than one horse (not micro-shares) - if not this year then buy another next year; Buy into a syndicate that has less than 25 shares; Choose a well-bred filly as it is more likely to give you a residual return than a colt or gelding; Only invest what you are willing to lose i.e. consider the up front cost GONE; Budget for your monthly expenses - consider that gone; Include in your budget money to pay for your travel to the races - being on course introduces you to the process that can be fun and gives you a better understanding of the challenge. If you win you will have considerable fun (budget for the long session in the bar); It's cheaper per year than golf or six pairs of fashion shoes. Regarding the latter you only need one comfortable to go to the races and the people that own horses don't notice you are wearing the same dress or shoes (they have short memories!). How many have you talked into a share in a horse? I imagine you've talked a dozen out of it and I need to work harder to keep the industry at the status quo.

So what are these "ownership skills"? I guess you have had a few slow ones. I think you underestimate the younger generation. They know enough to have a small share in many than a large share in one. What difference? They actually get less privileges as there is a limit on the number of ownership "freebies". Generally the same for all very large syndicates. As for those that put $1,000's into the sport - yes a lot of owners do but they spread their risk over a number of horses. The way you write it is as if you are promoting the OBC/Mafia or at the very least an elite privileged ownership model. Which would seem to indicate that you are part of the problem.

But it isn't the same is @Brodie . The winnings are paid into individual accounts to account holders that are presumably amateur punters unlike yourself who is a profitable pro. I say they are amateur punters because if you had any skill you wouldn't buy into the pool. Now of course @Brodie you could buy a view tickets in the Out The Gate pool and also benefit from bonus cash, unlimited bets and no restrictions.

Yes and the reality is that it will only take a small percentage of those "Fract'ers" to spend more to help racing. The only reservation I have is that some of the syndications are creaming a huge margin and you can't fool people for too long! The thousands of enquiries is a promising sign though.

Guessed you wouldn't have a clue.

So you just sit on your fat hands and say "I told you so" before it happens. Correct. That's why you analyse more than one year. You're not really that good at this are you? I'm not sure you would recognise a Strategic Plan if you tripped over one in the street. They spend money at the races before the "then what?"! Then what - well they've had to register online for the tickets so guess what Einstein the data is in a database. Data that you can use to target future marketing and promotions. You are bereft of ideas yourself yet critique (using vague generalisations) anything that is done. No it isn't. It is negative and you sitting at a table in the stand moaning because you feel entitled achieves nothing. You haven't offered ONE idea or solution.

You don't "join a commitee" you are elected to them. I realise your OBC works differently. Yes to invest in assets that give the industry a chance of being sustainable. That approach has worked in Australia. Your solution is to let decline to the point where the stands fall over and the tracks fails dangerously. Yes it does. But then I've been taught to read a set of financial statements - as for you I gather you operate on gut feel. If a Club isn't profitable then it fails. Where have I said that? Not that I think of it negatively like you do either. Hell your biggest measure seems to be the presence of Australian based sires in the pedigrees of our winners. Your memory fails you in that regard or you don't have a clue about breeding horses. I believe a Strategic Plan is essential. Where the industry fails often is in its tactical and operational planning. Not surprsing when you have the entrenched attitude of individuals such as yourself. I'm hardly a propagandist. As I've said repeatedly The Grand Tour promotion is better than none and certainly better than your negativity. Is it value for money? I don't know but it is certainly better than nothing which is about the total sum of marketing and promotion we've seen aimed at a younger generation in two decades. Just a hint @Huey paying your Club membership and sitting in the members stand in your faded sports coat and shiny trousers dribbling about how good it was 30 years ago isn't a great marketing strategy.

Still 3 years to go. Your best and only solution offered so far is a used paint brush.

Agreed and they don't offer any solutions other than nostalgia.

No you are just here to be a miserable old grinch who posts generalisations and is too lazy to research or post any facts. Did the home turn your WiFi back on or have you arrived at work?

Correct. The revenue earned cannot sustain 52 racecourses and their core racing assets. Even when the total revenue earned includes wagering, hosptality, training receipts and livestock sales. Consolidation is the only answer.

The NZ Herald did report on it. In March this year.