Chief Stipe

Greyhounds are frequently used as canine blood donors because over 85% have a universal negative blood type (DEA 1.1-negative), allowing their blood to be given to any other dog in emergencies. They are ideal because they have a high volume of iron-rich red blood cells, a calm temperament, and easy-to-access jugular veins. Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds +2 Why Greyhounds are Top Blood Donors Universal Donors: A high percentage of Greyhounds (especially retired racers) are DEA 1.1, 1.2, and 7-negative, making them universal, safe donors for other breeds. High Hematocrit: Their blood is unusually rich in red blood cells, which is ideal for treating conditions like severe anemia or injuries. Physical and Temperament Traits: Their large size (>25kg), calm/gentle temperament, and distinct anatomy (large veins) make the donation process easy. Accessible Population: As retired racers, many are in centralized care or available for donation programs. Reddit +5 Why They Give Blood (Purpose) Saving Lives: One Greyhound donation can save the lives of multiple dogs. Urgent Care: Their blood is used in transfusions for dogs suffering from injuries, rat poison ingestion, or immune-mediated diseases. AKC Canine Health Foundation +2

Or apathy. But I lean towards the "just getting on with it" theory. My observation is that much of the noise is coming from a minority who have largely disenfranchised themselves. Some of the more vocal are those who struggle to succeed amd have taken on an attitude of "well if I can't win then no one else should either". Not to say that there aren't significant issues to be addressed e.g. profitability, programming, state of tracks etc. But there appears to be no collective organisation amongst the disgruntled to deal to the issues which begs the question are most indeed happy.

No images? Click here Dear Industry Stakeholders, Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate in New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR)’s 2025 Stakeholder Research. NZTR appreciates that people are busy and values the time taken to share feedback. NZTR acknowledges the delay in sharing its response to the stakeholder survey and appreciates the patience of those who contributed their views. The research was conducted independently by Kantar NZ and measured confidence in: NZTR as the governing body; and the future of New Zealand Thoroughbred racing. About the research The survey was sent to 16,473 stakeholders. 1,307 people responded (an 8% response rate). It was open from 26 September to 15 October 2025. While participation represented only 8% of stakeholders, the survey provides an important starting point for understanding current views and identifying areas for continued improvement. What you told us and the actions we are taking: 1) Overall confidence in NZTR As stakeholder confidence in NZTR’s leadership is a key measure in the 2026–28 Statement of Intent, this survey helped establish a baseline. Stakeholders gave NZTR a Confidence Score of 51.5. Essentially, saying that 1 in 2 stakeholders currently have confidence. Key Findings: Our strongest areas were: Stakeholder Engagement and Integrity & Welfare Our lowest-scoring areas were: Vision & Leadership and Financial Stewardship Confidence is stronger among owners, older participants, and those with less industry experience, while trainers and breeders, those with more industry experience, were the least confident. One-third report declining confidence, citing centralisation and loss of grassroots. Nearly one-third of stakeholders say their confidence in NZTR has declined over the past six months, most notably among trainers, long-time industry participants, and those in central regions. Improved stakes, satisfaction with the status quo, and leadership changes are cited as reasons for greater confidence. NZTR Actions: As we continue to optimise the core team within our operations, part of this was a refresh of our senior leadership team, with a focus on key operational areas – Racing, Welfare & Marketing/Promotion. This resulted in a shift in some internal responsibilities as well as three new appointments – Mitch Lamb as General Manager - Racing, Zac Reynolds as General Manager - Brand Experience, Communications & Industry Promotion, and Sam Fursdon as General Manager - Welfare & Industry Capability. We are confident that these three appointments, as well as those core changes, will result in renewed confidence levels amongst industry stakeholders and the Recognised Industry Organisations (RIO) that represent them, as well as the leadership and vision within the organisation. The initial feedback we have received thus far has been positive regarding this action. Project Stamina aims to deliver outcomes for the industry’s future that are not only financially sustainable from a tracks and infrastructure perspective, but also give renewed confidence levels to our grassroots racing and the vitally important role it plays in our ecosystem – at all levels, this will help set us up to be a more modern, viable, and self-sufficient industry. 2) Track reliability and infrastructure are front-of-mind Racecourse infrastructure came through as the biggest challenge and the biggest opportunity for the industry. Confidence in tracks, including the impact of abandonments and cancellations, remains a priority for stakeholders and NZTR. NZTR Actions: Project Stamina’s influence on the future of New Zealand’s racecourses and infrastructure will be key to actions moving forward. There is renewed commitment to specific actions that will underpin further confidence in the processes that NZTR puts in place for the management of our tracks, with examples like the recent release of the Synthetic Track Quality Assurance Programmme, the successful recambering work performed at Hastings, and the utilisation of world class, industry leading resource integrated into the industry like NZTR Track Advisor Liam O’Keeffe. 3) How stakeholders engage with NZTR Around one-third of stakeholders interact with NZTR staff at least monthly, while four in ten reported no direct interaction. The most-used engagement channels were the NZTR website and LOVERACING.NZ, followed by direct staff contact and raceday interactions. NZTR Actions: Continued improvement on the relationship and communication between NZTR and RIOs is central to the process between stakeholders and the governing body – this has been, and will continue to be, a core focus of our management team. On top of this, NZTR leadership is focused on creating a more transparent flow of strategies, information and financial accountability with the wider industry. The LOVERACING.NZ website, the information that sits within it and the way it is able to be digested by both participants, customers and racing fans alike, will be undergoing a comprehensive review – the outcome of this to flow down into an optimisation of this “shop front” for our industry. NZTR is developing a new Owners’ Service Centre to provide digital self-service capability for owners. Initial features will support horse registration, change of ownership and welfare reporting, with delivery expected in mid-2026. 4) Future for New Zealand Racing Nearly four in ten stakeholders say they are fairly or very confident in the future of New Zealand’s Thoroughbred racing industry. NZTR Actions: This is a positive baseline as we continue to move through an era of rapid change for the industry. Our Statement of Intent is focused on four key strategic pillars, which sit at the heart of our future plans for New Zealand Racing – A Global Reputation for Excellence, A Sport that Captivates the Nation, One Industry Winning Together, and A Sustainable Industry. 5) Industry Participation Most expect their involvement to stay the same, though nearly one-third of breeders anticipate reducing participation due to financial pressures. NZTR Actions: NZTR recognises the challenges that New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders face and the increasing financial pressures that exist in the current economic climate. The declining foal crop is an area of great concern, and although this is, for the vast majority of Thoroughbred jurisdictions, a global problem, it is nonetheless one we need to, at the very least, steady. We are looking at a variety of methods to help offset these challenges – importantly, they must be financially viable, but at the same time create the impact that we are seeking in the areas where it is most required – this is the challenge from a governance perspective and one that we all need to work through in conjunction with the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders. Overall, this research provides an important baseline for NZTR as we continue working to strengthen confidence in the leadership of the organisation and the future of New Zealand Thoroughbred racing. The feedback shared by stakeholders is valuable, and it will help inform the way we prioritise our work across infrastructure, industry engagement, communication and long-term sustainability. We thank everyone who took part in the survey and contributed their views. Corporate Communications New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing nztrcommunications@nztr.co.nz New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing 18 Dick Street, Cambridge 3434 Email: office@nztr.co.nz Tel: 0800 946 637 NZTR.CO.NZ Unsubscribe

I thought Club volunteers did that work? Isn't that the heart and strength of Clubs that allows them to break even? BTW how would you have like to have been surveyed?

We are waiting for your explanation.

FFS our can you offer "a competitive model" when you are up against freeloaders!!

Oh dear I see they are still online banging on about the decisions of the trainer. They'd obviously make a wonderful training partnership Wallace, Scott and Mackenzie. Not that any of them have had much success themselves but they do know everything about it. @Comic Dog @nomates @Joe Bloggs

Just for the @Comic Dog record if anyone thinks I'm supporting this individual's actions that led to the Law Society case - I'm not. However I do support his right to be able to move on and in that respect I have some compassion for the person. I realise for some that are challenged and have a propensity to muck rake and be negative about all things racing that is a difficult concept to grasp. What is even more laughable that those pointing the finger often display disgusting attitudes online while hiding behind non-de-plumes. Nor should it be construed that I support the subsequent actions of the RIB or the Waikato Rugby Union. I laugh when I see the baying mob talking about moral high ground and integrity. I'd love to remind one forum owner of the conversations he and I had over a couple of boozy lunches in Auckland a few years back. However I accept that we all can readjust our moral compass. As I have posted many times before on many topics the fact that Racing tries to project itself as being any better than the rest of society is a mistake that will forever hoist itself on its own petard. Then to make things worse to double punish someone because the industry deems they need to show they set higher standards projects an image of elitism and creates incredulity. Afterall those in the industry are no different to anyone else in the wider community. Australia seems much more grown up on these matters. NZ - yeah na. We all make mistakes and if those online projecting that they are holier than thou honestly applied the same moral compass to themselves then show me the last man standing. He will either be a very good liar or have a very good lawyer.

@Brodie why don't you create a BOAY Pot on BETCHA and then we can go head to head with Out the Gate? You would be head tipster.

Going by what you post it must be difficult for you living with yours. All those dark clouds. ------ Well that ends that topic. No doubt the subject will be added from time to time to the narrative of the anti's and moaners. Oh well back to counting whip strikes. Stuff putting any real energy into getting useful change.

So that equates to him being a "piece of shit"? Strong words. I assume you think you are in a position to judge. Obviously you haven't looked at the timeline. That said it appears you haven't read what I posted. In my opinion the reason I wouldn't have employed him is because he didn't put processes and procedures in place as per the Law Society requirements. But you overlooked that. Now there is an old saying that those without sin shall caste the first stone. Do you think that posting online about your employees indiscretions is without sin? I don't think what Botherway has done deserves him being called a "piece of shit" online. But obviously you have lower standards than most.

Really? Since when did you join the convent? Or is it something in that Racecourse Hotel rum?

We are assuming they didn't know. I find it hard to believe, even though the Law Society would be one of the better agencies to maintain privacy, that someone in the RIB didn't know. BTW the main issue that undid him with the Law Society wasn't the misconduct itself which was minor but the fact that he didn't have the policy, processes and procedures in place to handle workplace misconduct as required by the Law Society. This point seems to fly past most online commentators. In my opinion that is the reason he probably shouldn't be employed at the RIB. I can't work out why the Office Manager(s) didn't have this covered after 7 years. Everything was all good until the employer/employee relationship broke down then the complaint was made. I've seen that happen in employement cases many many times.

Which gets back to my "gun shy" suggestion. The problems you refer to have been building for decades - hard to fix things quickly when the crisis point is reached. Yes I see the visuals but the RIB probably wouldn't have known as the Law Society are pretty rock solid at keeping someones privacy. Even so I have doubts about the RIB employment vetting policies. We all know about the ex-Police staff that have been employed and their records! As for Botherway he is now entitled to practice as a Lawyer. Let's face it the price he is paying for a minor indiscretion (in the overall scheme of things it IS MINOR) and the vitriol he is getting is way over what he deserves. Calling him a piece of shit @Freda goes beyond the pale. I have some compassion for the situation he is in because I have had personal experience not because I actually did anything wrong but because of a false accusation that bought out all the same type of vitriol and hypocrisy. Thankfully social media wasn't a big thing then and I had some staunch close friends that stood by me and managed the media hawks. Later in life I met people who were destroyed because of minor indiscretions or sometimes just unfounded allegations. If not destroyed completely broken. Yes mostly men Yes there are certain things that in my mind you can't come fully back from nor should you be allowed to. I'm not defending the RIB - I doubt they knew. If I'm defending anyone it is Botherway or at least showing some compassion. Does the indiscretion match the crap he is getting? Hell who would want to hold any licensed position in the racing industry or rather who are the individuals that haven't done something that the sanctimonious moral vultures wouldn't tear you apart for if they knew? Why the hell does racing have to hold some moral high ground? It isn't like that in Australia. Some of their license holders have made major indiscretions and haven't faced the vitriol that they would in NZ. We hang people out to dry based on a rumour talked about in a bar!

Not at all. But then I don't know any adult who hasn't seen some. LOL actually it brings to mind some instances in my working career I had to deal with as IT Manager. One case was where the company I worked for was about to have their systems integrated into the Global Parent. I received via DHL several boxes of policy, procedure and systems manuals (an American Company). Being ever the inquisitive student I started working through them - the systems were fascinating as was the phone list of every executive in the company worldwide. I rang a couple of Vice Presidents at the Global Information Systems Headquarters in an effort to get some traction on our NZ integration. Worked a treat as they were genuinely interested in NZ as a country and were often amused when I told them that I looked out of my office in the Head Office at paddocks of sheep! Anyway while getting through these folders I came across the Global policy on internet use. In NZ we had very few policies in place and the internet was still quite novel and only the management had access to it. I was the only one who had access to the logs of who was viewing what. Anyway the Global policies were very strict and the consequences quite high so I thought I better do a check. LOL lo and behold two senior managers were exploring quite a few things they shouldn't have been. My boss was number 2 in the company and was looking at some stuff that was well let's say to the right of soft. I thought I better have a discreet chat with him. Basically I met with him and talked about the policies (no one had read much of these folders - yes all Senior Managers had got a shipment of folders - some were common to all but many were specialist to their roles. I was the only one who had the IT related ones. So I had a meeting, explained the policies and what they meant, then explained the detailed logs that were kept on internet access including all the links to all the websites visited. I sensed a subtle realisation dawning upon my boss. I then said would it be prudent before the integration that I filtered and flushed some of these logs for the purposes of simplying the integration. Yes he said that would be a good idea. I also suggested he might wish to raise the topic at the next executive meeting or would he rather I sent out a memo. He chose the former. LOL I received a formal written warning that year - I averaged about one a year normally for going ahead and doing things that wasn't approved - I worked on the principle of fix it now and ask for forgiveness later. The next annual salary and bonus review was an interesting one and needless to say I argued well my case for an increase.

Sorry why is this guy a "piece of shit"? The Law Society don't consider his crime to be as serious as you infer. He was watching porn on his computer in his office of the company he was the sole proprietor of. His staff caught sight of snippets for six years and then complained to the Law Society. Obviously when they had finally decided to leave. He copped the punishment and has served the penalty.

Alleged drug positives. Sorry I'm not privy to the full rum medicated discussions at the Racecourse Hotel. As for employing those with a record of sexual abuse? It can't be this person who is the subject of this Topic as they haven't committed any sexual abuse let alone been convicted of it. I note that the RIB employee referred to in this Topic is now free to practice law with his suspension having been completed. The penalty was very low in severity which is commensurate with the indiscretion. But no let the sanctimonious preach holier than thou... I see the journalist has scored yet another headline with the person in quesion being suspended from rugby referring. I guess there was a real risk that he would look at his laptop during an injury break. No wonder the All Blacks are stuffed!

The head post isn't my post. In answer to your question - no. I'm surprised you haven't picked up the nuance - well not surprised as you seem to get a bee in your bonnet and gnaw at the bone of trashing racing.

You obvuously have no understamding of employment law.

Wrong on all counts. You are as bad as @curious reading what you want to read as opposed to distilling the facts. You make the assumption he tried to hide it. What if he wasn't asked? In any case what was he hiding? That he watched porn on his office computer? If you are talking about your post then not "clever" more salacious innuendo unbecoming of someone of intellect. Given both you and @curious haven't yet identified the core issue with the case I can say that neither of you would meet your expectations of an RIB Stipe. Now what does that highlight?

Racing Victoria backs new Black Type Advisory Group www.racing.com Racing Victoria has welcomed Racing Australia’s decision to establish a new Black Type Advisory Group (BTAG), describing the move as an important step in ensuring industry stakeholders have a meaningful voice in decisions surrounding Australia’s Group and Listed race program. Racing Australia confirmed the formation of the advisory group this week after its board unanimously approved the creation of an independent panel to help inform key decisions on the nation’s black-type structure. “RV supports Racing Australia’s appointment of the Black Type Advisory Group and the members chosen,” a Racing Victoria spokesperson said. “We have been advocates for industry representatives who invest in and sustain our sport playing a meaningful role in decision making regarding Australia’s black-type. “This Advisory Group is representative of the right stakeholders and comes following important engagement with stakeholder groups and PRAs on its composition. “We look forward to the Black Type Advisory Group playing a critical role in helping to inform future decisions on Australia’s black-type.” The inaugural advisory group features several prominent figures from across the bloodstock and breeding sectors: Barry Bowditch Sebastian Hutch Antony Thompson Andy Makiv Adrian Hancock Jon Freyer Duncan Grimley Under the BTAG charter, members are drawn from various industry groups including auction houses, studs, breeders, bloodstock advisers and other experts within the thoroughbred sector. https://bitofayarn.com Members cannot hold positions with Racing Australia, the state Principal Racing Authorities (PRAs) or racing clubs, ensuring the group provides independent advice. The BTAG’s role will be to provide feedback to the Racing Australia Board on matters relating to the overall program of Group and Listed races. https://bitofayarn.com Initially, the advisory body will focus on assessing potential upgrades, downgrades and additions to races on the Australian Black Type List, providing an independent view through Racing Australia to both the relevant PRAs and the Asian Pattern Committee. https://bitofayarn.com Racing Australia chairman Rob Rorrison said the organisation was pleased to have secured such a highly credentialed panel. “We are delighted to have this highly credentialed group agree to provide their expertise at this critical time,” Rorrison said. https://bitofayarn.com “Their independent view will undoubtedly be of great value to both the PRAs and the Asian Pattern Committee as they consider the composition of the Australian Black Type List.”

BUZZ. Wrong. Where does the "reportedly his family" come from?

BUZZ. Wrong.

According to someone called "Ned Kelly" I support the subject of this Topic. I'm ambivalent about the person. However I'm not in the witch hunt camp. Those that are don't want to debate the real issues.

You are passing judgement on the more salacious aspects of this case and drawing long bows. I'll ask again what was his biggest indiscretion?