Chief Stipe

So you didn't believe what Shinn said? He said Return to the Conquer got to the front and switched off and then when the other horse came up to him he lifted again. Takes a good horse to do that. As for what happens past the post who cares. The Jockey knows where the post is and arguably in this case so does the horse.

That damn track again.

I have a close friend who has a share in the 1000 Guineas winner. Soon after the filly won the race David contacted my friend and congratulated them. After thanking him for his kind words they asked why wasn't he there oncourse at Riccarton. He said he was spending time with Blake Shinn (he was suspended at the time) showing him the Te Akau operation and that day they were at the Te Akau stud farm. My friend mentioned it to Reese Trumper (Racing Manager) who said the reason was they were engaging Shinn for some of the major races towards the end of the summer. So they put that plan in place in November last year. They got Shinn over a few times to ride trackwork and the large trial day at Matamata in the middle of January. So the Champions Day wins and the milestones of 100 Grp wins for the stable along with the NZB Kiwi win were achieved with meticulous long term planning.

That's a lie. While I and many others are celebrating and congratulating their success you are steadfastly looking for a negative. In Damask Roses case it was David Ellis leading her into the birdcage.

NZ's best chance was Our Maizcay.

200,000 per week. That's as pointless a question as asking if those who live in Kumara like horse racing. 100% of those in Kumara probably like going to the races once a year joining the 9000 that turned up from all parts of NZ.

I'm a fan but I wouldn't call it an obsessive complex such as your baseless negativity towards them is.

Well that may well be the case but the haka doesn't seem to embrace other cultures.

When he said it was a means of political expression. What's that got to do with the NZB Kiwi?

Right so what was the politics expressed on Saturday? What Sharples has said makes it even more inappropriate.

Maybe they should stop doing the haka fullstop. It's original meaning has been lost and quite frankly after Peranara used it for his own political platform I couldn't give a stuff about it anymore. The National anthem is enough and far more inclusive of a multi-cultural (not bicultural) society.

You really do have a complex about Te Akau. Have you actually spent time talking to David Ellis? Why wouldn't he want to lead in the horse he purchased, syndicated which won the slot he purchased?

Why not a well sung national anthem in both languages and a trumpet call like they do at Ascot and Kentucky?

Sounds about right. It is an AML safeguard.

Just like Wellington but neither could continue with the additional liquor licensing rules/regulations that have just added expense to such days. Most people leave Auckland for New Year's Day. It is estimated that more than 200,000 a week over the Christmas period leave for other destinations.

What would you learn? That those attending are on holiday (many from Auckland)?

This turnout relative to population is a red herring. Let's face it when the races are on at Wingatui and the Highlanders aren't playing there is only one gig on in town. On Saturday aside from all the outstanding permanent attractions there are a million entertainment options for people to spend their discretionary dollar on. It's called competition and you can throw a zillion dollars at marketing an event and at some stage the marginal cost leads to negative return. If they got 10,000 people oncourse thats more than your average Blues game!! The other thing to consider is the hospitality ticket pricing at Ellerslie. What would you expect to pay for 6 hours of entertainment?

It would be close to that.

One of the earlier races as she was leaving the birdcage to head to the start. Horse got spooked. Brittany managed to contain the horse but the something really set it off and it went up and she went off. Was transferred to an ambulance and taken to hospital. Seems to have been a sanitis9ng operation undertaken - wouldn't want to detract from the big day. But no news leads to speculation unfortunately.

Not where @Brodie would like it. He has been pipped so many times. He should adjust his Lazy Boy and watch the TV on a better angle.

They're the ones that put the money up for the sweepstake. The owners negotiate how much of the pie they get. Easier if you are negotiating with yourself of course.

Average ticket price?

The latest explanation regarding @Freda 's post doesn't stack up at all.

Ellis owns the slot AND the horse. Which one of the 20+ owners would you want to join him? Perhaps the Syndicate Manager? That would have made a nice picture

Anyone know how Brittany Taylor is after her fall at Ellerslie yesterday? The lack of news isn't a good sign.