Chief Stipe

@Yankiwi and @Seeyounexttuesdaytrainers STATEMENT ON COBALT TESTING IN GREYHOUNDS: Derek A Major BVSc MACVSc CMAVA I have been in Equine Veterinary Practice since 1989. In January, 2014 I was granted an Animal Care and Ethics Permit to perform cobalt excretion studies in horses, and I have been performing various trials on the urine and blood levels of cobalt in horses following routine administration of common vitamins and minerals. I have been involved in providing advice and evidence to horse trainers charged with breaching current cobalt regulations in Thoroughbred and Harness Racing. I have no interest, financial or otherwise, in the sport of Greyhound racing. I am however deeply disturbed that the industry has followed the lead from horse racing and imposed a urinary threshold on cobalt in dogs. I believe that the horse threshold was developed on inadequate and flawed science. I am a strong champion of animal welfare, and I fully appreciate regularity authorities’ concern to protect the welfare of dogs and horses. I would condemn any attempt to wilfully dose any animal with large doses of cobalt, for perceived performance advantage. Cobalt is an essential trace nutrient in mammals. Its sole role is as a structural component of the Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) molecule, which is essential to red blood cell function. I have 3 areas of concern: 1. Urine is the wrong test medium Cobalt is one of a group of elements classified as “heavy metals”. This group includes iron, copper, zinc, arsenic, selenium and lead, among others. Some of these are essential to life, in varying quantities – cobalt being one of them. Characteristic of heavy metals is the tendency to accumulate in a number of body tissues. High levels can lead to signs of toxicity. Cobalt intoxication has been reported in humans, and lead poisoning is recognised in many species. When a horse or dog is exposed to a continued low level of cobalt levels in the blood plasma and red cells rises. Most of the cobalt in blood is bound to plasma protein, and ultimately is incorporated into the red blood cells, where it remains for the life of the cell – around 120 days. This may account for 90% of the cobalt in blood, and is NOT measured in urine tests. Urine testing simply measures the free ionised cobalt “spilling over” into the urine. Urine testing measures what “was” in the animal” not what “is” in the animal. Indeed, such simple factors as water intake and concentration of the urine can have a profound effect on urine cobalt levels. As a starting point it is essential to correct measured levels against urine creatinine or specific gravity. The more appropriate test is that adopted. 2. Cobalt is not performance- enhancing Interest in illicit cobalt use as a performance-enhancer in racing horses and dogs can be traced back to some speculative articles in the lay press from the sport of Cycling. It was proposed that cobalt in humans might stimulate erythropoietin (EPO), and lead to increased red cell production. This speculation comes from discussions in the scientific literature dating back to the 1940’s and even 1930’s, which referred to laboratory studies on rabbit and rat red blood cells. Such studies as have been done in horses have failed to support this proposal, showing No increase in red cells and NO increase in haemopoietin, even after very large doses of cobalt. Given the120 day life span of red blood cells any such effect would require dosing months before racing, and raceday urine testing would be irrelevant. Furthermore, given the massive reserves of red blood cells stored in the spleen it is highly questionable whether increasing the count would make the horse run faster or slower. 3. Uncontrolled Population Studies are Flawed The horse urine level was set on the basis of statistical analysis of an uncontrolled population study. Without reliable knowledge of the total cobalt exposure of each individual in the study, the “normal” range cannot be defined. I understand a parallel approach has been adopted for Greyhound Racing. Total exposure includes “native” cobalt in the feed, water and environment, as well as legitimate vitamin and mineral supplements, in addition to any illicit administration. 4. Greyhound Racing does not need to invent a new “scandal”. Having previously stated my disinterest I can only observe that Greyhound Racing in New South Wales is struggling to improve its reputation in the public eye. In my opinion Horse Racing has suffered a severe loss of reputation in recent years, and many trainers have been unfairly disadvantaged, on the basis of flawed and inadequate science. I would urge the Grey hound industry NOT to follow that path. Association of Racing Commissioners International. Cobalt in blood plasma is measured, and sanctions applied when the level exceeds 25ppm. 2. Cobalt is not performance- enhancing Interest in illicit cobalt use as a performance-enhancer in racing horses and dogs can be traced back to some speculative articles in the lay press from the sport of Cycling. It was proposed that cobalt in humans might stimulate erythropoietin (EPO), and lead to increased red cell production. This speculation comes from discussions in the scientific literature dating back to the 1940’s and even 1930’s, which referred to laboratory studies on rabbit and rat red blood cells. Such studies as have been done in horses have failed to support this proposal, showing No increase in red cells and NO increase in haemopoietin, even after very large doses of cobalt. Given the120 day life span of red blood cells any such effect would require dosing months before racing, and raceday urine testing would be irrelevant. Furthermore, given the massive reserves of red blood cells stored in the spleen it is highly questionable whether increasing the count would make the horse run faster or slower. 3. Uncontrolled Population Studies are Flawed The horse urine level was set on the basis of statistical analysis of an uncontrolled population study. Without reliable knowledge of the total cobalt exposure of each individual in the study, the “normal” range cannot be defined. I understand a parallel approach has been adopted for Greyhound Racing. Total exposure includes “native” cobalt in the feed, water and environment, as well as legitimate vitamin and mineral supplements, in addition to any illicit administration. 4. Greyhound Racing does not need to invent a new “scandal”. Having previously stated my disinterest I can only observe that Greyhound Racing in New South Wales is struggling to improve its reputation in the public eye. In my opinion Horse Racing has suffered a severe loss of reputation in recent years, and many trainers have been unfairly disadvantaged, on the basis of flawed and inadequate science. I would urge the Greyhound industry NOT to follow that path.

That's bollocks. Cite some research that Cobalt has any effect on a Greyhound's performance. It MAY stimulate natural EPO production but it ISN'T artificial EPO.

Actually you are not "simply talking about it"! You have an obsessive campaign to find ANYTHING to criticise GRNZ and its participants about. That says a lot about you.

But you're making sure the world knows. Why?

Which track hasn't? Pouring through old Racing Board/NZTR annual reports (perhaps Messara and @TAB For Ever should do that) you can see numerous loans or free grants to fix drainage on the courses we are now betting our future on. Messara's report is looking more like a bag of hunches.

But you miss the point completely as did Messara. If you can't race at Foxton on any day you might still be able to race at Hawera, Waipukurau, Woodville, Awapuni or Otaki etc. That is there are options. If Omoto was under water you could race at Westland. I think one year they even did that. The strategy seems to be to put all our eggs into one basket e.g. Ellerslie. At the moment Ellerslie is looking more like an Eagle Farm without a Doomben. NZ has always had localised weather events. It's the nature of our location and maritime climate.

Ruakaka raced while the Brynderwins were closed. There was and still is a very good alternative route through Mangapai that only adds 30 mins to the trip. Assuming of course they get through the Auckland Motorway system which they couldn't do for Sistema Stakes Day 2024. Couldn't get past Pukekohe!! You are a bit like Messara you should get out and have a look at the places you bag and intend to close.

What's that got to do with Rotorua, Auckland or Hawkes Bay? Which areas? Certainly not Rotorua or Auckland. Neither have had 1200mm of rain in a week. More injuries as well but since when has "because everyone else does it" been a good a good reason for doing anything? You also lump dirt tracks in with yhe category AWT. Actually you switch AWT and Synthetic when it suits your argument. As the article that was posted stated Austalia doesn't want anymore Synthetic Tracks. If you haven't noticed that is the market more similar to ours than any that you have mentioned. The market where our punters punt. You are trying to defend the indefensible and are digging a bigger hole.

2015 RACE Inc holds an investment in Central District Starting Gates of $20,955 (2014 - $20,955)

In the 2010 report there is another (or the same) non-current loan of $30k for 2009. 2008 Loan of $64k - commercial interest rates. 2013 and 2014 $0 2015 Loan $83k 2016 Loan $162k 2017 Loan $136k 2018 Loan $97k 2019 $0 2020 $33K - name change to Northern Race Day Services Incorporated. Same year loan to Central Districts Starting Gates Incorporated of $37k.

I thought at one stage any "worthy cause" could apply! All seems a bit odd. Even the name Society Ltd. Normally it is one or the other isn't it?

NO that it was apparently a company setup in 1977 using volunteers with funding lent to them by NZTR. Also that there is no record of the company now on the registry nor on the Incorporated Societies Registry. I imagine at some time over the years they would have got funding via the pokie license.

That's what I posted above.

I believe they have tried and the reaction hasn't been pleasant. There are probably only 2 or 3 trainers at Riccarton that could make a difference. One believes everything is going swimmingly! Pun intended. You'll need deep pockets. There will be some easy pickings in NZ over the next couple of seasons. Depending on the key tracks being OK of course.

According to the Pukekohe commentator Northern Raceday Services Society Ltd and NZTR are working on contingencies to makes sure the broken truck scenario doesn't happen again. Note: NZTR lent NRSS Ltd money in 1977 to be created. 47 years ago.

You obviously are just a punter and have alternatives. Being a trainer in NZ is bit like the Prisoners Dilemma. At Riccarton it would only take one trainer to speak out to get changes but self-interest always prevails.

After the first two NZ races today it looks like a switch to Trackside 2.

Even a specific word. I only have to say "possum" to my rent-a-dog and it is on full alert - and I mean full alert. Don't mention the word "walk" either if you want a quiet afternoon watching the racing. I have actually been in the lounge of a Thorughbred trainer and seen their ex-rescue from the Blind Dogs doing this exact same thing. No training was involved for obvious reasons!!! Damn difficult to get a line on your horse when a dog is jumping in front of the screen!

You all seem blinded by the first image of someone holding a cellphone. The issue is someone playing a sound to encourage a dog to perform better. There are any number of devices that can do that much more efficiently and discretely than a cell phone. Who in their right mind would hold a cellphone and play a sound at the start? In the first picture provided it appears there weren't any dogs at the start. If so what was a young person dressed in pink doing behind the boxes? In the second picture one of those with a phone isn't anywhere near the boxes and the other person is supposedly an official. Is the latter in their right mind going to use their phone to play a sound with all those witnesses? Or do we have a conspiracy amongst all the participants? Nope it's an archaic rule that doesn't actually address what it is trying to prohibit - the playing of sounds to stir up a particular dog. Nit picking. I don't know why GRNZ have bothered with putting in the straight track as the usual suspects have moaned about every little aspect they can find. Including our resident trainspotter Chazza who hasn't trained a Greyhound in how many years?

Really? I guess Trainers and Float Drivers are getting up late on racedays now.

Racing Frustrating week for thoroughbred industry Joshua Smith, LOVERACING.NZ News Desk 20 July 2024 It’s been a frustrating week for the thoroughbred industry, with four race meeting abandonments in as many days. Pukekohe’s Wednesday meeting was abandoned and transferred to Sunday following issues with transporting the starting gates to the South Auckland meeting, while Hawke’s Bay’s meeting on Thursday and New Plymouth and Rotorua’s meetings on Saturday were abandoned due to deteriorating track conditions as a result of adverse weather. An investigation is currently underway into the cause of Wednesday’s abandonment at Pukekohe, with Northern Raceday Services looking into a contingency plan around vehicle breakdown. “The disruption on Wednesday was due to an unforeseen issue with a fuel pressure valve on our towing truck en route to Pukekohe Park,” Northern Raceday Services said in a statement. “Despite our rigorous maintenance schedule, the fault could not have been anticipated. In our 47 years of operation, covering hundreds of race meetings and trials, this is the first time breakdown has prevented us from fulfilling our duties. “We are acutely aware of the impact this has had on all stakeholders and an investigation is underway to clearly identify the cause and to implement measures to prevent such incidents in the future.” New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s chief operating officer Darin Balcombe said Wednesday’s abandonment was an extremely rare case, but it has prompted the industry to further investigate their starting gate delivery protocols. “I know the starting gates have been operating for 47 years and it is the first time that (vehicle breakdown resulting in meeting abandonment) has occurred,” Balcombe said. “They are a specialist vehicle that tow those gates, so you just can’t hook on a truck and move on. It is very unfortunate with that one, we have asked them (Northern Raceday Services) to look at their contingencies and see what they can do and whether there is a possibility of delivering the gates the day before just to make sure we don’t end up in the same situation.” Balcombe said the industry has progressed to having starting gates permanently based at the major tracks in the country to help mitigate transport issues. “We have got them (starting gates) at all of our main tracks now, so they don’t have to travel,” he said. “With the Te Rapa gates, we might move their other set to Matamata, which would be another track then which doesn’t have to travel.” Severe rainfall led to the three other abandonments this week and Balcombe said the silver lining of each situation was that decisions were made early on, prior to most trainers transporting their horses to each venue. “At Hawke’s Bay on Thursday, more rain than forecast fell the night before and there was surface water on the track, so the decision was made nice and early so people didn’t leave home, in the main,” Balcombe said. “We had about three horses that were on track from Auckland, other than that the rest of them hadn’t travelled. So that was pleasing that the decision was made nice and early. “Rotorua (on Saturday) was fairly straight forward. There was surface water on the track, so an early decision was made to call that one. “At New Plymouth, we had a horse gallop around there this (Saturday) morning. The Stewards rang me just after 6am and were very concerned that the track was water-logged, and the horses were getting in really deep into the track and it was forecast to rain through to lunchtime. “The prudent call was to call the meeting off at that stage for horse and rider welfare, and the high possibility of visibility issues through the day. “There is no greater drain on the industry than sending horses to the races and then everyone having to pick up and go home without a race. It costs a lot of money for the connections and for the industry, as we pay compensation to all of those connections. “The good thing was that the decisions were made very early prior to anyone leaving home that hadn’t gone the night before, which was the best situation for us.” New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing are currently working with the TAB to reschedule both of Saturday’s abandoned meetings. “We are looking to reprogramme those next week and we are just awaiting on TAB approval,” Balcombe said. The synthetic tracks at Cambridge, Riccarton and Awapuni were developed for such weather-related meeting abandonments, however, Balcombe said transferring the turf meetings to the polytracks still requires time and would also come at a detriment to field sizes. “Logistically, it isn’t quite as easy as changing the track, there are a lot of contractors and other things that need to be in place to do that,” he said. “We can do that (transfer) with about 24 hours’ notice. A lot of the time it hasn’t started raining until that point, so you would be making a decision before the weather hits. You are never going to get that 100 percent right, so it is very hard to predict that. “Especially for Saturday race meetings, when you go to the synthetic you will pretty much be decimated with scratchings. I have spoken with two or three people this morning who said they wouldn’t have run on the synthetic. I just looked at Ballarat the other day over in Australia that moved their turf meeting to their synthetic track on the Saturday, which was to be run on the Sunday, which were fields of 15 to 18, and they ended up with five to seven going around. “The horses that go around on the synthetic go on them because they like the synthetic, and the other ones are generally looking for a heavy track, and they don’t tend to mix between each other.” Balcombe said the outcome of abandonments this week has been unfortunate and frustrating for the entire thoroughbred racing industry but it is something that has to be expected at this time of year. “It (meeting abandonments) is frustrating, but we can’t beat the weather,” he said. New Zealand Trainers’ Association National President Shaun Clotworthy said it has been a frustrating last few days for trainers, but horse and jockey safety must come first. “It’s not ideal, but it is out of our hands with the weather conditions, it is not safe for the riders or horses,” he said. “Trainers are very frustrated at the moment, but I am sure NZTR are going to do their best to reschedule things and add races in where they can. “It is just one of those things that you can’t control and hopefully we can work through it into the better weather patterns coming up. “It has been a good winter up until now, but it (abandonments) is something that you have got to expect at this time of year.” There is light at the end of the tunnel for northern trainers, with Pukekohe’s transferred meeting set to go ahead on Sunday, with the track rated a Heavy10 on Saturday morning. Clotworthy will line-up half a dozen runners at the meeting and is hoping a couple of his chances can feature prominently. “It will be deep no doubt, so there are a couple of chances in there like Aqua Man, he has been looking for this sort of track. He is a chance back in that (rating 60) grade,” said Clotworthy, who trains in partnership with his wife, Emma. “Quill got on a better track at Ruakaka last time and he might be looking for a bit wetter ground as well.”

Bullshit. There is no evidence that NZ's weather is getting more extreme. This autumn and winter have been exceptionally mild so far. FFS are you going to use alleged climate change as an excuse now! Well therein lies a connundrum for you as the majority of trainers don't like racing on Synthetic. Check out the Fish post: Which "horse-areas" - Pukekohe? You still have to travel to Ellerslie where the NZ Racing universe appears to be centralising to and they don't have ANY training facilities!

That was AFTER the Mess-ara report. What's changed?

You have been defending all these descisions at least since you were wined and dined and blinkered at the Karaka Millions. Good to see you are finally starting to see the light.

Have you tried using your Smart Phone to listen to the TAB while working? Then trying to get a bet on? Most times you miss out because of the time delay. Online Trackside radio ISN'T realtime. No I don't have a transistor radio but when I did I didn't need a high speed broadband connection!