Chief Stipe

Dr Eliot Forbes discusses his work with Chrissy Fox on the Bred 4 Champions podcast Category: Announcements | Newshttps://bitofayarn.com Date: 06/08/2025 Dr Eliot Forbes joins Chrissy Fox to discuss his work with the NZ Racing Integrity Board, global leadership in the racing industry, and advancements in wagering integrity and animal welfare. https://bitofayarn.com

Perhaps the horses are tiring and would have run even slower if not whipped.

At the end of the day looking at it without any complexity. The number of wins in the South Island was: Te Akau 49 Strike Rate 6.22 Pitman 40 Strike Rate 10.5 So much for those saying Te Akau have an "appalling Strike Rate in the South Island" - it is actually better than their NZ average. @Scooby3051

My point exactly.

Ask @Pitman why it matters so much.

Perhaps. But Ballesty and NZTR are getting the most feral comments in social media. From the usual suspects I might add. I just don't get how some of these people like Colin Wightman @Transparency get away with it without inciting a legal challenge of some kind. @Freda you may have valid issues with the management local and nationally but some of the stuff Wightman is posting is way over the top. Most of it BS I might add. Plus there are NZTR license holders hiding behind non-de-plumes and proxies saying some way off comments. Even I have received those.

Original BOAY Thread:

Response from NZTR: Matt Ballesty Jul 24, 2025, 2:37 PM (11 days ago) to Darin, Chief Eliot responded on behalf of NZTR

Response from HRNZ: Hi Doug, Thanks for your emails. I caught up with Brad late yesterday and he has noted that Dr Forbes has responded on behalf of the codes, so HRNZ will not be responding separately. Kind Regards Leanne Leanne Holdem EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT & BOARD SECRETARY Phone 03 964 1194 Mobile 027 445 1414 Email leanne@hrnz.co.nz https://bitofayarn.com 114 Wrights Road, Christchurch 8024 PO Box 459, Christchurch 8140 www.hrnz.co.nz https://bitofayarn.com

Response from RIB: Dear Mr Graham, The letter was grounded in a clear and straightforward premise: to promote respectful conduct and professionalism across all sectors of the industry. It was intended to reaffirm the shared values fundamental to a healthy and sustainable racing environment.https://bitofayarn.com We consider that the letter articulates the position clearly, and we have no further comment to make at this time. Kind regards, Eliot Forbes Dr Eliot Forbes Chief Executive m: +64 27 354 9711 e: eforbes@rib.org.nz w: www.rib.org.nz https://bitofayarn.com

With Brent's prior approval his Open Letter was forwarded to Dr Eliott Forbes - CEO RIB, Mr Matt Ballesty - CEO NZTR and Mr Brad Steele - CEO HRNZ. Their respective responses are posted below - however note that the RIB responded on behalf of all three agencies. My email with the Open Letter attached was as follows: Dear Mr Steele My name is Doug Graham. I host and manage an online forum called Bitofayarn.com (BOAY). The Open Letter to the Racing Community: Adherence to Racing Codes of Conduct jointly published to all racing stakeholders by NZTR, HRNZ and the RIB was published on my site and elicited a number of responses. One poster has written his own Open Letter in response - Mr Brent Gardiner (@Curious) which has drawn a largely favourable response from other posters. I have attached his Letter to this email. Firstly I would like to say that I somewhat concur with the intent of your Open Letter having had to deal with some over the top posts from irate industry stakeholders. Trying to maintain a balanced debate while moderating the extreme views can be difficult at times. That said I have found some comments by known active participants in the racing industry to be way beyond common decency.https://bitofayarn.com You can view the debate on BOAY here: https://bitofayarn.com/topic/142345-an-open-letter-from-nztr-hrnz-and-the-rib/ I would interested to hear your response to Mr Gardiner's attached Open Letter and would be grateful if you would respond. I know Mr Gardiner personally and although we differ widely on some issues in the industry I know he is an active and passionate investor in the industry with the best intentions. That said he has felt first hand the impact of what he considers to be poor decisions made by the administrators of the industry. Regards Doug Grahamhttps://bitofayarn.com "Chief Stipe" - Bitofayarn

@curious response.Https://bitofayarn.com Open letter response to the recent open letter from the RIB, NZTR and HRNZ. Racing’s Call for Respect Risks Sliding into Authoritarianism By curious. An open letter recently issued by the Racing Integrity Board, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, and Harness Racing New Zealand aims to promote respect and professionalism in the racing industry. It outlines a unified stance against behaviours such as online abuse, public harassment, and negative commentary, and calls for all participants to model integrity and support one another. On the surface, the letter expresses admirable goals: protecting individuals' wellbeing, creating a safe environment, and upholding the dignity of the sport. But when examined more deeply, it raises serious concerns about how far central authorities are willing to go to control speech, enforce conformity, and discourage criticism. In the name of promoting unity, the message risks veering into authoritarianism. Central Control over What Can Be Said The letter promotes a singular, top-down vision of acceptable conduct—defined by governing bodies and enforced through disciplinary means. While civility and respect are important, when leadership dictates what constitutes “supportive” or “negative” behaviour, and equates the latter with moral failure or professional risk, the result is a chilling effect on open dialogue. Dissenting opinions—even those voiced in good faith—may be rebranded as harmful or abusive. This is not inclusivity; it is control..https://bitofayarn.com Https://bitofayarn.com Vague Standards, Broad Powers The letter cites “online abuse,” “unwanted attention,” and “negative behaviour” without defining them. This ambiguity gives the authorities wide discretion to determine what crosses the line. One person’s whistleblowing could be another’s misconduct. One person’s critique of governance might be labelled as “eroding trust.” Authoritarian regimes often thrive in such grey areas, where boundaries are not defined by law or principle, but by the mood of those in charge. The Threat of Punishment The letter makes clear that disciplinary action—including removal from participation—is on the table for those who breach these ill-defined standards. Without transparency about how such judgments are made, who hears them, or what recourse individuals have, this becomes less about justice and more about control. It fosters an atmosphere where people are less likely to speak out—Https://bitofayarn.comfor fear that their words might be misinterpreted as misconduct. The racing industry already operates in a tight-knit environment where reputations are hard-earned and easily destroyed. Introducing threats of punishment for loosely defined behaviour further concentrates power in the hands of a few, while silencing the many. Emotional Appeals as Tools of Compliance Finally, the repeated use of emotional language—“let’s stand together,” “lead with integrity,” “we all deserve to feel safe”—while seemingly benign, carries a deeper implication: that anyone who resists or questions the narrative is an outsider, undermining unity and progress. In authoritarian environments, emotional appeals are often deployed to equate obedience with virtue, and dissent with disloyalty. This framing discourages necessary friction and fosters an unhealthy culture of silence, in which genuine concerns or systemic issues are swept under the rug for the sake of "harmony." A Better Way Forward Respect in racing is vital. But respect must also be extended to those who speak out, ask hard questions, or challenge the status quo. If the industry truly wants to build a safe and inclusive culture, it must begin with transparent, democratic processes—not top-down decrees. There is a clear and present risk that the good intentions behind this letter could slide into an authoritarian approach to industry governance. Rules must be fair, specific, and consistently applied. Dissent must not be mistaken for disloyalty. And integrity must mean more than compliance—it must include courage, openness, and accountability at every level. Otherwise, New Zealand racing may find that in its effort to silence a minority, it has silenced the very voices that could have helped it grow. Open letter response from Brent Gardiner the RIB, NZTR and HRNZ (1).pdf

An open letter to the racing community from NZTR, HRNZ & RIB No images? Click here Open Letter to the Racing Community: Adherence to Racing Codes of ConductHttps://bitofayarn.com To all participants, members, volunteers, employees, suppliers, and supporters of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and Harness Racing New Zealand. New Zealand’s racing industry thrives because of the dedication, integrity, and passion of thousands of individuals, on the track, behind the scenes, and in our communities. Each of those individuals who run businesses, are employed, volunteer their time, or in other ways lend their positive support to racing and its participants play a vital role in ensuring our sport remains strong, inclusive, and future-focused. Unfortunately, there is a small minority of people whose persistent negative behaviour runs counter to these shared values. This may be either online abuse, personal attacks, public harassment or unwanted attention. These behaviours cause real harm, impacting individuals’ mental wellbeing, reputation or career, and eroding the trust and cohesion our sport depends on. Together, we have a collective responsibility to uphold the standards of respect, professionalism, and integrity that define a healthy and sustainable industry. Abuse, whether verbal, physical, written, digital or psychological, has no place in New Zealand racing. We all deserve to work and participate in an environment where people are treated with dignity. This is not just about compliance, it’s about maintaining a supportive and positive culture and community that more people want to be a part of. It’s about creating an environment where people feel safe, valued, and proud to be part of the racing industry. We ask everyone, regardless of their role, to lead by example, speak out when behaviour falls short, and support one another in maintaining high standards of conduct. As part of this commitment, our organisations have: Maintained strong channels to raise concerns or report misconduct, so individuals can confidently, safely and confidentially report concerns. Reinforced expectations for on-course behaviour at all race meetings and industry events. Confirmed that appropriate consequences will be applied, ranging from formal warnings up to disciplinary action or removal from participation in industry activities. Committed to strengthen each Code’s respective Rules of Racing, including explicit references to such misconducts and to the sanctions that may be imposed. This letter marks a united stance across equine codes and the Racing Integrity Board. We are committed to taking meaningful action, and just as importantly, to setting a positive and respectful tone for the future. Let’s lead with integrity. Let each of us call out poor behaviour. And let’s all stand together in creating a racing industry where everyone feels safe, supported, and welcome. Yours in racing, Racing Integrity Board New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Harness Racing New ZealandHttps://bitofayarn.com ☎️Racing Integrity Board Confidential Integrity Line Make an anonymous report by: calling 0508 742 123, or submitting information online via: www.integrityline-nz.org/rib ☎️OnTrack In a non-emergency, contact the OnTrack support line on 0800 667 224 for free, confidential support and assistance. Tel: 0800 667 224 (support line) Email: support@ontrack.org.nz

I suspect there is a system constraints and an air gap between the system that you update horse details in and the Website.

Geez now we are down to worrying about paperwork. Who knows perhaps Malmaison is heading back to Riccarton after his Taupo comeback trial.

Depends on what the deal was. Is 50% GBR, NBR or Gross Profit? Do your GBR figures include Sports? Actually I should ask Racing's new Prince of Darknes @Newmarket - he allegedly has all the facts.

Perhaps it is their website that is slow to update. Particularly changes of ownership. But I guess the point is that Malmaison was domiciled at the Riccarton Stables for the first four months of the last season. Now back in the North. Who knows could still be heading back to Riccarton but would appear to be on a comeback from that last race at Trentham.

Also the BS from @Scooby3051 about a SI trainer NEVER being able to win a SI Premiership flies in the face of his previous anti-Te Akau comments were he said they only send down their worst horses and have a shocking strike rate! Which wasn't true either. Anyway it looks like @Pitman has been feeding @Scooby3051 posts to post so he can avoid public scrutiny while still stirring the pot. All @Pitman needed to do with his 429 starters was improve his strike rate from 10.73 to 9.23 and he would have bolted in. Perhaps that is something a competitive trainer should aim for.

Bloody hell this SI Premiership argument on the dark channel is getting ridiculous. Obviously driven by @Pitman who has thrown his toys out - again! Tesio's post on Malmaison. The horse raced at Riccarton from 26 June until the end of November. 4 months. It found form winning 4 down there. Then raced at Wellington on 7 December 2024. I think it went amiss (not surprisingly given the state of the track). Note the same race that Fashion Icon @Scooby3051 last raced in. The track that day at Trentham was like concrete and presented in an appalling state. Any number of horses went amiss that day. The horse would have been trwatws and then spelled at Te Akau Stud. Long break, slow build up and now trialling at Taupo. All perfectly reasonable. It is still listed under the Riccarton stable but we all know that NZTR are notoriously slow at paperwork. Big deal!!!

I can't remember BUT I'm pretty sure that ENTAIN have significantly cut operating costs with more to come in the next 12 months. Critics forget that the TAB was technically insolvent before the Government bailed them out. The ENTAIN deal was a good one under the circumstances as I doubt there were more than 1 or 2 interested in the sale. The biggest concern is the sweetners offered to ENTAIN to get the deal over the line and if those don't eventuate if there are "get out" clauses.

What half of the Gross or half of the Net?

Your point?

But better than last year and WAY better than the old TAB.

When was the last time @Pitman rode Trackwork? We all know who the real trainer is in the Pitman stable.

Seems @Pitman is winding The Comic Dog up about Te Akau winning the Premiership and not him. You'd think they'd be more worried about the state of the local tracks instead of a meaningless award. Congratulations to Hunter Durant and his team at Riccarton. A fine horseman.