Chief Stipe

Play the man if you wish. It's common on racing forums and is indicative of the malaise affecting racing. In that respect antipathy applies. I used the word mediocrity because I believe it more aptly describes where our Group racing is heading. So not repugnant? The issue isn't about what people feel - leave that to the marketers and their hype that tell us the introduction of ENTAIN has turned things around. The issue is about doing the right things to achieve excellence in all aspects of racing. Some of those things may be repugnant to some. For example does a pattern that is now dominated by sweepstake races, novelty races and slot races serve to achieve excellence or does it promote mediocrity?

Antipathy is the wrong word. Mediocrity is more accurate.

Not before the KM!!

So where does that put the NZ Slot races?

Arion Pedigrees refuses Group 1 recognition for The Everest and All-Star Mile www.ttrausnz.com.au Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything In a decisive move that underscores its commitment to global standards, Arion Pedigrees has taken a firm stance against Racing Australia’s decision to upgrade The Everest and The All-Star Mile to Group 1 status. While Racing Australia hailed the upgrades as a landmark moment for Australian racing, Arion Pedigrees has opted not to recognise the new classifications until formal ratification is received from international authorities. The pedigree database, respected for maintaining the highest standards in thoroughbred bloodstock cataloguing, has made it clear that it won’t be rushed into recognising races that, in its view, have not yet gone through the appropriate global processes. This move comes in response to what many in the industry see as Racing Australia “jumping the gun.” The announcement that The Everest and The All-Star Mile had been upgraded to Group 1 status was met with enthusiasm locally but concerns quickly surfaced about the lack of formal ratification from key international bodies, including the International Grading and Race Planning Advisory Committee (IRPAC) and the Society of International Thoroughbred Auctioneers (SITA). These approvals, Arion argues, are essential to maintaining the credibility of Australia’s race classifications on the world stage. Last year's The Everest field | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything Kyla Johnston, Managing Director of Arion Pedigrees, expressed the company’s steadfast commitment to integrity in an interview with The Thoroughbred Report. “We prefer to wait for formal international confirmation rather than rushing to upgrade races prematurely. For us, it’s about ensuring the trustworthiness and uniformity of our pedigrees in line with global standards,” she said. A Longstanding Commitment to Integrity Arion Pedigrees’ refusal to prematurely adopt the Group 1 classifications for The Everest and The All-Star Mile reflects a broader ethos at the heart of its operations. Founded in 1996, Arion has built its reputation on producing pedigree pages that not only meet but exceed global standards. By maintaining strict adherence to the International Cataloguing Standards, Arion ensures that its clients—whether breeders, buyers, or sellers—can rely on the accuracy and credibility of the pedigrees it produces. Johnston emphasised the importance of this approach, noting that international buyers, particularly those from markets with more rigid black-type systems such as Europe and Japan, depend on the integrity of Australian pedigrees when investing. “It’s not just about putting a Group 1 label on a race; it’s about ensuring that label holds the same weight here as it does in any other leading racing jurisdiction,” she said. “Our clients deserve to know that when they see a Group 1 race in an Arion pedigree, it’s been recognised by the highest international authorities.” “Our clients deserve to know that when they see a Group 1 race in an Arion pedigree, it’s been recognised by the highest international authorities.” - Kyla Johnston The risks of premature recognition The decision by Racing Australia to push through the Group 1 upgrades without full international ratification has raised significant concerns within the industry. While The Everest and The All-Star Mile have undoubtedly attracted world-class fields, many are wary of how such unilateral upgrades might affect Australia’s standing within the global thoroughbred community. Johnston pointed to the potential long-term damage of rushing such decisions. “It’s not just about these two races,” she explained. “There’s a much larger issue at play here. Racing Australia has indicated that up to 50 races across the country are under review for possible upgrades, many of which are based solely on local race ratings. Without international validation, we run the risk of inflating the black-type system and losing credibility on the global stage.” “Without international validation, we run the risk of inflating the black-type system and losing credibility on the global stage.” - Kyla Johnston Indeed, the influx of proposed upgrades has sparked fears that Australia could face pushback from the international racing community. The Asian Pattern Committee has approved the Group 1 status for The Everest and The All-Star Mile, but none of the other proposed upgrades have yet received international approval. This could lead to Australia being relegated to part two of the International Cataloguing Standards, which would severely limit the international appeal of its black-type races. Johnston expressed concern that these premature upgrades could undermine the hard-fought reputation Australia has built in recent years. “Australia has become a major player in the international bloodstock market, with significant investment from overseas buyers. If those buyers begin to feel that Australia’s black-type system is bloated or lacks credibility, it could have a serious impact on sales and investment,” she warned. “If (International) buyers begin to feel that Australia’s black-type system is bloated or lacks credibility, it could have a serious impact on sales and investment.” - Kyla Johnston The importance of international alignment At the heart of Arion’s decision is a commitment to maintaining alignment with international standards. Johnston made it clear that Arion’s position was not an indictment of Racing Australia’s desire to innovate or promote its most prestigious races. Rather, it is a call for patience and transparency in the process of upgrading races to black-type status. “We fully understand the importance of races like The Everest and The All-Star Mile,” Johnston said. “These are races that have brought excitement and global attention to Australian racing. But to ensure that their new Group 1 status is respected internationally, we need to go through the proper channels. That means waiting for formal ratification from bodies like IRPAC and SITA.” This alignment with international bodies is more than just a formality for Arion—it’s a core principle that protects the integrity of the global bloodstock market. Johnston pointed out that other racing jurisdictions, such as the UK and France, have strict protocols for upgrading and downgrading races, and it is this consistency that ensures their black-type systems are trusted worldwide. “The last thing we want is for Australia to be seen as lowering the bar when it comes to Group 1 races,” she said. A broader industry concern Arion’s stance has resonated with others in the Australian racing and breeding community, many of whom have voiced concerns about the potential consequences of Racing Australia’s upgrades. Industry stalwarts like John Messara and Vin Cox have been vocal in their opposition, with both warning that the rapid expansion of black-type races could devalue Australia’s racing program. Gallery: Industry stalwarts who have expressed their concerns, images courtesy of The Image Is Everything Messara, a breeding giant and owner of Arrowfield Stud, expressed fears that the Pattern system had been “hijacked” by state Principal Racing Authorities (PRAs), who are now making decisions without sufficient international oversight. Similarly, Vin Cox, a former member of the now-disbanded Australian Pattern Committee, criticised the lack of consultation with breeders and sales companies, arguing that the PRAs had effectively taken control of the black-type system and ignored the required due process. Johnston echoed these concerns, noting that while innovation is important, it must be balanced with the long-term interests of the industry. “We all want to see Australian racing grow and thrive,” she said. “But we have to be careful not to sacrifice credibility for short-term gains. The integrity of our black-type system is what attracts international investment, and that’s something we can’t afford to lose.” “The integrity of our black-type system is what attracts international investment, and that’s something we can’t afford to lose.” - Kyla Johnston Looking Ahead For now, Arion Pedigrees will continue to operate under the existing guidelines set by the 2024 International Cataloguing Standards Book. While the local racing community may celebrate Racing Australia’s decision to elevate The Everest and The All-Star Mile, Arion’s decision to withhold recognition until formal international ratification is received serves as a reminder that credibility on the global stage is paramount. “We remain hopeful that these issues will be resolved quickly and transparently,” Johnston said. “It’s in everyone’s best interest that we work together to ensure that Australia’s black-type system remains strong, respected, and in line with international standards.” “It’s in everyone’s best interest that we work together to ensure that Australia’s black-type system remains strong, respected, and in line with international standards.” - Kyla Johnston In an industry where prestige and trust are vital to maintaining international investment, Arion Pedigrees stance is focused on ensuring that every upgrade is thoroughly vetted and aligned with the highest standards. The company’s cautious approach may well be the safeguard the Australian industry needs to maintain its reputation in the international bloodstock market. TTR reached out to Racing Australia for comment but did not receive a response before publication deadline. We will include the response when and if we receive one.

NZ raid for Uncommon James? www.racing.com Group 1-winning Australian sprinter Uncommon James could be in line for a trip across the Tasman to contest the G1 Telegraph (1200m) and G1 Sistema Railway (1200m) in January. Uncommon James is the winner of six of his 16 starts and more than $1.4 million in prizemoney, headed by a brilliant victory over Lofty Strike and Asfoora in the G1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) in Melbourne in February of last year. Eagle Farm-based trainer Matt Hoysted considered a trans-Tasman raid earlier in the Cable Bay gelding's decorated career and the recent increase in prizemoney for New Zealand's summer sprint features, along with the NZ$1 million in bonuses associated with the brand-new Sport Nation Champion Sprint Series, have made it an even more compelling option in 2024-25. The Telegraph will be run for a stake of NZ$550,000 at Trentham on January 4, with the Railway shifting from New Year's Day to the Karaka Millions meeting on January 25 and now boasting NZ$700,000 in prizemoney. "Taking him across to New Zealand is actually an idea that I've had in the back of my mind for quite a lot of his career," Hoysted said. "I was strongly considering it in the prep before he won the Oakleigh Plate. "At that stage, I was sort of thinking about all the options we had available to try to give him a chance at that Group 1 level. It didn't work out back then and he went on to win the Oakleigh after that. But it might be more of an option this time around. "Coming into the twilight of his career now, it might be a nice way to allow him to continue to race and be competitive at that sort of level. "That new bonus series in New Zealand makes it a more attractive option as well. I train a few horses for Ladbrokes here in Australia and they've been telling me about some of the exciting new initiatives that Entain has introduced in New Zealand. It's definitely given us something to think about." Age 6YO Sex Gelding Colour Bay Prize Money $1,432,350 Last 5 3-587 Career 16-6-4-2 7 – 10 E FM 1 JUN 2024 1300m $31.00 8 – 9 E FM 4 MAY 2024 1200m $3.80 5 – 14 RHIL 23 MAR 2024 1100m $9.00 3 – 6 M V 28 OCT 2023 1200m $10.00 2 – 8 CAUL 14 OCT 2023 1100m $2.40 Uncommon James was last seen on a racetrack in June, finishing seventh behind I Wish I Win in the G1 Kingsford-Smith Cup (1300m) at Eagle Farm. The six-year-old's New Zealand mission will depend on a pair of Queensland sprinting assignments in November. "He's currently building towards his first jumpout here on Tuesday and then he'll have another jumpout a fortnight after that," Hoysted said. "The plan at this stage is to run him in the Swiss Ace (1000m) and the George Moore Stakes (1200m). We want to make sure that he's come up well and is going well enough in this preparation. "If he puts in a couple of good performances and shows us that his heart is still in it, we'll be pretty keen to take him over to New Zealand."

Hastings Track to Remain Closed for Reconstruction HBRI (Hawke’s Bay Racing Inc.) and NZTR (New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing) Management have jointly announced today that due to continued concerns around the track’s performance, the decision has been made to bring forward a reconstruction of the track. As a result, racing will not resume at the venue in the immediate future. HBRI Chairman, Eliot Cooper commented, “While this news will be disappointing for the Hawke’s Bay community and racing enthusiasts, both parties believe that prioritising this project is essential for the long-term future of racing in the region.” NZTR Chief Operating Officer, Darin Balcombe reiterated this message. “The decision reflects a commitment to addressing the underlying track issues for participants and horses alike.” The HBRI and NZTR Board and Management will meet later in the month to discuss next steps. Further information will be provided to the industry following this meeting to ensure stakeholders remain informed of the progress and potential timelines moving forward. Replacement dates for upcoming scheduled Hastings racedays will be advised over the coming days. Corporate Communications New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Contact: Catlyn Calder +64 27 252 2803 nztrcommunications@nztr.co.nz

Yeah well sand works well on a Links Golf Course. Not sure about Horse Racing Tracks.

Flemington brings in new soil every year. The problem with mechanical aeration is that any structure provided by organic matter is broken down by compression and broken up and the air itself oxidises it. That's why your compost disappears each year!!

Therefore you ride your horse accordingly. Flemington has a big sweeping bend and a 450m straight so you can get away with a slack tempo early.

I was being slightly facetious (if one can be slightly). I do recall being challenged on BOAY that old farmers didn't do what I suggested. They probably did but not at the regular intervals they do now and instead waited until there were signs of soil failure. I've been thinking about the optimal width a racing track that would enable a type of crop rotation. Surely at Riccarton you could split the track in half, rejuvenate one half (and race on the other) by applying organic matter and a crop like mustard or even lucerne then sow pasture after ploughing in and leveling. Then do the same to the other half. I realise that sounds hairbrained but...

Sorry I don't understand what your recommendation is? Water or not to water? I gather you collect rainwater to apply to your permaculture plots when required? You also must keep the soil structure healthy by the addition of organic matter. A bit like what modern farmers do when rejuventating their paddocks every four years or so.

So are you suggesting not to ever water a track?

How else do you test it? As for the track ratings I no longer have any confidence that what I read is the track rating is in fact the track rating. About time they starting doing what they do at the Metro tracks in Victoria.

Did anyone see the ride on Antino? A case of Blake Shinn showing some initiative.

It isn't "normal practice". It is a requirement.

Yes but not 20 surely.

I reckon it was one of Macdonalds poor rides in the Guineas and he has them from time to time. The lack of pace in the race didn't help and no Jockey was prepared to to step up. I think the bias argument is over rated.

Are you suggesting that they shouldn't have galloped on the track one day prior?

This statistic is pointless unless you analyse the sectionals and other variables.

Caulfield track pattern review | RACING.COM www.racing.com The Melbourne Racing Club will review its track preparations after Saturday’s meeting at Caulfield where there were accusations of track bias. MRC chairman John Kanga and Caulfield track manager Sam Bennetts said an in-depth review would be conducted in the aftermath of the race meeting. “Our team will review and evaluate the track performance tomorrow, taking into account sectional timings and tempo, as well as other factors such as wind,” Kanga said. “Our aim is always to present a track that is fair for all runners, but track preparation is an imprecise science.” Bennetts, who was appointed to the position in May, said he had spent a lot of time thinking about what could have been done differently in the past 24 hours. “These days happen, but we don’t want them to happen on these big meetings. We will have an in-depth review of the full year, see what we can nail down and improve.” “We were happy with it at the start, but after race four things changed. There’s room for vast improvement on a feature day like this and the industry deserves better on these feature days.” Bennetts said the track raced on the drier side of what he anticipated which was demonstrated with the track upgrade after the fourth race. “We will look at the soil moisture component,” he said. Bennetts said they would examine the rail placements in the lead-up to the race meeting, which would include the winter months. Bennetts said the rail would be out 12 metres for Wednesday’s meeting, which is where it was last year. They were already putting water on the track. He said for the Caulfield Cup meeting the rail would most likely be at the 3m mark. Kanga said while a number of races were won by horses on the pace, Jimmystar and Bellatrix Star won from midfield positions and Antino from the rear. While some jockeys and trainers lambasted the track for playing to on-pacers, others such as Danny O’Brien gave it his support. O’Brien posted on X that it was the best track for the spring and Caulfield had rewarded on-speed tactical horses for 100 years.

Is there anything Chazza that you are not bitter and twisted about? Another post of fiction by you.

What do you expect? You ask the same dumb question on multiple sites with the inference that Colin Wightman has some nefarious agenda. The fact is he is concerned about the state of the two racing tracks at Riccarton on which his sizeable investment in bloodstock will race. It's a shame that many trainers and owners also affected feel too intimidated to publicly agree with him.

Yes in my opinion and from what I've heard the track ratings were well off. Yes you would expect a kinder track for jump-outs.