Chief Stipe

@TAB For Ever

Racing Victoria acknowledges that participants prefer turf tracks and are reducing their investment in Synthetic.

Synthetic season by the numbers www.racing.com The curtain was drawn on synthetic racing in Victoria for 2022 at Ballarat on Tuesday. Following 31 race meetings and 246 races, Racing.com assesses by the numbers the stats and facts from both the Ballarat and Pakenham synthetic surfaces this winter. WHAT THE TRACK MANAGERS SAY? Nick Stubbs – Ballarat Turf Club The Ballarat synthetic track has just completed its fourth year of synthetic racing. “We had some issues with the kickback and the way the track raced but when the weather warms up we can reapply the binder and the wax to the track which you can’t do throughout the cooler months,” Stubbs explained. “When the track was initially put in we were always told between seasons three and four it would need the binder applied, this was our fourth season but through testing they thought we would get by, but it’s probably safe to say now that wasn’t quite right. “We tried to show a few participants, such as trainers and jockeys, we have a few samples, and when you look at it it’s quite self-explanatory in the difference from the new product to the old product. “The way it holds together, at the moment you can’t clump it up, but previously it balled up in your hand and binds together and has more substance to it. “In December, January, February when the weather warms up we will be able to get that done and back to having the good, consistent racing surface we have had in the past.” Bryce Mildon– Pakenham Racing Club After seven years the Pakenham synthetic was fully resurfaced this season. “People have voted with their feet as we’ve had really strong field sizes, which culminated last Friday with not only strong numbers but best quality of horses I think I’ve seen,” Mildon said. “It’s a bit like the days of old, when the synthetic tracks first came in, and we saw good field sizes and trainers prepared to even run their better class horses and the way our track has played has installed a bit of confidence back in synthetic surfaces I think. “Even from a training perspective we’ve never seen so many people galloping and jumping out on the synthetic surface, including the spring horses from the big stables. “The wax is staying in it and the material is staying healthy but in the years gone by when the track wasn’t performing as it should, the wax was going dormant and that’s when the kickback increased. “We had a cold and bleak winter with little sunshine and warmth but it hasn’t impacted negatively which is very positive." MOST SUCCESSFUL TRAINERS ON SYNTHETIC TRACKS THIS YEAR: Tony & Calvin McEvoy - 21 winners Ciaron Maher & David Eustace - 19 winners Phillip Stokes - 15 winners Peter Moody - 9 winners Ben & JD Hayes - 9 winners Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) - 9 winners 97 individual trainers prepared winners on either the Ballarat or Pakenham synthetic this year. LESS FREQUENT TRAINERS ON SYNTHETIC TRACKS THIS YEAR: Patrick Payne - 0 starters Paul Preusker - 0 starters Gai Waterhouse - 1 starter Danny O’Brien - 3 starters Nick Ryan - 4 starters Other leading stables: Team Hawkes - 11 starters, James Cummings - 11 starters, Chris Waller - 25 starters, Team Freedman – 26 starters. WHERE THE WINNERS WERE COMING FROM? Ballarat (all distances from the 600m mark) Pakenham (all distances from the 600m mark) MOST SUCCESSFUL HORSES ON SYNTHETIC TRACKS THIS YEAR: Hallowed Ground, trained by George Osborne - 3 wins from 4 starts Jolting, trained by Reece Goodwin - 3 wins from 3 starts Mevius, trained by Thomas Carberry - 3 wins from 4 starts Montenegro, trained by Gareth Andrews- 3 wins from 5 starts Rosalia, trained by Paddy Payne - 3 wins from 4 starts 211 individual horses won races on either the Ballarat or Pakenham synthetic tracks this year. STATS AND FACTS: Since the 2015-16 season when 48 synthetic race meetings were conducted, the current racing season saw 31 race meetings held on either Ballarat's or Pakenham’s synthetic tracks. In 2022-23 it is proposed to be reduced to 29 meetings. RV acknowledged in its Victorian Racing Infrastructure Green Paper earlier this year that ‘grass racetracks are preferred by participants’ which has led to the 35 per cent reduction of synthetic race meetings in recent years, through investments in racing surfaces and draining systems at provincial grass tracks. 246 individual races were conducted in 2022. The average priced winner was $6.30. Average field sizes: Ballarat in 2021 had on average 9.6 starters versus 8.8 in 2022. Pakemham in 2021 had on average 9.8 starters versus 10.4 in 2022. SYNTHETIC RACING INTO THE FUTURE? In June this year RV released the Victorian Racing Infrastructure Green Paper which outlined the future infrastructure needs for thoroughbred racing in the state for the next 10 years. Below are the key points relating to synthetic tracks: Racing on synthetic surfaces is likely to be reduced. It is acknowledged grass racetracks are preferred by participants, however the role of synthetic racetracks is also well accepted in Victoria as grass growing conditions are much more difficult in the southern regions of Australia. In the next decade, RV proposes to continue this downward trend and further reduce Victoria’s need to race on synthetic racetracks throughout the cooler months. More specifically, RV proposes to: In conjunction with the Pakenham Racing Club, review whether or not the venue should have its synthetic track converted into a second grass racetrack capable of conducting additional racing. Should the review recommend such change, this is unlikely to occur until the latter stages of the 10-year period considered in this Green Paper; and Continue to invest in racetracks in country Victoria through track widenings and drainage and irrigation upgrades. This will improve their ability to host race meetings in the cooler months, thus providing greater scope and flexibility in the programming of race meetings. A review into the future of the Pakenham synthetic racetrack will be completed within five years. This may see the synthetic track converted to a second grass racetrack and the current large sand training track converted to a synthetic training track. Should the review recommend such change, this is unlikely to occur until the latter stages of the 10-year period.

1,200 horses apparently in work there and nothing else to train on.

I counted two - Gold Coast Poly on Saturday and Devonport on Sunday. That's a couple where were the others to make "several"? Gold Coast Poly - 7 races 58 horses. Average field size 8. Yep they're going gang busters in Australia. Victoria doesn't want anymore than one and we have three. A hunch, a hunch, doh doh a hunch.

Are you betting on a hunch?

RACE Awapuni- Marton Jockey Club's Synthetic Track Meeting - Friday 21 June This Friday sees the start of our RACE Awapuni winter racing schedule with the Marton Jockey Club's Synthetic Track Meeting. Head along and enjoy a treat or two from our talented Creative Catering crew while experiencing the action of thoroughbred racing! The day will feature 8 races all worth $17,000 ranging from Maiden 2 Year Olds & Up over 1200m to Rating 75 Benchmark over 2140m. Hospitality Lounges Open: 11.40am First Race: 12.07pm* Last Race: 4.14pm* *Race timings may be subject to change Additional Raceday Information GENERAL ADMISSION IS FREE Raceday Hospitality Packages are still available for $120pp. This includes all day food and beverage package, reserved seating with racebook and pen. You can upgrade to a Ultimate Members Lounge Pass for $50pp to enhance your experience and enjoy the comforts and extras with an Ultimate Members Lounge Pass, including Racebook, Pen, Lunch Box, 2x drinks, $5 betting voucher per person. Purchase Hospitality & Members Lounge Passes here THANK YOU TO OUR RACEDAY SPONSORS! Buy Tickets Membership Fees for the 2024/2025 Season We are pleased to advise that there will be no change to membership fees for the 2024/2025 racing season, which remain at a lower level than they were prior to Covid-19. Without a doubt this is the best value option to experience the oncourse thrill of thoroughbred racing, while helping to contribute to the upkeep of our venues and being an active part of one of our six vibrant racing clubs. Membership renewals will be issued in the coming weeks, and anyone who chooses to join now will receive the benefits of membership for the rest of this season and all of 2024/25. Click here to purchase your membership Assistant Track Manager RACE Awapuni We have a role available within the track team at RACE Awapuni, with an immediate start. Key Responsibilities Assist the Track Manager in the preparation of facilities, amenities and grounds for racedays Assist the Track Manager in the maintenance and upkeep of the training tracks and facilities Panning and implementing track maintenance programs Management of staff Ground and facility maintenance Assisting on racedays at both Awapuni & Trentham Racecourses If you have ambitions to establish a career in Racecourse Management, we would like to hear from you! For further information please contact Daniel on 021 278 1951 or email your CV to daniel.amies@jointheaction.co.nz Track Maintenance Assistant RACE Awapuni We have a role available within the track team at RACE Awapuni, with an immediate start. The successful applicant will engage in a wide range of duties relating to the racecourse, training track, ground and facility maintenance. If you are motivated, physically fit, enjoy working outdoors, want to work in a friendly team or have ambitions to establish a career in racecourse management, we would like to hear from you! There are opportunities to further your career within the Sports turf industry with internal and external training. New Zealand residency and a current full driver’s license are essential For further information please contact Daniel on 021 278 1951 or email your CV to daniel.amies@jointheaction.co.nz Racecourse Road Cafe & Bar Winter Trading Hours Wednesday to Sunday – 8.30am to 3pm Share Forward RACE Awapuni Ashhurst-Pohangina Racing Club Feilding Jockey Club Manawatu Racing Club Marton Jockey Club Rangitikei Racing Club 67 Racecourse Road, Awapuni, 4412 06 356 4940 RACE Trentham Wellington Racing Club 10 Racecourse Road, Trentham, 5018 04 528 9611 Join the Action at RACE Awapuni & Trentham for an entire season of thoroughbred racing thrills. Creative Catering & RACE Trentham Event Centres open for all your corporate and social functions. You are receiving this email as you are a RACE Member or have subscribed to our Newsletter Preferences | Unsubscribe

It was the one immediately above yours. Posted 52 minutes before yours.

Didn't you read my supplementary post?

Trials Cambridge AWT tomorrow. 11 Trials - 71 horses

Interesting that there has been an increase in Insider trading in Entain shares recently with insiders buying big.

Obviously all been to the same wave school.

Oh not a wax model?

I wonder how many they will get at Te Rapa on Tuesday?

Interesting that they are going ahead when they've cancelled with less.

4 heats 21 horses 🤔

Geez @Brodie don't publish your success! They'll get @Michael on your case!

Quest to rehome Singapore horses www.racing.com Equine welfare is one of the biggest issues in racing on a global scale, but time is especially of the essence in Singapore, as the sport prepares to shut down for good there in October. In June 2023, the Singapore Turf Club made the announcement that after 180 years, racing would cease to exist on the island following the running of the Grand Singapore Gold Cup in October 2024, prompting many to ask the question; what would happen to the city’s horse population? For Jakki Harrison, former assistant trainer who’s worked in the Singapore racing industry for 17 years, it was a call to action. SG Racehorse Retirement was formed, with the intention of finding permanent homes for the thoroughbreds based at Kranji, concentrating on the older gallopers or horses with injuries. “With such limited space, options for horses to truly retire in Singapore are non-existent,” Harrison said. “Whilst some can go on to be equestrian horses, there is nowhere to retire them to pasture.” Although there has long been a precedent for horses from Singapore to move over the causeway to neighbouring Malaysia, there’s no precedent for such a large number of thoroughbreds to move there in a short space of time, a situation caused by the looming industry closure in the Lion City. “It’s been standard procedure that once horses have finished racing in Singapore, they go on to Malaysia to either continue racing or be ‘re-homed’,” Harrison explained. “But with the numbers in question, the development in science and horse welfare over the past 10-15 years, the horses deserved more. “If now isn’t the time to do what’s right for these amazing animals, I don’t know when is.” For Harrison, France presented itself as the right country for the horses in her target demographics to relocate to. “From a financial standpoint, it was simply too expensive for us to send them to Australia or New Zealand and whilst not cheap, over a four-to-five-year period or more, France is actually cheaper than sending them to Malaysia,” she explained. “All the horses we’re looking to send have won more in prizemoney than what their lifetime retirement in France will cost.” The group has already received support from expat Australian trainers Dan Meagher and Tim Fitzsimmons. It’s one of Fitzsimmons’ former stars, Australian bred gelding Relentless, that has become the banner horse for the SG Racehorse Retirement group. “He was a tough little horse who won five races from 29 starts and almost $400,000 in prizemoney,” Harrison said. “If he’d not run into Singapore’s current superstar in Lim’s Kosciuszko, he would have won the Derby too. “He unfortunately sustained an injury which resulted in an unlikely future return to the track. He’s such a lovely horse and deserves his chance to retire as a horse should. “After a recent visit to see him, I’m thrilled to say he’s thriving in his new life in France.” WATCH: Relentless winning the 2022 Stewards’ Cup in Singapore Since Relentless, Lim’s Force has also made her way to France, while Magic Wand will be the next horse to be rehomed to the European country as part of the project. However, there is more work ahead to secure the necessary funds that will go towards rehoming more horses from Singapore. “When the announcement was made, there were over 35 older horses that we wanted to help but unfortunately many of these have already left for Malaysia,” she said. “There are now only around 15 horses left in our targeted older age group, but we still need support to send these. “Of course, horses that have already gone over to Malaysia could still be sent to France later with the help of their owners. We are also exploring the option to send younger horses that can be retrained as riding horses.” SG Racehorse Retirement are hoping they can receive greater support from horse owners in Singapore, and that the work the group is currently doing can be a conversation starter more broadly for the best ways that thoroughbreds can enjoy their lives once their racing days are over. “I think raising awareness and educating people as to what environment retired horses should really be kept in is a huge start,” Harrison said. “Welfare standards have changed immensely over the last ten to fifteen years and this should be reflected not only in the way we keep horses in training, but in their life after racing. “Once people understand more, they will hopefully be more aware of why we’re doing what we’re doing and want to help us.” More information on the SG Racehorse Retirement group can be found at https://gofund.me/3e8fe861 or on social media: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556717461641.

What do HK buyers look for? www.racing.com It’s the time of year where Hong Kong owners are searching for their next superstar. Earlier this month, the Hong Kong Jockey Club released the list of successful permit holders for their owners ahead of the upcoming season, which determines what owners are able to import a new galloper into Hong Kong and whether that horse has raced previously or not. This week’s Royal Ascot meeting has been a popular shop for Hong Kong owners looking to purchase top European bloodstock, but the majority of horses in the lucrative jurisdiction are from the southern hemisphere, as a planeload of horses from Australia and New Zealand fly into the racing mad city on a regular basis. So, for bloodstock agents and trainers alike, what are they looking for when importing promising tried thoroughbreds from Australia that they think will make the grade at Sha Tin and Happy Valley? George Moore, the son of former top Hong Kong trainer John Moore, recently purchased this year’s Group 3 Black Opal Stakes winner Holmes A Court. An expensive yearling, Holmes A Court had four starts for Peter and Paul Snowden and contested the G1 Golden Slipper at his final Australian start, before moving on to join Tony Cruz’s stable. “He’s a very good-looking horse,” Moore said. “I thought that he’s probably one of the better horses that I have imported into Hong Kong, or anyone has imported into Hong Kong in the last couple of months, so we’re quite excited to see what he can do.” WATCH: Holmes A Court’s biggest win to date Holmes A Court (Capitalist x Menagerie) wins the Group 3 Black Opal Stakes in Canberra on Sunday March 10th 2024.🐎🏆🥇 Trainer: @SnowdenRacing1 Jockey: @TommyBerry21 Video: Sky Racing Congratulations to all connections!!@NewgateFarm @Chinahorseclub @gobloodstockaus pic.twitter.com/AUPUCyUsSl — Trilogy Racing (@TrilogyRacing1) March 12, 2024 While Moore’s owners determine the kinds of tried horses that he buys from Australia, there are a few key rules that he follows when it comes to the physical nature and form of a horse. “The general rules for Hong Kong are 480kg or above, horse 15.3 (hands) minimum (height), progressive form with no more than nine starts,” he said. “Ideally, I’d probably want something with three to four starts and progressive form.” Moore, who was behind the purchases of subsequent superstars Rapper Dragon and Beauty Generation, noted that size does matter when it comes to sourcing bloodstock for Hong Kong, as he said that more lightly framed horses don’t tend to acclimatise to the unique environment as well. “A lot of my clients will ask me about weights,” he said. “Probably the second question most clients in Hong Kong will ask, ‘what’s the weight of the horse?’” When it comes to helping horses become accustomed to the conditions of life as a racehorse in Hong Kong and living in double-storey stable buildings in the bustling city, that’s the job of the trainer. Thirteen-time champion jockey turned trainer Douglas Whyte has Robbie Laing’s former galloper Hey Fat Cat coming to join his stable imminently. Under Laing’s care, the son of Rubick won at Sale and Sandown, and wasn’t far behind elite gallopers Mr Brightside, Southport Tycoon and Veight when he did race at the highest level. “He looks a nice individual, he’s only a three-year-old going on four now but he looks like he’s been running and handling himself well in real group one races,” Whyte said. “He’s probably just a length or two behind them at the moment and it looks like if he does step up, he could be a proper individual for the Four-Year-Old Series next year.” Whyte has already enjoyed success as a trainer with horses bought from the land Down Under. His first group one winner as a trainer was in the 2022 Centenary Sprint Cup with Stronger, who had won three races for the Snowden’s before making the move to Hong Kong. In Hey Fat Cat, Whyte believes that he has a horse that “ticks all the boxes” for Hong Kong racing. “He’s got a lovely action, he’s got speed, gate speed, he’s finishing a couple of lengths behind the top end there and he looks like he handles fast ground,” Whyte said. “He’s got a lot going for him. As I said, he’s got to lift his game slightly. When horses do come to Hong Kong, there’s a bit of a shell shock in what’s expected of them in the pressurized jurisdiction that it is, but he looks like a big enough, well-tempered enough horse that I’m hoping he can handle all of that.” WATCH: Hey Fat Cat’s win at Sandown Whyte described the task of getting a new horse to acclimatise to Hong Kong as being one requiring time and patience, but one that’s also rewarding too. “It’s a pleasure watching them develop and it’s a pleasure being part of that slow development and watching things unfold,” he said. “I think what I’ve come to enjoy most about it is the preparation. You can get on a horse and aim towards a race and when you get there, you really appreciate the time, effort and the journey along the way that’s afforded you to get to that particular race.”

They are saving money @Brodie because they know you are near a machine wanting to bet. They're just not sure which bar you're in so they've disconnected all of them.

I guess you thought you had been spotted in your long coat and glasses.

All over it would appear. A mate sent this to me from Wellington.