Chief Stipe

Or class horses to run on a decent track.

PRESS RELEASE: BLACK TYPE CHANGES AT TRENTHAM “The release of the New Zealand Pattern Committee’s 2024 report is a reminder of the need to ensure the best horses can attend our best races” says RACE’s CEO Tim Savell as a suite of programming changes are announced for the upcoming summer. RACE General Manager of Racing Brad Taylor is under no illusions about the response to the constructive feedback received from the Pattern Committee. “The downgrade of the Levin Classic to Group 2 status is disappointing but fair. We need to make immediate changes to the program to give our other at-risk Group One’s the best chance to maintain their status at the pinnacle of New Zealand racing”. These changes will see revised programmes for the December and January meetings at RACE Trentham, which has the overall effect of providing an increased number of blue ribbon racedays for members, owners and fans to attend. Saturday December 7 sees the first Group One of the season raced at Trentham, the $400,000 TAB Classic over 1600m. Pleasingly, the warning on this race has been removed but the same cannot be said for the 2YO 1100m Wakefield Challenge Stakes. The Pattern Committee have recommended this race move back two weeks, to attract a better field of two year olds. It will now run on December 21, the LawnMaster Christmas at the Races meeting. The Group 3 LawnMaster Eulogy Stakes was originally set down for Sunday December 15, but it was felt a Saturday was a more appropriate date for a black type race, and it has also transferred to Saturday December 21. The Group 2 Manawatu Challenge Stakes and Group 3 Humphries Construction Manawatu Cup were already scheduled for this date, which will now host a hefty load of four group races on the day - a great lead in to Christmas. Saturday 4 January is the start of the NZCIS Wellington Cup Carnival and was set to host the Listed Marton Cup and the transferred Group 3 Anniversary Handicap. However this raceday has now had a serious upgrade with the moving forward of the TAB Telegraph by one week to run on January 4. On a warning and in severe risk of a downgrade, it has been agreed to move the Worlds’ fastest 1200m Group One so that eligible sprinters can compete at both the Telegraph and Ellerslie’s Railway, with the optimal three week break in between starts. "This moves gives our Group 1 sprinters a three week gap rather than two weeks between New Zealand's two Group 1 1200 metre events. We have to thank NZTR, Entain and the Pattern Committee for agreeing to the move and also Auckland Thoroughbred Racing for moving forward the Group 3 Concorde Handicap to early December to give the Northern horses the ideal lead up to the Group 1 Telegraph." Saturday 11 January will now be known as Harcourts Thorndon Mile Day and is part of The Grand Tour Racing Festival. The Thorndon Mile is now also on a warning, but it is hoped the $100,000 stakes increase and move forward by one week will assist Wellington’s premier mile race. The Group 2 Levin Classic will still run this day on a reduced stake of $400,000, as will the $150,000 G3 Trentham Stakes and Listed $100k Wellesley Stakes. The carnival reaches its peak on Saturday 18 January with the 152nd edition of the NZ Campus of Innovation and Sport Wellington Cup, running at an increased stake of $400,000 this year. Aussie sensations Peking Duk will return to highlight the off-track action, with the Group 3 Desert Gold Stakes and $350,000 Remutaka Classic also on the card. Looking forward a little further, the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks on March 22 is the main benefactor of the downgrade of the Levin Classic, with the stakes being transferred to being the race up to a whopping $1 million in prizemoney. “This iconic race is also now on a warning” explains Brad Taylor, “We hope that a million dollars in stakes is an attractive proposition to ensure next season the best three-year-old staying fillies are at Trentham in March. This is an important Group 1 on our calendar for several reasons so seeing the best fillies here is key to it retaining its Group 1 status”. Set to run on March 29, Brad also notes that “the Courtesy Ford Manawatu Sires Produce Stakes has had its warning removed, which is great news as the 2YO Group One returns to it’s home at RACE Awapuni next season”. A lift in prizemoney to $550,000 is also on the cards for what will be the first black type meeting in the Manawatu in over 18 months. RACE Upcoming Meetings

No not upsetting. Just running a public forum I have to balance free speech vs legal obligations.

Great to see ENTAIN donate $5,000.

Who knows but at the end of the day if there is an employment issue then there are processes to follow and mostly they are not played out in a public forum.

Hidden. BTW how much have you contributed?

Regardless of whether it is fake news or not. From my experience there is normally a process to rigidly follow in these cases if indeed there is a case. I have yet to see a process that involves telling a random third party. What do you mean by that?

How does this piece of fake news relate to the screen shot you posted? Have you finally completely lost the plot?

Punters' win in new RV fields policy www.racing.com Racing Victoria says it expects punters both on-course and online to benefit from its overhauled race fields policy, which was revealed to bookies this week. In a significant shift from the current policy, RV confirmed a raft of changes which should leave punters better off. RV hopes the changes will see punters benefit from better prices on Victorian races, both on-course and on the exchange. It is also hoped that it will lead to more generous investment from WSPs on Victorian racing, especially on metro race days. RV also said it expected the total race field income generated to remain broadly the same year-on-year on a net basis. As part of the changes, RV confirmed: • There will be a simplified race fields model, which will replace the 'greater of' monthly calculation on turnover and revenue; • The removal of all race field fees charged on free bet turnover; • Movement to a single race field fee rate for all meetings, plus applying an increase to pari-mutuel rates to remove the historic discount linked to VicTAB; • Rates for on-course bookmaker activity set at 0.5 per cent; • Replacement of the current threshold discount structure with new, more graduated structure; and • There will be increased support for sophisticated punters, which will include stopping WSPs restricting MBL access when operating more than one brand and requiring WSPs to demonstrate genuine risk when applying robotic betting MBL exclusion. CEO Aaron Morrison said the changes come following a comprehensive review. "The enhancements are being made in line with the commencement of our new funding model here in Victoria and the initial feedback has been positive across different sections of the market," Morrison said. "Wagering operators expressed a desire for a more predictable fee model, one which ultimately provides greater incentives for them to promote Victorian thoroughbred racing to their customers, particularly on feature race days. "This new model provides greater certainty for wagering operators and a stronger incentive to provide punters with value and with it we expect punters to benefit from an uplift in WSP promotional activity on our racing." Morrison said punters were at the forefront of RV's mind when making the changes. "We've also sought to unlock enhanced value for sophisticated punters through a specific fee discount for Betfair on activity sourced from high volume customers," he said. "The new model also provides further support for on-course bookmakers because they're an important part of our rich heritage and add to the race-day experience. "Through fee reductions, they are encouraged to continue offering a highly competitive market that rewards those punters who head trackside. "We want to see Victorian thoroughbred racing remain the primary product of choice for both wagering operators and punters and this revamped race fields model is designed to foster that, whilst maintaining critical funding to support returns to owners and participants."

I'm sure some local Riccarton people would love to comment. How many horses has he raced? More than 90?

Seems Tim Mills is on everything. Handicapping Review, Jumps Review.

Getting Lauren To The Winning Post With Her Cancer Battle At Te Akau Racing, we know that team and family really matter - and today we are reaching out to ask for your support in the cancer battle faced by one of our valued team members, Lauren Russo. Lauren is an integral part of our team, our family, working both with our horses and as a superstar in our Matamata office. Recently, Lauren received the heartbreaking news that her cancer has returned, and she is now fighting Stage 4 melanoma. In order to give Lauren the best possible chance of recovery, she needs a combined therapy treatment, which includes a drug not funded in New Zealand. The cost for this essential treatment is $80,000, and Lauren needs to start this in three weeks - that's why are reaching out and asking for any contribution you can manage to help ease the financial burden on Lauren and her family. If you are able to contribute, no matter the amount, it would mean the world to Lauren and all of us here at Te Akau Racing. Together, we can rally behind her and show her she’s not alone in this fight. To view the Givealittle page please Click Here. Thank you for your support! With gratitude, The Te Akau Racing Team

So you need credit funding to have a bet? The TAB has probably worked out that you aren't worth the effort. Not black listed per se. They have worked out that you don't put much of your own money into the pool and therefore your contribution to net revenue is zero or if you withdraw cash regularly a net loss.

You and I disagree. The anti-racing brigade are a minority albeit a vocal minority. The social license construct is a self-defeating distraction to buy into. You don't need to have a majority of the public supporting racing just a percentage that is enough to sustain it. A corollary would be football vs rugby. The industry's focus should be on the bigger issues of safe tracks, handicapping, programming and the cost of providing the product. If those things are not addressed then there won't be enough product to sustain the industry.

I imagine the "wind it down plan" would be easier for NZTR. The "re-energise it" would require them to get on top of the very issues that affect flat racing!! They don't seem to be on top of the latter. Hopefully they will wake up soon and realise that Novelty and Slot races AREN'T re-energising flat racing when there are still track issues, programming issues, handicapping issues etc.

I'm guessing when they went through the App upgrades they worked on customer retention. The initial response from the customers was really negative and betting dropped off. So it made sense to incentivise customers to retain them. The focus now is on getting new customers particularly via the Betcha platform. So the marketing budget which comprises Bonus Bets and Top Up's will be focussed on that platform and/or new customer acquisition. Then again a BB is hardly a free lunch. Basically it is a loan on credit which if your bet is successful you pay back anyway from your winnings.

Well true jumps racing enthusiasts would also want change i.e. better programming and more opportunities which arguably would constitute change.

But change for what? Are the 90% animal welfare activists that want jumps racing stopped?

So master statistician how would you "fix it"?

Ellerslie given green light for racing’s return loveracing.nz Ellerslie is set to host some of the biggest race meetings on the calendar this season, but for Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) chief executive Paul Wilcox, one raceday stands above the rest. The newly installed StrathAyr track is set to host its first meeting of the season on Saturday-week, with many industry participants eager to see how it will cope with the stresses of racing after undergoing remedial work over winter. The new surface hosted its first race meeting in January to much fanfare, however, a fortnight later at the Karaka Millions meeting it came under scrutiny after a couple of horses lost their footing. The track subsequently held a handful of meetings, including Auckland Cup and New Zealand Derby Day, before two meetings in April were partially abandoned due to horses slipping. The track was set to undergo some planned remedial work over winter, however, the club’s last scheduled meeting of the season on May 25 was transferred to Pukekohe Park to allow for the work to commence immediately. Following the remedial work, the track has hosted a number of successful jump-outs and trials, including 22 heats on Tuesday, giving the club plenty of confidence heading into their opening meeting of the season. “There was a surface tension that was created when we were feeding the grass to get it to grow that created a root matting at the top layer,” Wilcox said. “We have done the renovations where we have removed that and yesterday we had no issues. We are relieved.” Wilcox said the club has been canvassing trainers for their feedback from the trials, and they have received positive reports. “So far, so good,” Wilcox said. “Craig Baker (ATR Executive General Manager of Racing) has been talking with some of the trainers this (Wednesday) morning to see how their horses have pulled up and everything seems good there. We are happy.” Over winter, ATR flew in a number of track specialists from Australia to assist with the track renovation, which Wilcox said was hugely beneficial. “We got Chris Hay, who looks after the StrathAyr tracks in Tasmania, and Liam O’Keeffe from Flemington, whose track is a sand profile track and presents the same way as ours does,” he said. “Utilising the skillset of two guys who are at the top of their game is something we are never afraid of. We got them in to help to give us the advice and changes that were needed to make sure we had the surface to present to enable racedays. “Every track has its own intricacies. It doesn’t matter if it is turf, sand or synthetic, you utilise people with the skillsets that have the knowledge of preparation. We used them and they gave us some good advice, and we had a successful day (of trials) yesterday. “We did everything in the book to get it (track) to where it needs to be.” The StrathAyr track has cost the club north of $50 million, which comes with pressure, and Wilcox said the club has felt both support and scrutiny following the track’s performance to date. “The money is irrelevant, it is making sure we have got a surface that can perform on raceday,” he said. “We had a slip, and that wasn’t good enough, so it was making sure that we can get the surface that gives the confidence to the jockeys and horses that are going around. “There has been an element of negativity, but that is to be expected in the industry that we are in. All-in-all the trainers that have been supportive of us are wanting it to go well because they are wanting to have the ability to race at Ellerslie. We have been getting some really good support.” There is plenty to look forward to at Ellerslie this season, including the blockbuster Champions Day in March, which will host the inaugural $3.5 million The NZB Kiwi (1500m). However, Wilcox said his team’s primary focus at this stage is their first meeting of the season next Saturday. “We have got the new Champions Day in March, and we are looking forward to that, but I will be a happier man when we get that 21st (of September) meeting out of the way, which is what we are focussing on,” he said.

Walker teams up with Kheir www.racing.com Ozzie Kheir has an impressive string of spring contenders to look forward to across Melbourne and Sydney on Saturday, but also front of mind for the successful owner is a comparatively lowly maiden at Geelong on Friday. When Savabeel filly Exuberance contests the race for three-year-old fillies over 1140 metres, it will be the first horse to race in Kheir's colours for Matamata (New Zealand) and Cranbourne-based trainer Mark Walker. "I met Mark for lunch and really enjoyed his company and passion towards horses," Kheir said this week. "He is obviously extremely good at his work to achieve what he has in New Zealand and I'm very excited to have him train this filly, who looks a really nice type." Kheir is not alone in expecting Exuberance to start the relationship with a prominent showing on Friday, as Walker sees plenty of quality in the unraced filly. "She's shown a lot in our trials in New Zealand and jumped out well at Cranbourne, so we think she's a nice filly," Walker said from Cranbourne on Wednesday morning. "She can go a little bit keen, but she's got a lot of untapped natural ability." Kheir has also sent Walker a homebred Frankel two-year-old who Walker said is likely to one day make her mark. "She's more of a staying type of filly," Walker explained. "We will give her a two-year-old prep just to make sure she knows what she's doing as a three-year-old as she looks an Oaks filly." The Cranbourne arm of Walker's flourishing training business is set to expand this spring after a smaller opening more than a year ago. "We've got 30 boxes completed and they've started the next stage with an office block and owners' area and another 40 boxes and hopefully that will be ready in six-to-eight weeks' time," Walker said. "We won the (New Zealand) premiership last season again and we had a very good season at home. It's good to have the best of both worlds racing in New Zealand and Australia. "These days, it's very easy to bring them across. It's much easier from Matatama to Cranbourne than it is from Matamata to Trentham. It's actually easier on them." On Saturday, Kheir has shares in the likes of highly talented group Daggers, Nadal, Interpretation and Jimmysstar at Flemington, as well as Bustling and Molly Bloom at Rosehill.

No images? Click here NZTR Outline Next Steps in Future of NZ Jumps Review With the submission date now closed, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) would like to provide an update on the next steps of the Future of NZ Jumps Racing consultation process. In total, 240 submissions were received with representation across all areas of the racing industry. “The volume of submissions that we received is testament to the passion of those involved in the racing industry and is further proof of the need for immediate action,” NZTR CEO Bruce Sharrock said. While there were differing views, 90% of the submissions agreed that the status quo was no longer acceptable. “In early August we asked for the industry to have their say, and they delivered with well thought out ideas and responses to support the next stage of our process in this important decision.” Submissions ranged from owners, trainers, breeders and jockeys and even included racing fans and punters. “Today, a recommendation panel has been announced that will be responsible in reviewing the current state and putting forward a recommendation to the NZTR Board in October aligned to a decision-making framework,” Sharrock added. The independent panel is comprised of those with broad industry knowledge and experience. NZTR Chief Operating Officer Darin Balcombe has been appointed Chair, and will be supported by Mark Chitty, Jessica Brosnan, Regan Donnison, Brad Taylor and Tim Mills. To ensure integrity and robustness of the process Alan Galbraith KC will provide legal overview and endorsement of the decision-making framework. NZTR would like to thank those who took the time to present a submission to the consultation and we look forward to providing more information in the coming months. Corporate Communications New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Contact: Catlyn Calder +64 27 252 2803 nztrcommunications@nztr.co.nz

Why? The tracks ok.

None of that is a hard fix. Let's face it it's a decision by NZTR to not race at Avondale or an argument over who pays. The fire was end of December 2023. 8 Months ago.

Sorry I didn't realise there were TWO different roadshows. I guess that means double the airpoints.