Chief Stipe

Yes and compared to a conference centre what was its occupancy rate? My point exactly. What happened in the three decades after it was built? You can't blame the last decade!!

I've been to many sales and know exactly how horse traders work. Been like that ever since Texas Jack tried to buy an Apaloosa off Chief Powhatan. Or more on topic - since Thomas Darley conned Sheikh Mirza II into selling the Bedouin colt - The Darley Arabian. Why would I bother when you have the answer and won't publish it. Better things to do than chase your "got the pip" conspiracies.

The old Stud/Bloodstock/Buyer conspiracy theory. Yeah nah!

Yes they HAVE to run racing as self-sustaining business and they don't have a monopoly i.e. the have a strong competitor next door in NSW. Although are there cracks emerging in NSW. PS: They also irrigate and invest in frequent track renovations in VIC.

BettingIndustry Tabcorp fined $4.6m for betting licence breaches Tabcorp has been hit with a massive $4.6 million fine for wagering law breaches. By Adam Dobbin 12:35pm • 23 August 2024 5 Comments Betting firm Tabcorp has been hit with an eye-watering $4.6 million fine by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission for "systemic operational deficiencies and non-compliance with the conditions of its wagering licence". The unprecedented penalty follows extensive investigations by the Commission into Tabcorp which unearthed several instances of non-compliance with its regulatory obligations over a 2-½ year period. Included in the raft of findings was an instance where a Tabcorp account manager placed a ‘Responsible Gambling Call' to a customer due to concerning betting behaviour which concluded with a $2000 deposit match offer being allocated to the customer's account. "This action is indicative of a culture in which the licence holder's harm minimisation obligations were not taken seriously," Commission Chair Fran Thorn said. "The recorded call provides evidence of a lack of commitment to responsible gambling policies and demonstrates a lack of concern for the customer's wellbeing. "Instead of offering support or making suggestions to help the customer manage their gambling, the call was used as an opportunity to encourage them to continue gambling." • Gillon McLachlan appointed $1.5 million-a-year Tabcorp CEO In handing down the monster fine, Ms. Thorn added that Tabcorp had repeatedly breached the Wagering and Betting Licence and Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct between August 2020 and February 2023. "Tabcorp's breaches reflect systemic operational deficiencies and non-compliance with the conditions of its licence, the consequences of which have included significant harm to a customer," Ms Thorn said. Tabcorp has been slugged with a $4.6 million fine by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission • Is Gillon McLachlan the man to turn around Tabcorp's fortunes? "The hefty fine, the largest the Commission has ever issued to Tabcorp, is proportionate to the seriousness of the licensee's misconduct. It sends a clear message to the gambling industry that this kind of behaviour is not acceptable and will not be tolerated." Other breaches which led to the substantial fine includes instances of direct marketing material being sent to a customer six times despite the customer having opted out of receiving the material. The Commission also declared Tabcorp had "failed to minimise the potential for gambling harm through inadequate training of employees" and "failed to provide appropriate support to a customer exhibiting observable signs of distress or indicators of potential gambling harm". To address the breaches, Tabcorp has been ordered to implement a transformation program to overhaul its operations. "The Commission has given Tabcorp clear instructions on what it must do to improve its operations and prioritise gambling harm minimisation," Ms. Thorn added. "The directed transformation program is intended to future proof Tabcorp's gambling operations to ensure it complies with the law. "We will be actively monitoring to ensure that the transformation program requirements are not only implemented quickly but are effective in ensuring ongoing compliance with the law." Following news of the decision by the VGCCC, a spokesperson for Tabcorp said "the harm minimisation measures in place by Tabcorp at the time did not meet community or regulatory expectations. Nor did it meet the expectations that current management expect of the company and its people. "Tabcorp has since taken significant steps to improve customer safety, including re-structuring the Safer Gambling Team which has led to an increase in customer interventions. "We are also introducing new technology to detect changes in customer behaviour faster so we can intervene sooner to protect customers from gambling harm. "Tabcorp will continue to work collaboratively with the VGCCC to support the important work they do to keep the community safe." Read all news by Adam Dobbin

BettingIndustry Tabcorp fined $4.6m for betting licence breaches Tabcorp has been hit with a massive $4.6 million fine for wagering law breaches. By Adam Dobbin 12:35pm • 23 August 2024 5 Comments Betting firm Tabcorp has been hit with an eye-watering $4.6 million fine by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission for "systemic operational deficiencies and non-compliance with the conditions of its wagering licence". The unprecedented penalty follows extensive investigations by the Commission into Tabcorp which unearthed several instances of non-compliance with its regulatory obligations over a 2-½ year period. Included in the raft of findings was an instance where a Tabcorp account manager placed a ‘Responsible Gambling Call' to a customer due to concerning betting behaviour which concluded with a $2000 deposit match offer being allocated to the customer's account. "This action is indicative of a culture in which the licence holder's harm minimisation obligations were not taken seriously," Commission Chair Fran Thorn said. "The recorded call provides evidence of a lack of commitment to responsible gambling policies and demonstrates a lack of concern for the customer's wellbeing. "Instead of offering support or making suggestions to help the customer manage their gambling, the call was used as an opportunity to encourage them to continue gambling." • Gillon McLachlan appointed $1.5 million-a-year Tabcorp CEO In handing down the monster fine, Ms. Thorn added that Tabcorp had repeatedly breached the Wagering and Betting Licence and Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct between August 2020 and February 2023. "Tabcorp's breaches reflect systemic operational deficiencies and non-compliance with the conditions of its licence, the consequences of which have included significant harm to a customer," Ms Thorn said. Tabcorp has been slugged with a $4.6 million fine by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission • Is Gillon McLachlan the man to turn around Tabcorp's fortunes? "The hefty fine, the largest the Commission has ever issued to Tabcorp, is proportionate to the seriousness of the licensee's misconduct. It sends a clear message to the gambling industry that this kind of behaviour is not acceptable and will not be tolerated." Other breaches which led to the substantial fine includes instances of direct marketing material being sent to a customer six times despite the customer having opted out of receiving the material. The Commission also declared Tabcorp had "failed to minimise the potential for gambling harm through inadequate training of employees" and "failed to provide appropriate support to a customer exhibiting observable signs of distress or indicators of potential gambling harm". To address the breaches, Tabcorp has been ordered to implement a transformation program to overhaul its operations. "The Commission has given Tabcorp clear instructions on what it must do to improve its operations and prioritise gambling harm minimisation," Ms. Thorn added. "The directed transformation program is intended to future proof Tabcorp's gambling operations to ensure it complies with the law. "We will be actively monitoring to ensure that the transformation program requirements are not only implemented quickly but are effective in ensuring ongoing compliance with the law." Following news of the decision by the VGCCC, a spokesperson for Tabcorp said "the harm minimisation measures in place by Tabcorp at the time did not meet community or regulatory expectations. Nor did it meet the expectations that current management expect of the company and its people. "Tabcorp has since taken significant steps to improve customer safety, including re-structuring the Safer Gambling Team which has led to an increase in customer interventions. "We are also introducing new technology to detect changes in customer behaviour faster so we can intervene sooner to protect customers from gambling harm. "Tabcorp will continue to work collaboratively with the VGCCC to support the important work they do to keep the community safe." Read all news by Adam Dobbin

As part of $316m in stakes distribution.

RV's key prizemoney, ASM changes www.racing.com Racing Victoria has announced a number of key changes to prizemoney and the All-Star Mile for the 2024-25 season. New CEO Aaron Morrison, who stepped into the chair earlier this week, has flagged a number of imminent changes to both prizemoney and the ASM. And on Friday afternoon, he announced those amendments, with grassroots racing receiving a significant boost. Here are the key points: All-Star Mile • A commitment of having Group 1 status by 2026 - either by working with Racing Australia's pattern committee or via the Makybe Diva; • To have a permanent home at Flemington; • To have $1.5m reduced from its prizemoney and be run for $2.5m in 2025; and • The ASM will be run on Super Saturday, housed next to the Newmarket Handicap. Prizemoney • Levels to be retained from the 23-24 season ($316m), however, with some funds redistributed to boost grassroots initiatives; • Premier Maidens worth $50,000 will be run every Sunday in country Victoria, starting on October 1; • The creation of an Emerging Stars series in Victoria's west - Ballarat, Geelong and Warrnambool. There will be 10 $75,000 maiden qualifiers from October to December, with a $250,000 final run on Ballarat Cup Day on December 7; • Picnic Cups to get their first prizemoney increase since 2021, going from $7000 to $10,000; • Victoria Racing Club has elected to reduce some of its prizemoney boosts for the 24-25 season, saving $1.125m; • The Bagot and Standish will revert to minimum prizemoney levels for their class; • Roy Higgins and Andrew Ramsden both reduce in prizemoney, but will above minimum level for their class given both are a golden ticket to the Melbourne Cup; • The Australian Cup reduces from $3m to $2.5m to align with the All-Star Mile; and • RV will use $500,000 from the ASM prizemoney reduction to keep the G1 Newmarket Handicap at $1.5m. Other changes • Moonee Valley's Crystal Mile increases from $300,000 to $400,000 and will be run at set-weights-and-penalties conditions rather than weight-for-age; • The Tesio Stakes also goes from $200,000 to $300,000 and increases in distance from 1600m to 2040m; • Caulfield's Blue Diamond series also gets a prizemoney increase with both Previews rising to $250,000, while the Preludes rise to $350,000; • Owners and Breeders Raceday at Caulfield will move from late April to March 15; • The G2 Peter Young Stakes will move from Blue Diamond Day to Owners and Breeders Raceday and will increase in prizemoney to $500,000 (from $300,000); and • The 10th race will continue from September through to April. Morrison said it is key to note that $316m in prizemoney will once again be up for grabs this season despite the 'strategic realignment' of it. Racing still faces a number of headwinds, with a downturn in turnover and other financial pressures - including the cost-of-living crisis - having an impact on the industry. "One of our key goals is to maximise returns to participants and owners. Over the past eight years returns to participants have grown by over $140 million, however, a more-recent downturn in wagering and other financial pressures facing the industry mean that such growth has become more challenging to sustain," Morrison said. "We're undertaking a review of our industry operating model and have been executing a range of cost-saving initiatives to ensure that the prizemoney and bonuses we offer this season can remain at the same level as last season. That is critical to support our participants and owners who invest in the sport." Morrison said the All-Star Mile's permanent home at Flemington on Super Saturday, alongside the Newmarket Handicap, will further strengthen the race. "The connection between the All-Star Mile and Australian Cup has delivered a great racing pathway and narrative over the past two years. This will be cemented with both races now run at Flemington," he said. "The Owner Ambassador competition has been a popular feature of the All-Star Mile. We'll be retaining that unique component and working with the VRC to drive race-day attendance. "We also recognise the importance of investing in grassroots racing for a strong foundation, as well as protecting our major events. That's why we've also sought to strategically realign the allocation of prizemoney across the season. "Prizemoney from the All-Star Mile is being diverted to boost maidens and support our picnic circuit. It will help deliver a $50,000 premier maiden every Sunday in country Victoria and a series of lucrative maidens in the state's west that culminate in a $250,000 final on Ballarat Cup Day. "The realigned prizemoney is also being used to underpin the iconic Newmarket Handicap, support Cox Plate Day and increase early returns for owners via the Blue Diamond Stakes Series." The VRC welcomed the permanent move of the All-Star Mile to Flemington, after it had been rotated annually between Headquarters, Caulfield and Moonee Valley since its inception. "The VRC is pleased to welcome the All-Star Mile to its new home at Flemington Racecourse," said VRC Chairman Neil Wilson. "The All-Star Mile enhances a strong Super Saturday program, which is already a drawcard for racegoers and the country's best horses, trainers and jockeys during the Flemington Racing Spectacular."

For FUCKS sake NO IT ISNT. It is marking the dog in the system as being no longer eligible to race. Just admit you got it wrong!! You really are a piece of work.

I contacted them because you were banging on about some form of conspiracy. It was published that the dog in question was deceased. If it wasn't how the hell did YOU know. YOU KNEW BECAUSE IT WAS PUBLISHED!! However you manipulated the facts to come up with some deranged conspiracy theory and impugned any number of people and organisations.

But what did they do to renovate tracks in the 30 years between the 40 years and the 10 years? Track failures didn't happen over night. As for new grandstands well that was a waste of money wasn't it.

You make vague generalisations and never provide any evidence to support your views. You can improve your odds of getting a fast horse by selecting on breeding, conformation and other factors. Those in the market may share your assessment therefore it becomes a value judgement of how much you are willing to pay. But until you try the horse you don't really know if it can run nor if you got value for money. That's how any bloodstock market works.

Define what IS a Palestinian person. Your "Palestine" has been ruled by many different groups of people from many countries over nearly 4000 years!

The reason is that because of a lack of regular maintenance and renovation programmes we now face big capital infrastructure bills. The only solution ENterTAINed is to sell off assets and spend whatever cash is liberated on centralising racetracks. The irony is that many of those tracks that are in good condition are that way because they didn't have a lot of racing on them.

When exactly? One thing they didn't do is invest in infrastructure for the future. I remember well the times I travelled all over NZ following my horse (52 starts in all and on course for every one of them). The stable facilities at the majority of tracks hadn't been updated or even properly maintained for what looked like 40 years. That was 18 years ago. I doubt many of them have been improved since. The same goes for the tracks - we are now reaping the lack of investment in renovating tracks on a regular basis. So I take the line "we can learn a lot from the past" with a grain of salt. Arguably the past over indulged and didn't invest in the right infrastructure.

How do you know it's slow before you bid for it? At the end of the day the market paid what it wanted for it. Everyone who bids knows what they are bidding for.

What did you want a red one?

I contacted GRNZ and asked. THERE IS NO CONSPIRACY!!! The deceased dog still has a trainer because the process hasn't been completed yet!!! The autopsy hasn't been received!! It is GRNZ's administrative process. I guess (I didn't ask this question) the trainer's name is still there in case the autopsy produces an issue. Anyway what's wrong with a dog's last trainer being available on its public profile forever?

This is the truth Chazza aka @Yankiwi : Timeline - Big Time Taniwha 10:00am Friday 16 August 2024: Nominated for Cambridge to race 22 August 2024 Friday Night 16 August 2024: raced at Wanganui. Wednesday 21 August 2024, Discovered deceased, GRNZ notified and Massey autopsy requested. Note added to dog's file "Awaiting autopsy" and Dog Unticked as being Qualified so cannot be nominated. Death will be formally entered into the system on receipt of autopsy.

FFS @Yankiwi is that really the best you've got? You are nit picking over a system updating issue. THE DOG CAN'T BE NOMINATED AS IT IS DECEASED! However its race records will still be available on the GRNZ database and will be for quite some time into the future. I would say the dog died after nomination and acceptance but before the race. NOT oncourse as you inferred.

That is a total fabrication. The dog was not oncourse.

So you are now questioning the reputation of the Massey Veterinary Unit. Either put up evidence that they have committed fraud or cease and desist from making your baseless accusations. Again consider yourself WARNED!

Really @Yankiwi don't you have better things to do instead of making crap up? You are starting to skate on thin ice so consider yourself warned. I notice you have conveniently NOT commented on the safety rail you keep banging on about.

I disagree with your comment regarding over valued bloodstock. An auction market sets its own price. Many many horses they couldn't give away but that's a completely different topic. On this topic I get the impression trainers from the very large to the very small are extremely nervous about the situation at Ellerslie. I don't understand how limited trainer involvement and influence has been. You mention Go Racing and elude to Te Akau - both have indicated publicly that there are limited opportunities for young sprinters in NZ hence both having to target races in OZ. For example up until it raced on Wedensday Go Racing were taking Velocious to OZ. Go Figure.

Not in the same league as his predecessors. Runs laterally too much better suited to Fullback.