Chief Stipe

Asfoora stamps Imperatriz's form. I wonder what @holy ravioli thinks.

Asfoora's Royal Ascot triumph | RACING.COM www.racing.com Asfoora continued Australia’s brilliant record in Royal Ascot’s feature sprints with a scintillating win in the Group 1 King Charles Stakes (1000m) on Tuesday. Henry Dwyer’s gamble to campaign the five-year-old on the world stage paid handsome dividends when she demolished a field of the UK’s premier sprinters. The mare always appeared to travel sweetly just behind the speed on the stand side and noticeably quickened when jockey Oisin Murphy asked for an effort inside the final 400m. Asfoora claimed the lead inside the final 150m and put a length on runner-up Regional at the iconic winning post, with race favourite Big Evs a further half-length away in third. SHE'S DONE IT! Asfoora wins the King Charles III Stakes for @HDwyerRacing & Australia ⭐ pic.twitter.com/asoXdQNOLE — Racing.com (@Racing) June 18, 2024 Asfoora is the eighth Australian-trained horse to win at Royal Ascot and the third mare after Miss Andretti and Black Caviar. Six Aussie sprinters have now won the King Charles Stakes. Dwyer said the win was a dream come true and vindication for the decision to chase an international Group 1 win, despite the fact she hasn’t won at the elite level in Australia. “We’ve come a long way from Ballarat but it’s been an amazing experience from start to finish and we’ve been so well looked after and we’re so grateful for that,” Dwyer said. “It was a bit of an audacious plan and we got a bit of stick at home for bringing her over because she wasn’t seen as one of our better sprinters but we were just so confident that she was a really textbook five furlong (horse) and she’s proven that today. “I fully expected to be broke by the age of 30 but I was incredibly lucky to have a couple of Group 1 winners in my first year but it’s been a bit of a dry spell since then in terms of Group 1 wins. “This mare really deserved one because she’s had so much go against her in the Group 1 races she’s run in Australia. “To get a Group 1 win at home is great but to get one at Royal Ascot is amazing. “We don’t expect to have these horses, it’s just an absolute luxury to have them and I’m so grateful to Akram (El-Fahkri) for entrusting me with her.” Murphy said he was confident in the run that Asfoora could finish off up the stiff Ascot rise. “I’m thrilled for connections because it was very brave to come from Australia with a very good horse but she’s taken all the travel and performed on the day,” Murphy said. “I wasn’t focusing on Big Evs, I was focusing on Regional and he gave me the perfect tow to halfway. “She lugged a little bit right under pressure but how good was she on the line.” "We've come a long way from Ballarat."@HDwyerRacing adds his name to the list of Australian trainers to have conquered Royal Ascot 🎩 pic.twitter.com/CaGOfDaNrs — Racing.com (@Racing) June 18, 2024

Hunches are all around...

Horse breeders know how to run a breeding business and trade horses but have limited understanding of racing or wagering.

Perhaps she could practice on herself first and then only if successful start on someone else.

Uh? Please explain.

Jacinda Ardern to lead global fellowship of progressive leaders By 1News Reporters 3:10pm Jacinda Ardern. (Source: Jacinda Ardern/Facebook) Former prime minister Jacinda Ardern has announced she will lead a new fellowship programme for political leaders about leading with kindness and empathy. Named Field, the programme will begin in Europe and bring together progressive politicians for a year-long programme. "Field is hosted by Global Progress and will create a network of like-minded political leaders who use pragmatic idealism, speak to people with hope and optimism rather than fear or blame, and want to unite, rather than divide as we look to solve the challenges ahead," Ardern said in a statement. She said it was an "incredibly humbling and exciting" project to lead. "[It's] all part of my ongoing mission to help rehumanise leadership and just be useful."

17 in my case.

Have you stopped breeding @curious ?

Russell Warwick Appointed Chairman of the NZTR Board Russell Warwick has been appointed by the NZTR Board as Chairman at today’s June Board meeting. Taking effect immediately, Warwick will replace current Chairman Cameron George following his announcement to step down at the end of the current racing season, 31 July. Russell Warwick brings a wealth of industry knowledge and administrative experience to the appointment. As the General Manager of Westbury Stud, Warwick’s ability to lead one of NZ’s elite breeding and racing programmes made him an excellent candidate for the NZTR Chair. “The industry has made excellent headway in recent times, but there is still a lot of work to do,” Warwick said. “I really enjoy being able to give back to the industry, and timing wise, I feel I can offer a constructive view as we look to inspire a new generation of stakeholders and encourage further growth within the business.” Warwick is quick to congratulate outgoing Chairman Cameron George on the improvements to racing during his tenure as Chairman. “Cameron George’s contribution to New Zealand Racing throughout his tenure is unmatched. He has driven growth and guided the industry into a period of change that has brought new life and excitement to the sport.” Under his leadership, George, who has served as Chair since 2020, has played a pivotal role in steering NZTR and the racing industry through various challenges and sizeable achievements over recent years. “My journey at NZTR started with navigating a path forward for the business through COVID-19,” George said. “Over time, we have managed to rebuild the industry into the strong position it now holds, demonstrating the resilient team environment I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved in over the last four years. “ “I’ve enjoyed all the challenges this role has presented me with and the changes that have be made. We have developed initiatives like the NZB Kiwi alongside NZB and Entain and I couldn’t be more excited to see that race come to life.” “With a proven track record in outstanding leadership, industry knowledge and relationships we have absolute confidence in Russell’s ability to continue with the momentum underway." Corporate Communications New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Contact: Catlyn Calder +64 27 252 2803 nztrcommunications@nztr.co.nz FacebookLinkedInWebsite

@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.