Chief Stipe

Many didn't know about the problem until the horses cooled down or when they got them home.

Would you like to edit the posts where you said or inferred you did?

Why doesn't TAB Trackside and ENTAIN provide it? They need a data uplink for their broadcasting and terminals. Reserve some bandwidth for punters using the app. Although I sense the new app might be bandwidth hungry.

I'm not sure who the "Tight Five" are that you refer to. What I do know is those that a similar view to mine have a passion for the industry, have worked hands-on very hard in the industry and still do. They don't predict doom and gloom - they are describing what is happening. They point out the issues that they are experiencing now and for the last 25+ years. They see the same mistakes still being made. I'm sure most of them would rather see the novelty stakes distributed down the tree, the top tier reduced 25% so they could race on decent safe and fair tracks with good jockeys with a fair Handicap system. They're not afraid with competing with all comers including the KM raffle ticket owners. Footnote: Arguably in the last 4 years the best 2yr old in NZ hasn't been eligible to race in the Karaka Millions. How does that help NZ racing long term?

I'm not "casting aspersions" I'm asking a valid question. I'm surprised that as a Cost Accountant who frequently reminds us of your friends in racings elite circles that you don't have the answers at your finger tips. With your Kool-aid glazed eyes you once again miss the point. As @curious has eluded to NZB are using anti-competitive behaviour to exclude what was once a very large and strong pillar of NZ Racing - the home and farm breeder from competing for a significant amount of stake money. In my opinion that does nothing to help grow the NZ Thorougbred racing population. The reality is NZB are shooting themselves in the foot. Those who we need to put their couple of mares in the home paddock to commercial stallions have been excluded as have those taking the risk of improving bloodlines by buying from Australian Sales. NZB with the stroke of a pen could change that by allowing anyone intending to race a yearling in NZ the option of joining the sweepstake. What is NZB contribution to the $16m+ in sweepstake racing? As for ENTAINS contribution via the suits at NZTR that money is INDUSTRY money for ALL stakeholders to compete for not just those with tickets in the KM marketing extravaganza. I'll say it again it screws and skews the pattern, it disincentives the very people we need to stay involved and does ZERO to address the fundamental issues facing the industry. In fact it's making those issues worse!

Glad you finally agree. Tokyo Tycoon raced on the dodgy new Ellerslie Strathayr and like quite a few horses that raced that night went lame. But all good everyone including you had a great party.

A rough estimate is at least $16m in stakes is restricted by KM eligibility. (Anyone got a more accurate figure?) Does anyone know the breakdown of the NZB, KM entry fee and NZTR/ENTAIN contributions? How much subsidisation is occurring with money sourced from the general pool of revenue?

Well anyone who buys or breeds outside the KM eligibility. But is that a good thing for anyone?

So @TAB For Ever how much is NZB contributing?

I'm going to get laughed at for this but... This is definitely cartel like behaviour. I can't see how some top syndicating stables see this as advantageous to their operation. Why continue to buy well bred yearlings in OZ if you are denied entry to so much in stakes. Let alone the skewing of the pattern. For example should the Karaka Millions listed race be given more value than two Grp 1 seconds?

No 40 Maiden races September to May are going to have bonuses if your winning horse is KM eligible.

Geez not much help if you bred your own horse or bought it from OZ or didn't pay the KM sweepstake fee!

Million Dollar Maiden Series Boost for Karaka Millions Sent on behalf of New Zealand Bloodstock and New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing. Karaka Millions riches are set to be amplified next season, with horses eligible for the lucrative NZB Karaka Millions Series racing for an additional $1m in bonuses. In an exciting new initiative, NZB and NZTR, generously supported by Entain, are delighted to announce the Karaka Millions Mega Maiden Series, which will see $1m in bonuses up for grabs across 40 maiden races each season, for the next three years. Comprised of 40 non-Saturday maiden races located throughout New Zealand, a $25,000 bonus will be struck if a Karaka Millions eligible horse, three years or older, wins. The winning owner will take home $20,000 and the successful trainer $5,000. NZB Managing Director Andrew Seabrook said NZB has been wanting to see more of its sales graduates reap the benefits of the Karaka Millions Series for some time. “By hosting a $1m maiden series over 40 races, that goal will be well and truly satisfied,” he said. “I'd like to thank Bruce Sharrock, Cameron George and the NZTR Board for their continued support of NZB and the Karaka Millions Series. ”Because of NZTR's financial contribution, we were able to raise the TAB Karaka Millions 3YO to $1.5m this year which in turn led to a much larger uptake in nominations. As a result of that we are now able to introduce this new maiden series, which will get to the grass roots of racing in this country. “I'd also like to thank Dean Shannon, Lachlan Fitt, Cameron Rodger and their wider team, whose contribution to this new initiative underscores Entain’s desire to see our industry thrive at every level.” NZTR will determine which 40 maiden races will feature in the 24/25 season Series, which will run from September to May of each racing year. The selected races will be announced next week with NZTR Chief Executive Officer Bruce Sharrock pleased to see additional bonuses elevate the New Zealand racing product across the board. “NZTR is proud to be working with NZB and Entain to bring an additional million dollars in bonus funding to benefit owners and trainers across the regions,” he said. “Following on from other collaborations recently, this is yet another initiative to encourage people to breed, purchase and race horses in New Zealand.” In 2023 Entain partnered with NZB as naming sponsor of the TAB Karaka Millions Twilight Meeting; the $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) and the $1.5m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m). Entain’s additional support of the Karaka Millions Mega Maiden Series further strengthens that partnership and signals their confidence in the lucrative Karaka Millions Series. “This is a great initiative that we envisage will boost field sizes across the country,” Entain Australia and New Zealand Managing Director – New Zealand, Cameron Rodger said. “Having $25,000 worth of bonuses to chase in a maiden race will undoubtedly encourage Kiwi owners and trainers to keep striving for that maiden win. This series, as well as series like the Entain NZB Insurance Pearl Series, means there are more bonus opportunities for more horses in New Zealand than ever before.” Catlyn Calder Corporate Comms & PR Lead New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing +64 027 252 2803 Catlyn.Calder@nztr.co.nz Jessie Gower Client and Public Relations Manager New Zealand Bloodstock +64 21 524 443 Jessie.Gower@nzb.co.nz

Throwing more stakes at the industry is just rinse and repeat of a past failed strategy. What's the bet that $10m will be allocated to more Novelty Races screwing the pattern and top tier races. I guess with the latter they might get them high enough to attract some OZZIE raiders.

You obviously are drunk on the Kool-aid!!! Or you didn't bother to read the document. I post it in pieces for you so you play with it like a jigsaw! First piece from the front cover - The Title.

What does any of the current NZTR management know about training a horse? Let alone producing a track they can compete fairly on!

You are so drowning in the kool-aid! They had ample time AND money to get it right first time. The fact they didn't and the damage caused on Karaka Millions night has left a lot of doubt in a lot of people's mind. The actions since have done nothing to alleviate those concerns. Anyway this Topic is about mentoring Jockey's and you diverged.

But that hasn't gone very well so far has it? Will NZTR be reviewing the advice they have been given, the advice they are giving and who is doing the advising? Perhaps Ellerslie, Te Aroha and Awapuni could be good case studies to start with.

Bought out by Arnott's. Did you play with these at work smoko's?

Any chocolate ones left?

It apparently looked super Karaka Millions night. Did you try slipping on it? Did you have our umbrella penetrometer?

Uh? You've repeatedly quoted Mesara has saying that very thing or words to that effect. Are you equivocating?

Of course that shouldn't detract from the Venue Plan being a crock of BS and spin.

Given the amount of rain during the weeks prior and the lack of drying conditions the track condition is plausible.

But you have no proof they irrigated.