Chief Stipe

I don't think the letter is questioning the right to have an opinion just how that opinion is delivered. Yes sticks and stones hurt but so does repetitive harassment and name calling by the uninformed. Who in their right mind would want to be a track manager in NZ? Further on that I wonder if NZTR will reprimand those licenses and paid commentators that attacked the new HB track manager? Agreed. One owner in particular should get more than a slaps however the last thing we need is him being married a martyr. Yes and even then they are not doing accurately or consistently what they are tasked to do.

Maybe. I disagree. I think the letter is a timely reminder that there is a limit to what can be said online. Yes be highly critical but don't cross the line into personal abuse and name calling. As one forum owner who quotes his mother - "you can't put brains in statues" should reflect on his comments that labels some administrators as "tossers and muppets in suits". That would indicate he is a statue. So with regard to the letter I don't see it as poor leadership. Perhaps it could have been written differently to appeal to the sensitivities of the likes of @curious but it does highlight that certain behaviour won't be tolerated.

Perhaps but the projected year on year EBITDA for MGMBet is US$500m and ENTAIN have always paid dividends to shareholders even when they perhaps shouldn't have.

Yes but there is line that some individuals such as Wightman ( @Transparency ) frequently cross. Which only negates any opinion be it subjective or factually supported.

No point posting that link - many many decent people have been banned from that site. You would be better to screen shot/snip and post the image.

I've been saying for quite some time that the quality control protocols, rules and regulations are in place but there doesn't seem to be any Quality Assurance (QA) going on PRIOR to racemeetings commencing. I thought that the QA role belongs to the RIB. For example reported track ratings. Surely their accuracy is a good guide to the safety of a track or at least a starting point. If those ratings and the underlying measurements are being fudged which they clearly are at Trentham and Riccarton (Turf and AWT) (Ellerslie?) then how can you proactively address track safety? I don't recall ever seeing Stewards walk a whole track BEFORE the races start and a horse slips.

The title consultant doesn't worry me as much as the selection process of the consultant. Both NZTR and HRNZ have serious IT infrastructure issues to deal with. NZTR wasted at least $2m to deliver nothing much.

Racing Codes Unite to Shape the Future of NZ Racing Infrastructure 11 July 2025 , Media Release https://bitofayarn.com New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) and Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ), supported by TAB NZ have today announced the launch of Project Stamina, a landmark collaboration to develop a unified Master Plan for the future of New Zealand’s racing infrastructure. This joint initiative marks a strategic shift from reactive maintenance to long-term, future-focused investment across both Thoroughbred and Harness racing codes. “We have reached a critical point that calls for bold decision making. Project Stamina is about making the necessary decisions to ensure our infrastructure supports a thriving future for horse racing in New Zealand.” said Matt Ballesty, CEO of NZTR. “I’m genuinely excited about the opportunity Project Stamina presents, not just for Thoroughbred racing, but for the entire racing industry. Working alongside Harness Racing NZ and TAB NZ, we have a chance to build something enduring and unified. HRNZ CEO Brad Steele echoed Ballesty’s sentiments and sees the potential in code collaboration. “This is a chance to reshape our future. Collaboration is key to creating venues that serve our people and our sport for generations. It’s time to build infrastructure that matches our industry’s potential, this unified approach is important given the ownership and use profile of many of our venues” Steele added. A key priority now is the engagement of independent consultants who will be central to the delivery of Project Stamina. The selected consultant will work closely with industry leaders and advisors with a target completion date prior of December 2025.

I see Morgan Stanley give ENTAIN their highest rating i.e. AAA.

As ENTAIN are a shareholder in an online Casino what are the chances they will get one of the licenses here? https://www.betmgminc.com/who-we-are/

I'm not sure either. The person I recommended buy to is very happy. At the price a 50% increase is a decent wad of dosh. Enough for you to buy a decent horse and train it with Waller.

I think it is timely to remember the RIU vs Kevin Moreton case where it was clearly established that a license holder can make public comments critiquing the actions of the RIB and NZTR within clear boundaries. I can't find that judgement as it was prior to the period the RIB "upgraded" their website (they should bring those older decisions back online). @curious do you have the Judgement to post?

Correct. BTW have you looked at some of the abusive stuff you have written lately?

Why do you think that the Letter is aiming at the likes of House and Jones? Their opinions were not abusive or personally denigrating.

The one I saw came from NZTR. Regardless it is an Open Letter. That is your perception however I have seen numerous instances of where a line has been crossed. Colin Wightman aka @Transparency for example does it frequently. I've even seen examples of licensed individuals crossing the line. You can critique actions, decisions or lack thereof without denigration or abuse.

So much for the doom and gloom aka @JJ Flash. Time to sell @curious after buying at the low?

Entain shares jump 13% as US sports betting powers growth www.ft.com Https://bitofayarn.com Shares in troubled gambling group Entain jumped 13 per cent on Monday after its US sports betting business upgraded its annual forecasts, in an early boost for new chief executive Stella David. Second-quarter trading at BetMGM, Entain’s US joint venture with New York-listed MGM Resorts International, has been “broadly consistent” with the 34 per cent growth seen in the first quarter, the company said on Monday. BetMGM now expects to report annual group revenues of at least $2.6bn and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation of at least $100mn. It had earlier forecast revenue of between $2.4bn and $2.5bn, and “positive” ebitda. David, Entain’s former chair, was appointed permanent chief executive of the FTSE 100 company in April after performing the role in an interim capacity since February. Today’s upgrade showed she had been able to deliver ahead of expectations, said Barclays analyst Pravin Gondhale. “This is a good sign for them . . . the strategy is working,” he said. David plans to revive the group’s fortunes by growing its share in US online gaming and sports betting — a market that was only legalised in 2018 — as well as tapping into the fast-growing sports betting market in Brazil, another new market. In the first three months of the year, BetMGM, which was formed in 2018, reported earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation of $22mn, its first quarterly profit. Last quarter’s strong performance was driven by growth in sports betting and online gaming, the company said. Entain, which owns Ladbrokes and Coral, provides the technology that sits behind BetMGM, while MGM Resorts International handles the venture’s customer-facing activities. Shore Capital analyst Greg Johnson said Entain’s valuation was “failing to reflect the improving trends” both at the group level and in the US. David is striving to rebuild investor confidence in Entain after a turbulent period characterised by corporate governance concerns and a series of executive departures. The company signed a deferred prosecution agreement in the UK over allegations it failed to prevent bribery in Turkey, while Australia’s financial crimes watchdog launched legal proceedings against Entain, citing breaches of anti-money laundering rules. Entain said previously that it took the allegations “extremely seriously” and that it was enhancing its compliance arrangements. The company’s languishing share price frustrated investors and left the UK-headquartered group vulnerable to a takeover. The US’s second-largest gaming company, DraftKings, made a £16.2bn bid for Entain in 2021, before walking away. Activist investors, including US hedge funds Eminence Capital and Sachem Head Capital Management, have also circled the company.

That's your best post to date.

Ya reckon?

Well it is an "Open Letter". So you've seen it.

Why would you "feel very offended"? Perhaps it was only sent to the offenders.

Sent to current owners. A friend forwards them to me.

I could name a few!! Might do that. Running this site I have had numerous calls from the 3 codes (note Greyhounds weren't included in this open letter) and various individuals over particular posters. I've found all the callers to be very good to deal with and have established a respect for their sincerity.

An open letter to the racing community from NZTR, HRNZ & RIB No images? Click here Open Letter to the Racing Community: Adherence to Racing Codes of Conduct To all participants, members, volunteers, employees, suppliers, and supporters of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and Harness Racing New Zealand. New Zealand’s racing industry thrives because of the dedication, integrity, and passion of thousands of individuals, on the track, behind the scenes, and in our communities. Each of those individuals who run businesses, are employed, volunteer their time, or in other ways lend their positive support to racing and its participants play a vital role in ensuring our sport remains strong, inclusive, and future-focused. Unfortunately, there is a small minority of people whose persistent negative behaviour runs counter to these shared values. This may be either online abuse, personal attacks, public harassment or unwanted attention. These behaviours cause real harm, impacting individuals’ mental wellbeing, reputation or career, and eroding the trust and cohesion our sport depends on. Together, we have a collective responsibility to uphold the standards of respect, professionalism, and integrity that define a healthy and sustainable industry. Abuse, whether verbal, physical, written, digital or psychological, has no place in New Zealand racing. We all deserve to work and participate in an environment where people are treated with dignity. This is not just about compliance, it’s about maintaining a supportive and positive culture and community that more people want to be a part of. It’s about creating an environment where people feel safe, valued, and proud to be part of the racing industry. We ask everyone, regardless of their role, to lead by example, speak out when behaviour falls short, and support one another in maintaining high standards of conduct. As part of this commitment, our organisations have: Maintained strong channels to raise concerns or report misconduct, so individuals can confidently, safely and confidentially report concerns. Reinforced expectations for on-course behaviour at all race meetings and industry events. Confirmed that appropriate consequences will be applied, ranging from formal warnings up to disciplinary action or removal from participation in industry activities. Committed to strengthen each Code’s respective Rules of Racing, including explicit references to such misconducts and to the sanctions that may be imposed. This letter marks a united stance across equine codes and the Racing Integrity Board. We are committed to taking meaningful action, and just as importantly, to setting a positive and respectful tone for the future. Let’s lead with integrity. Let each of us call out poor behaviour. And let’s all stand together in creating a racing industry where everyone feels safe, supported, and welcome. Yours in racing, Racing Integrity Board New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Harness Racing New Zealand ☎️Racing Integrity Board Confidential Integrity Line Make an anonymous report by: calling 0508 742 123, or submitting information online via: www.integrityline-nz.org/rib ☎️OnTrack In a non-emergency, contact the OnTrack support line on 0800 667 224 for free, confidential support and assistance. Tel: 0800 667 224 (support line) Email: support@ontrack.org.nz New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing 18 Dick Street, Cambridge 3434 Email: office@nztr.co.nz Tel: 0800 946 637 NZTR.CO.NZ Unsubscribe