Chief Stipe

Well the writer did contradict himself. It causes very little harm.

Actually that isn't entirely correct. Alcohol has been shown to improve kinesthestic memory in some studies.

Being pedantic.

You must admit though @billy connolly he uses some big words that I've never heard before! proprioception! Proprioception is the body awareness sense. It tells us where our body parts are without having to look for them. This helps to know where body parts are relative to each other, which strengthens our coordination skills. It also tells us how much force to use when we're holding, pushing, pulling, or lifting objects.

Rodney Schick Appointed as NZTR Director The New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) Members’ Council has appointed Mr Rodney Schick as a Director of NZTR’s Board, effective immediately. Schick’s position fills the vacancy left by current TAB NZ General Manager Commercial, Jason Fleming, who left NZTR’s Board in July 2023. Schick brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Board of Directors, having run his own large-scale Stud Farm operation, Windsor Park Stud, for more than 20 years with his wife Gina. The Stud Master is looking forward to commencing duties for NZTR. “What really drew me to take up this position is that it’s my life's work and I’m incredibly passionate about it.” “I understand all aspects of the industry, I’ve done most things in this world other than being a horse Trainer or Jockey. I have spent a long time both racing and breeding horses and I understand the fundamentals of what makes this industry tick,” he said. When thinking about the future of the industry, Schick reflected on the journey New Zealand racing has been on over the last 12 months and beyond. “Now really is the time to be involved. With the entry of Entain, we have the opportunity to make a difference and this, coupled with some of the legislation that was brought in through Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, enables us to be able to make some significant changes, working collaboratively with them and New Zealand’s racing Clubs.” “I’m thoroughly looking forward to beginning my tenure, working alongside the current NZTR Board and Management to make a significant impact on our industry,” Schick said. NZTR Members’ Council Chair Jeff McCall welcomed Schick’s addition to the Board of Directors. “We are thrilled to appoint Rodney to the Board and believe his business experience, coupled with strong industry knowledge makes him a great fit.” “He is a passionate member of our industry and we are looking forward to his contribution moving forward,” McCall said. As a result of NZTR Chair Cameron George’s recently announced departure, the Members’ Council will be advertising for a further NZTR Board Director in due course. Corporate Communications New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Contact: Emma Thompson +64 21 071 2929 nztrcommunications@nztr.co.nz

The biggest flaw in his argument is that most good horses will go beyond their pain barrier regardless.

Which is a big difference now between NZ and OZ. They seem to embrace and encourage the bush and country tracks. We close them down!

So why don't you give Kingston a call?

NZTR Chair Cameron George Resigns The New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) Board has today regrettably announced the resignation of its Chair, Cameron George, effective 31 July 2024. 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 decision to step down from my role on the Board hasn’t been an easy one,” George said. “My journey at NZTR started with navigating a path forward for the business through COVID-19. 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. Going into it I knew I needed to both question and support initiatives brought to the table. “I now feel we have moved into a model of braver thinking and strategic planning, with innovation at the forefront of our activities. Globally, sports have undergone a significant shift from traditional approaches to embracing innovation and with that, we must not sit on our hands and continue to pursue becoming a vibrant sport within the entertainment sector,” he said. While reflecting on his tenure as Chair, George expresses his gratitude towards those who guided the industry towards a successful future. “I would firstly like to thank previous Chairs of NZTR, the likes of Guy Sargent, Matt Goodson, Alan Jackson and their Boards, who worked tirelessly to underpin the industry into the condition it is today.” “I thank NZTR’s Board and management team around me, both past and present, for their dedication to the cause of rebuilding this industry since the dark days of COVID, it truly has been a massive effort. “To the stakeholders and people of the industry, thank you for your strong support, being receptive to change, as well as being prepared to just give things a go. “Finally, so many parts of this industry’s administration deserve credit for helping us reshape and rebuild our future. On a personal note, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of TAB NZ, Entain Australia and New Zealand, our racing Clubs, New Zealand Bloodstock and the New Zealand Government for encouraging the movement of change towards a better future,” he said. George will remain in his role as Chair until 31 July of this year and is committed to maintaining a high standard for New Zealand’s racing landscape. “I look forward to finishing off my tenure with commitment and drive to complete several exciting initiatives we have in the pipeline. It’s all hands on deck as we get ready for the biggest summer of racing this country has ever seen next year,” George said. NZTR Members’ Council Chair, Jeff McCall, thanked George for his service to the industry. “Cameron’s passion and dedication to the New Zealand racing industry has been illustrated by the numerous positive actions he has undertaken since he has held the position as Chair.” “On behalf of the Members’ Council and the industry, we thank him for his contribution and wish him all the best for the future,” McCall said. Corporate Communications New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Contact: Emma Thompson +64 21 071 2929 nztrcommunications@nztr.co.nz

So why are you so reluctant to call Dave?

Or is it providing desperately needed housing?

It doesn't? Obviously you haven't kept up with what some Left Wing dominated councils are doing. Only takes a slight change in New Plymouth and that racecourse will be gone tomorrow.

Map spells end for iconic Aussie venue www.news.com.au In it, a 159-year-old iconic heritage-listed racecourse has been earmarked for redevelopment into affordable housing and public green space. The development of the Eagle Farm Racecourse, through a proposed compulsory acquisition, is hoped to be achieved by cutting road projects and increasing infrastructure charges. The Eagle Farm Racecourse in Ascot, Australia is hoped to be redeveloped into affordable housing and public green space. Photo: Supplied. Jonathan Sriranganathan, the Greens candidate for Lord Mayor, today released plans to compulsorily acquire the heritage-listed Brisbane Racing Club site in Ascot on Tuesday, ahead of the local government elections. He believes that around $40 million from council funds would suffice, and a Greens-led council would then seek to partner with the state government to share the costs of housing construction. Greens Lord Mayoral candidate Jonathan Sriranganathan. The proposed compulsory acquisition of the heritage-listed Brisbane Racing Club site is expected to cost around $40 million. Picture: Richard Walker The site will have 4000 medium-density dwellings in buildings no higher than five storeys, with commercial units on the ground floor. This will cover a fifth of the 49ha site. Half of the homes will be reserved for those on the social housing waiting list and will be rented for 25 per cent of their regular household income. The other half of the development will consist of affordable housing units that will be available to all Brisbane residents to rent at 30 per cent below market rent. An older two-bedroom apartment in Ascot can rent for $450-$550 per week, while more modern two-bedroom units in the same area can fetch $600-$650 per week in rent. The remaining area of the site will be dedicated to the heritage-listed buildings and the under-construction Charlton House apartments, which are part of Mirvac’s Ascot Green development. The Greens would also allocate 25ha of the site as parkland and community sports fields, with the potential for a new public school and, medical centre and library. The development will include 4000 medium-density dwellings in buildings no higher than five storeys, with commercial units on the ground floor. Picture: Grant Peters – Trackside Photography The proposal suggests converting the racetrack into a circuit for walking and cycling. Under the Acquisition of Land Act 1967, local government has the power to acquire land compulsorily and the party said it hopes a levy on vacant housing would encourage “land-banking” developers to sell up. “Every suburb needs more affordable homes, but our first major project would be bringing the Eagle Farm racecourse into public hands, transforming the site over time into public green space, housing, schools, services and facilities,” Cr Sriranganathan said. The New South Wales government announced similar plans for Rosehill racecourse in Sydney’s west. But the plan for 25,000 houses – part of a much larger strategy for hundreds of thousands of homes around metro stations and other public transport infrastructure – is dependent on a vote by members of the Australian Turf Club. Golf course seized The controversial plan in Brisbane also comes as the NSW governement has revealed plans to seize half of a premier golf course in central Sydney and turn it into a “central park”. Premier Chris Minns confirmed in October that nine holes of the Moore Park Golf Course will be transformed. This means that up to 20 hectares of the public course will be repurposed in a bid to support an estimated 80,000 residents living within two kilometres of the Moore Park area by 2040. The Green Square urban renewal area is already home to 33,000 people. The change will see more green space opened up to the general public, with grassroots sports and recreation being prioritised for the new “central park”. Up until this point the 45 hectares of public land has been used as a golf course, where only paying golfers were given access. The Premier said local residents – as well as others from metropolitan Sydney – have been asking for more parklands. Half of Moore Park Golf Course will be turned into parklands. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Monique Harmer “As the New South Wales government issues more density, more apartment living, more units, we need to balance that with more open space,” he said. “This will transform people’s experiences as they come into the world’s greatest city with more natural parkland, more recreation space. It’s great opportunity for the residents in this community to get out and have fun with their family and friends in this densely populated area.” Lord Mayor Clover Moore confirmed a nine hole course will still remain at Moore Park, with the driving range and clubhouse also staying put. Speaking to golfers who may take issue with the decision, the Premier emphasised that the area is “one of the most densely populated parts of the entire country”. More Coverage Star’s cleavage sparks bizarre online debate Sam Kerr faces criminal trial in UK “I just want to say there are a lot of golf courses in Sydney and we’re not taking over all of them,” he said. “This community is expected to grow from 30,000 to 80,000 by 2040 in a five kilometre radius of where we’re standing … “And it’s a recognition by the government that given we are making decisions about urban consolidation, more units, more apartments, there’s got to be more green space too, this has got to be a trade off and this is part of our vision for Sydney.”

Who cares.

Suggest you consult a mathematician rather than a primary school math teacher. So you admit now it was possible I.e. the chance was greater than zero. Then again you still believe draws make a difference.

I didn't say I was an expert I just quoted experts. If I had the time and could be bothered I'd cut your statistics and conclusions to shreds.

MEETING NEWS Northern Trials - March 19 at Cambridge Given there are no available grass tracks for trialling in the next few weeks, aside from those previously advertised on the NZTR calendar, the 19 March trials will take place at Cambridge subject to appropriate numbers.

Whatever the odds are, and they are not as low as you think, there isn't ZERO chance of it happening therefore what happened has a chance of happening. That chance happened. Not to mention it didn't make a jot of difference to where the horses finished.

In your case the usual Bullshit.

Obviously you don't know anything about probability.

It wasn't much better early December.

But you have no idea how that data is collected or what it actually measures. This is a typical example of how you misuse information to support your own biased narrative. Of course even if your interpretation was correct, which it isn't, it only reinforces the view that no one gives a shyte about what you post.

You have no data to support that contention.

TopSport boss Q+A: ‘Significant concerns' for wagering industry By Adam Dobbin 11:59am • 04 March 2024 11 Comments In the first of a series of interviews, TopSport's CEO Tristan Merlehan answers a range of questions about the current state of the Australian wagering industry. READ: An unbalanced ecosystem: Shining a light on the wagering industry AD: As a bookmaker you understand the racing ecosystem as well as anyone, in your words, what is the biggest issue facing the industry at present? TM: Currently our biggest issue is the various taxation models which have been ratcheted up over the last 5-10 years, which have got to the point where TopSport has completely had to overhaul our Business Model. Previously we were comfortable, and built a strong reputation in the marketplace as being a low margin, high turnover operator where we attempted to manage all types of customers, and operate like the ‘good old days' on course and let everyone on, hoping to eke out a small prize at the end of the day. However with Point of Consumption Tax, Racefields Tax, GST, Employee Tax, and if you are lucky enough to make a profit at year end, Income Tax, all in play, this model is now impossible to administer in Australia to any significant level. The repercussions of these tax hikes extend beyond financial implications. They force customers towards higher-margin events or products, accelerating the rate at which they lose their funds. This trend raises significant concerns regarding responsible gambling practices and threatens the welfare of customers. The changes operators have had to implement to be viable have in some sense turned the industry into a poker machine, where some customers are conditioned to lose at 15-20% on turnover, which is a sizeable problem for the long-term sustainability of the industry. AD: The general theme doing the rounds is that turnover has levelled out to just above pre-covid levels but down 17-20 per cent across the board from the pandemic levels. That is a sizeable shift? TM: Turnover has dropped significantly, and I think most participants could see that coming off the artificial highs of Covid. We have been forced to overhaul our model completely which has seen our turnover drop from $1.2 billion in FY 2022 to a projected $375 million in 2024. While our own decrease in turnover may be more pronounced, the broader market decline can be attributed to various factors, including the impact of taxes, rising living costs, and operators passing on these expenses to customers. Additionally, legislative changes, though mostly positive for the industry, have contributed to this downward trend. This confluence of factors creates significant downward pressure on turnover, a trend likely to persist unless measures are taken to stimulate growth in the coming years. AD: It must draw into question as to whether the explosion of returns to industry we've witnessed in more recent times is sustainable? TM: It's imperative for the industry to carefully model returns over the next few years and assess potential strategies to foster sustainable growth. Operators must explore various levers to incentivise increased turnover, ensuring mutual benefit. Sustainability must be a top priority, and this entails making prudent decisions and implementing strategies that ensure long-term viability, otherwise a number of cost cuts will need to be implemented to ensure the industry is still thriving in 5-10 years time. AD: Most wagering operators' business models are different, which should lead to heightened competition. I know we've already touched on it, but how has the landscape changed for your business in particular? TM: The landscape for our business has undergone a radical transformation, necessitating a complete overhaul of our business model. Consequently, we've experienced a 70% reduction in turnover over the past two years. By doing this, unfortunately it means less returns to the industry, reduced tax for the government, an inferior product for punters, and an elevated margin for TopSport – which had to be executed in order to survive. Implementing these changes serves as a stark demonstration of the challenges we face, underscoring the urgent need for long-term reforms to ensure the industry's sustainability moving forward. READ: ‘People laughed at me': David Hayes likens Mr Brightside to famed superstar AD: So an environment has been created that's forcing businesses to downsize and even turn away customers – where in the world do you see that? TM: Seems crazy. AD: Following on from that, if I asked you to pull out your crystal ball, what do you envisage things looking like in say 10 years' time? TM: We have a lot of very sharp operators on all sides of the industry, whether that be WSP's, administrators or punters, and I am sure there will be some tweaks over the next 10 years to ensure the sustainability of an industry which has survived in Australian for centuries. I see a little bit of the test cricket scenario here, where fans were concerned over the longevity of that form of the game – but ultimately if the curator prepares a pitch that favours both batsmen and bowlers, the fans get a great spectacle and it is still the premier form of the game – we just need to make sure the pitch is prepared in such a way which allows something for all participants, and we will see growth again. We don't need to reinvent the wheel, but make minor, well thought out, tweaks, and the industry will get through this challenge like it has on many previous occasions. That being said I certainly see a lot less operators in the market, how many will be determined by what changes are implemented. AD: Changing tack, is the punter getting a fair crack at it at present? TM: Yes and no. In some senses and on face value, punters have it better than in any previous period with the increased competition and the introduction of MBL's on the majority of racing codes. However, in order to account for the escalating taxes, and the enforcement of betting all customers to the MBL – we have seen market percentages increase across the board, products removed/reduced and some operators not complying with the regulations in the spirit they were intended. This means that marginal, winning punters are having their margins squeezed and their turnover reduced which has forced a number of larger players out of the game. Recreational, high margin punters are losing their ‘bank' for the weekend quicker which means they do not engage with the product and enjoy the product as they have previously. But probably the most concerning are customers who lose at ‘just' 3-5%, who should be ideal customers for the industry, as they are betting sustainably and within their means but are being turned away, or significantly restricted, as their business does not generate enough revenue to cover the taxes levied on their business. AD: Over-regulation has been a real buzzword lately, are you concerned customers are being suffocated into non-existence with all these compliance measures? TM: There have been some significant positive strides in this space to really assist with Responsible Gambling – which I am sure all operators would agree is necessary for the long-term viability of the industry. However there seems to be an ever increasing, over complication of a number of items, which does suffocate and impact customers who are betting within their means and may not want to provide sensitive records to online operators. Additionally, it is exceedingly difficult for the small to mid-tier operators to have sufficient resources to complete with the bigger operators in this regard which can cause flow on effects. AD: So back to the taxes, a lot of the noise from the wagering providers is that the model is shortsighted, focusing on now, not later. How so? TM: Agree with this. By the same token, we completely understand the pressures racing bodies are facing, and the level of funding required by the industry – It's clear that alternative revenue streams beyond taxing operators need exploration. Unfortunately, a lot of prizemoney increases were made on the basis of increasing turnover numbers which probably were never sustainable, and some changes need to be made to adjust to the new norm, to ensure that we have a thriving industry in 10 years' time, as opposed to a race to the bottom of constant prizemoney increases in a short-term bid to outdo other states. AD: Deep down, do you think that the powers that be are aware of the potential headwinds the industry faces on the horizon? TM: I certainly think a number of PRA's are acutely aware – and we have had a number of incredibly positive discussions in recent times, where there has been some positive back and forth. While we recognise the pressures that PRAs are under and are committed to contributing to the industry, it's crucial to strike a balance. Simply hoping for a miraculous increase in turnover to sustain industry funding is not a viable strategy. It's essential for all stakeholders to acknowledge the realities of the situation and work collaboratively to find sustainable solutions. AD: There has been talk that one jurisdiction is looking to engage with government in a bid to return Point of Consumption levels to a more manageable level. That must be encouraging? TM: Very encouraging. I have a lot of confidence in a number of the individuals at a number of the PRA's. I also have an understanding that they want what is best for the industry as well and are starting to understand that punters are price sensitive to a degree, whether that be consciously or subliminally, and hopefully that equates to some positive changes in this regard. READ: Magic Time out to defy Newmarket Handicap history AD: A concern in the marketplace is that the way the system is currently set up it will ultimately squeeze out the little guy, therefore reducing competition. In a world where on-course activity continues to diminish, that cannot be good for racing? TM: Again, I would suggest this is a yes and no answer and varies depending on your definition of the ‘little guy'. I think while thresholds are in play, smaller genuine operators who are shifting their operations online have the ability to succeed in the current landscape if they wish to remain small and offer a service to their existing clientele. However, the way the marketplace is set up gives absolutely no incentive for these smaller operators to grow in an effort to expand their brand reach to one day potentially elevate their turnover to a middle tier operator. The barriers for entry to scale are exceedingly difficult, and the difference in fees and taxation when an operator crosses the threshold is extreme and the smaller operators haven't got the scale to flatten the margins as required to succeed when playing in the same ballpark as the top tier operators. This setup incentivises operators to aim for staying under the threshold rather than seeking opportunities for growth, which ultimately harms both PRAs and customers. In my opinion a very simple solution for both Racefields, and POCT could be implemented where the fees are remodelled to be akin to the largest taxation system in the country, income tax, where 4 or 5 tiered thresholds are introduced, which would provide an incentive for WSP's to grow, as they would not immediately be hit with the same rates as the top tier operators. It would be an incentive for all levels of operators to grow which would undoubtedly have many flow on positive effects for the marketplace, such as increased competition, and customers receiving a better product. Without a sizeable change like the above, I fear that middle tier operators are going to struggle over the next 2-3 years, which will lead to consolidation, and ultimately see only a handful of big operators in the industry. AD: There was a story doing the rounds a few weeks ago about a chap that lost $86,000 in a month – a figure more than manageable. But such was the volume of turnover on that loss, the wagering operator ultimately shelled out more on taxes. That seems staggering? TM: We have countless scenarios like the above. Unfortunately, some of the hybrid models on racing mean you pay on margin when a customer bets on certain states, and then turnover on another state – which means that on occasions we are actually hoping to lose on certain races at the back end of a Saturday in the hope customers reinvest on other products which are taxed at a more reasonable rate. In our business enforced turnover reduction, we have had to remove products, and drop limits on customers who have lost six figure amounts to us over the last couple of years, because despite the fact they have lost significantly to us, as a business it would be better for us not to have them as a customer due to the outgoings. This situation may seem counterintuitive, but it reflects the challenging realities we face in managing our operations. Can you imagine having to have a discussion with a customer who is in this boat, and tell them we would prefer you do business elsewhere despite them thinking in their eyes they are ‘VIPs' – this means they either shift their business to another licensed operator, or what has to be the big concern, leave the industry due to being disenchanted with the conversation, or worse still, go to an unlicensed operator which has enormous flow on effects to the detriment of the industry and governments. The constant ‘kick-out' dividend of the STAB dividends in recent times show that the Citibet operation is currently thriving offshore. It raises the question of how much of this turnover could be retained in Australia, benefiting the industry and the broader economy. AD: Lastly, garnering let us call it ‘understanding' when you're a bookmaker is no easy task. But it is not so much about the bookmaker, is it? TM: No one wants to hear a bookmaker whinge; in fact, many take great pleasure in recounting stories over when they ‘got' the bookie. Some of my favourite stories are betting ring tales over a large plunge which came off, and the punter got the spoils. It is a part of Australian folklore. So we are never going to get the message across by bringing out the violin, but I think it is getting the message through to the man on the street, that every time a tax increase gets passed, any punter, from a casual bettor to the seasoned pro, will feel the impact of these tax hikes. Read all news by Adam Dobbin

Representatives from the RIB, RACE Inc. and NZTR inspected RACE Trentham on Monday 4 March. No images? Click here RACE Trentham Track Update Following the 27 January partial abandonment at RACE Trentham when horses slipped on an area of unirrigated ground wide on the track, the venue's irrigation system was reviewed and additional steps were taken to produce wider coverage on the outside of the home turn. Following the solution being implemented, it has been extensively utilised to irrigate the area of concern wide on the course proper. The irrigation, combined with recent verti-drain use has resulted in more consistency between the inside and outside areas of the track. Representatives from the Racing Integrity Board, RACE Inc. and New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing inspected the racing surface on Monday 4 March, with core samples, drone photo comparisons and a track gallop used to test the surface ahead of the 9 March race meeting. Post-inspection, all parties were confident with the consistency and safety at RACE Trentham. As such, Wellington Racing Club's meeting at Trentham will take place this Saturday, as scheduled. Darin Balcombe Chief Operating Officer New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Tim Lambert Head of Tracks & Infrastructure New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing