Chief Stipe

True but hardly a destination. Bit like Kaikohe - generally you pass through on the way to somewhere else. As for a horse training and racing location its future disappeared a long time ago.

If a budget or the financial accounts indicate projected or actual expenditure then it is hardly "implied"!

But you have said elsewhere online that it IS a threat. I'm just interested in your erudite analysis that got you to this conclusion.

Know more about what? Land values or wagering? Land values or track maintenance? If the latter I would say the locals don't have a very good track record.

I wouldn't use Dargaville as a very good example of real estate values. Have you been their lately?

I've never understood why any wagering agency would have this type of promotion. If the tipsters were successful then the TAB loses profit. If the tipsters aren't successful and are promoted as "experts" then those viewing come to the conclusion they can't win!

Introduction PPC81 seeks to rezone 47ha (approximately) of land. The area of PPC81 is situated at the corner of State Highway 14 and Awakino Point North Road, Dargaville and comprising of Part Lot 37 DP 7811 (NA 692/361) (46.6729ha) and Part Lot 37 DP27168 (NA689/300) (4,047m2).https://bitofayarn.com PPC81 seeks to rezone the current rural zone of the site to a mixture of residential, light industrial, neighbourhood centre and open space. Under the guidance of the National Planning Standard, the subject site is proposed to be a Development Area. It was lodged as a private plan change by Dargaville Racecourse Inc. on 21 February 2022. PPC81 seeks the following changes to the District Plan:https://bitofayarn.com a new chapter is added with the 'working title' of Trifecta Development area Development Area objectives, policies, rules and information requirements for the different areas ODP Map 10 amended to reference the Development Area chapter Development Area Plan (Map 10A) showing the spatial extent of the different areas, the Hauora Hub, and indicative layout for the roading and in the Blue Green Network.https://bitofayarn.com No other changes to the District Plan are proposed. Current status This application has been resolved through Court mediation and has been approved by Council, becoming operative on 24 September 2024.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/dargaville-racecourse-sells-for-less-than-a-third-of-government-valuation/SVFU5LPVMWINW2ZH3WBEM2US7E/ A century of Northland horse racing history has ended with the sale of the Dargaville Racecourse for less than a third of its Government valuation. https://bitofayarn.com The Dargaville Racing Club property had a current Government valuation of $5.45 million but was sold at auction in Whangārei on September 24 for just under $1.7m. Dargaville Racing Club president Tim Antonio acknowledged there was a difference between the valuation and the price fetched at the auction – which was held in Whangārei on Wednesday. But Antonio said the club was pleased with the sale and that the property had fetched a realistic price on the day. The 46.7ha property, 4km east of Dargaville, was purchased by a northern Wairoa-based buyer, who does not want to be named. https://bitofayarn.com Bayleys associate director Henry Napier said there had been good interest in the auction, with three competing bidders. Antonio said the club had no idea of the purchaser’s future plans for the property. https://bitofayarn.com Previous efforts to develop the site included a $400m mixed residential, neighbourhood centre, open space and light industrial development. Almost a million dollars of Government cash was spent to get the site ready for sale. Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua was among those to have shown interest in the property, but nothing came to fruition. Antonio said the club decided in July to put the racecourse up for sale by auction, advertised as must-be-sold. He said the club was pleased the property had been sold, so the sale money locked up in the asset could be released to the people of northern Wairoa. The Dargaville racecourse property purchased by a northern Wairoa buyer. Photo / Bayleys The six-year effort to sell the property came after the club won its fight with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) to keep ownership. https://bitofayarn.com A 2018 report commissioned by then Racing Minister Winston Peters identified it for sale among 20 tracks that should be sold, with proceeds going to NZTR. “It has been a long and bureaucratic process getting this far, but we are pleased we have finally got the stage where the community will see some tangible benefit,” Antonio said. https://bitofayarn.com Proceeds from the property sale would first be used for repaying debt to Te Runanga o Ngāti Whātua, Antonio and racing club member and development promoter Richard Alspach and paying property sale commission. Antonio said the balance, which he hoped would be more than $1m, would be going to a new Dargaville Racing Club Legacy Fund. This will be administered by the Northland Community Foundation, a Whangārei-based philanthropic organisation. Dargaville Racing Club president Tim Antonio (left) and wife Rosemary Antonio at Kaipara’s recent Te Waihekeora reservoir opening. Photo / Susan Botting Northern Wairoa community groups including sporting and cultural clubs, social infrastructure and marae will be able to apply for funding. Applicants must be in western Kaipara, across an area roughly bounded by from between Tangiteroria to Ruawai in the east, Kaihu in the north and Pouto in the south. Thousands of people and hundreds of racehorses have been part of race days across more than 160 race meets held continually since then, except for the seven years of WWII. Discover more Land planned for multimillion-dollar Kaipara development ... Neighbours want $450m Dargaville racecourse proposal ... From horses to houses: Planned $400m Dargaville development ... In 1985, the racecourse became the venue for the beginnings of the Northland Agricultural Field Days, which continued there for 21 years, before heading down the road to the current Awakino Point East Rd site in 2006. Rugby was played in the centre of the racecourse in winter and there has been a pony club on site for some years. The racecourse is currently used for grazing sheep.

@curious since you have become an online expert on all things wagering can you please explain how KALSHI is a threat to NZ racing? Thanks in advance.

For you or the industry?

How do you have 'implied marketing"?

TAB Racing Club to wind down loveracing.nz The TAB Racing Club is set to wind down, with the business case for the experience-based programme no longer stacking up for operator Entain Australia & New Zealand. Modelled off sister company Ladbrokes’ popular Racing Club, the TAB Racing Club was launched last year and gives members the chance to experience the thrill of racehorse ownership without the cost. It has been well patronised, with around 18,000 New Zealand TAB customers joining the Club. They have experienced several highlights over the last year, starting with their first win at Ascot Park last November when Bella Ragazza scored for trainer Robert Dennis. The Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-trained In Haste has been a standout for the Club, carrying their silks to victory in two of her four starts and finished runner-up in the Gr.3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie last month. The TAB Racing Club’s latest victory came this past weekend when Transcend posted her second consecutive win for trainers Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray at Te Rapa, much to the delight of several club members who got to experience the full raceday ownership experience. While the Club has been a hit, it requires a $2.5 million annual investment to operate, and Entain Australia & New Zealand has decided that business model is no longer viable. “This is a disciplined, responsible decision that allows us to get back to basics – selling bets and delivering strong returns to the New Zealand racing industry,” Entain ANZ chief executive Andrew Vouris said. “We are focused on our core business of responsibly selling bets and creating innovative products, while ensuring the horses are well cared for with their new owners, and our customers enjoy the experiences they’ve already secured. “This decision is about discipline, focus, and doing what’s right for the long term – winning, but not at all costs.” The TAB Racing Club currently has 28 thoroughbred and standardbred horses in its ownership, and Entain has commenced a process to sell the Club’s horses, which involves independent appraisal, and they said animal welfare will be a key priority as part of this process. Entain ANZ will honour all existing Racing Club experiences through to the end of New Zealand Cup Week in Christchurch in November, and it said it remains committed to delivering strong returns to the New Zealand racing industry through its 25-year partnership with TAB New Zealand.

The northern apprentice jockey awards. Photo: Supplied Apprentices recognised at local awards Jess de Lautour, LOVERACING.NZ News Desk 1 October 2025https://bitofayarn.com New Zealand’s apprentice jockey ranks went from strength-to-strength last term, and the standout performers were recently recognised at the Northern, Central Districts and South Island Apprentice Awards. At the Central Apprentice Academy Prizegiving, Lily Sutherland collected her second consecutive Leading Apprentice Award. The 21-year-old rode out her claim early in the season and was sidelined for the last three months through injury, but still steered home 64 winners, claiming the 2024/25 National Apprentice Premiership and was fourth among her senior counterparts. Of her 64 victories, seven were at stakes level, including the Gr.3 TAB Mile (1600m) with Kopua, Gr.3 Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes (2050m) with Val Di Zoldo and Gr.3 War Decree Stakes (1600m) aboard He’s Lucid. Sutherland is indentured to Kevin Myers, alongside Amber Riddell, who won the Most Improved Award after an outstanding first season riding as a professional. Riddell rode 53 winners to finish second in the premiership, highlighted by four wins in one meeting at Riverton over Easter.https://bitofayarn.com The final award, Head Pupil for all-round dedication to their profession, was presented to Toni Davies. Davies rode 29 winners including her first stakes victory aboard Ruby Rocks in the Listed Marton Cup (2200m). The 25-year-old recently rode her 50th winner and was rapt to be acknowledged for her dedication over the season. “It’s always great to be recognised for that kind of thing, obviously in this game we like to get that kind of exposure so it was pretty cool,” she said. “I’ve had a massive amount of support around me so I’m very grateful. “Winning the Marton Cup was a surreal feeling and especially to get it for Roger Allen, who has given me so many opportunities since I came down here. There’s nothing quite like getting your first stakes winner.https://bitofayarn.com “My boss (Peter Didham) has been a massive help, as has Kim (Clapperton), my mentor, they have been there for me a lot along the way. “I hope to keep improving and keeping that momentum up and hopefully get on some more fast horses. I am open to travelling anywhere that anyone wants me, it’s great to get connections both in and out of the CD.” In the South Island, Yogesh Atchamah won his third Top Apprentice Jockey Award in a row, riding a career-best 40 winners. He has recently ridden his 80th winner and is down to a one-kilo claim, something he hopes to achieve before completing his apprenticeship in late November. “It was a big achievement for my career, getting 40 winners and winning the apprentice award again,” Atchamah said. “I need to thank all of the trainers that supported me, especially my boss Andrew Carston and Anna Furlong, she was a massive supporter of me and gave me a lot of nice rides. I rode four winners on Iffididit, one of Anna’s horses, he has been a very special horse for me. “Kelvin Tyler, Graham Eade, Ross Beckett, there were too many to name but I’m so grateful for all of them, it wouldn’t be possibly without that support.https://bitofayarn.com “I’m nearly finished my apprenticeship, my last meeting will be Cromwell, so two more months to go. I’ve been trying to keep improving myself all the way through, so to finish just claiming one (kilogram) is great.” Floor Moerman kicked off her riding career in late November and rode eight winners through the remainder of the season, earning the Megan Taylor Most Promising Junior Rider Award. She was also awarded the Ashlee Mundy Jockeys’ Choice Award, chosen by the South Island Senior Jockeys. The Northern Apprentice Jockey Awards were held on Monday night and it was a tonic for several of the award winners, including the Premier Apprentice Jockey Award winner Triston Moodley. Moodley rode his first stakes winner courtesy of Spencer in the Gr.3 Spring Sprint (1400m) in October and picked up serious momentum through the second half of the season, which was unfortunately halted when he was kicked in the head in the mounting yard at the Waipa trials in July. “I didn’t expect it to be honest, I thought Ace (Lawson-Carrooll) got in front of me at the end, but I was very glad to get it,” he said.https://bitofayarn.com “When my boss (Danny Walker, trainer) let me know, I was quite chuffed with myself. It was a hard time towards the end of the season, but to get that award, it just means a lot and makes it all worth it.” Prior to the incident, Moodley had accumulated 52 winners and is nearing the 100-win mark, assisted by a four-win haul for Robbie Patterson at the apprentice-only day at New Plymouth in June. Another sidelined hoop, Ace Lawson-Carroll, was awarded the Most Dedicated To Succeed. He was also enjoying a career-best season with 51 winners, before his mount was brought down in a four-horse fall at Te Rapa in late July. Other accolades were awarded to Hayley Hassman (Most Promising First Year Apprentice), Rihaan Goyaram (Most Improved Apprentice Jockey), and Tayla Mitchell/Maria Sanson (Best Presented at Scales). Mitchell collected a second award, the Bill Simon Trophy, for the Most Outstanding Ride by an Apprentice.https://bitofayarn.com

NZ racing hires Australian trio for leadership shake-up www.nzherald.co.nz NZTR recruits three Australians to key positions 1 Oct, 2025 09:47 Mitch Lamb and Charlotte Mills are among two key appointments made by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing.https://bitofayarn.com New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing has a plan and believes it now has the people to implement it. The code’s ruling body has announced three key appointments to its leadership to implement strategies in what will be a crucial next period for the industry. NZTR chief executive Matt Ballesty announced the appointments, all Australians, with a wink to his home country. “It was a global search and that meant we had applicants from across the world, including Australia and here in New Zealand,” says Ballesty.https://bitofayarn.com “I like to think we have got one over the Australian industry by luring three high-qualified people to come help us run New Zealand thoroughbred racing.” “Our industry needs bold decisions and a relentless focus on engaging participants, challenging the status quo and growing our fan base,” says Ballesty. “These leaders bring world-class expertise, proven results and a passion for racing that will help secure the future of New Zealand thoroughbred racing.”https://bitofayarn.com NZTR has looked and felt short on key personnel for some time, with the day-to-day running of the industry and dealing with emergencies such as meeting abandonments leaving little time for putting strategies in place and working on the longer-term issues, most importantly infrastructure. NZTR has employed Mitch Lamb as its general manager of racing. Lamb comes from a background at Olybet in Europe, Tabcorp, William Hill and Sky Channel in Australia. NZTR says he has a proven record in audience growth, content innovation and building high-performing teams.https://bitofayarn.com Zac Reynolds has been appointed general manager of brand experience, communications and industry promotion. NZTR says Reynolds is “a seasoned marketing leader with nearly two decades in global horse racing and sports wagering, including senior roles at Tabcorp, Sportingbet, Churchill Downs, BlueBet and bet365. “He has also founded two successful agencies in the US, delivering innovative, digitally led fan engagement strategies.” Lamb and Reynolds will move to Cambridge to work from NZTR’s head office. Charlotte Mills, who is the head of racing for the Moonee Valley Racing Club, has been appointed as a racing consultant for the next 12 months. Mills is highly respected for her work at The Valley and also brings over a decade of executive experience from Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA), where she served as chief racing officer and led on animal welfare, racing operations, industry engagement and national strategy. The appointments complete a recent management restructure that also includes the appointment of long-time employee Dan Smith as general manager of strategy and transformation and Sam Fursdon as general manager of welfare and industry capability. “To further sharpen its racing strategy, we are also establishing a Racing Think Tank to guide programming, the racing calendar and the national pattern,” says Ballesty. https://bitofayarn.com “The wider industry will have an opportunity to provide input, with more details to come.”

We had a 3yr old that beat Borana a couple of times - the Timaru Challenge Stakes comes to mind. A horse called Dunhill. I remember the Derby that year where Borana went to the lead from the start and Dunhill sat parked and tried to attack. I'll never forget the comment afterwards that "you never attack Georgie Shand and expect him to hand up!". Mighty Me won that Derby with Borana tiring to fourth. Unfortunately we were evern further back!

Cup dream over for Knight's Choice www.racing.com Sheila Laxon and John Symons with Knight's Choice and the spoils of their Melbourne Cup win. The dream of back-to-back Melbourne Cup victories is over for Knight’s Choice with the 2024 champion certain to be missing from Tuesday afternoon’s first declarations.https://bitofayarn.com Knight’s Choice has not been able to run since his first-up mid-field effort in the So You Think Stakes (1500m) at The Valley more than three weeks ago due to a strangles outbreak at his temporary training home at Mt Macedon. But while the Melbourne Cup is off the agenda for this spring, co-trainer Sheila Laxon reported on Tuesday that January’s Magic Millions carnival and next March’s G1 Auckland Cup (3200m) are now being considered for the horse. "He’s been invited to the Auckland Cup and he’s a Magic Millions horse so there are a lot of good options ahead for him, although we would have dearly loved to have given the Melbourne Cup another go,’’ Laxon said. https://bitofayarn.com "But he’s not an old horse – he’s still just six – so maybe he can be back in 12 months for the Melbourne Cup.’’ Knight’s Choice recorded a high temperature about 10 days ago and while his condition improved for a few days, Knight’s Choice has again been taken ill. It is not yet confirmed as to whether he has strangles. https://bitofayarn.com The untimely illness has ended an unlikely attempt at back-to-back Melbourne Cups for the Queenslander after his $91 boilover last year. A first declaration fee of $2000 for the first ever $10 million Melbourne Cup is due by noon on Tuesday. What is strangles? Strangles is an infectious bacterial condition that is transmitted via direct contact between individual horses and/or through indirect contact in several ways. Contaminated feed, water, bedding, stables, stable utensils, halters, brushes, boots, clothing and transport vehicles are important in the spread of infection. Strangles usually causes upper respiratory tract disease, but can also affect the lungs. It is highly contagious although rarely fatal.

Didn't get the survey. Technology directly related to racing yes. Facilities for horses yes. Grandstands NO.

Most of these "old people" are using the TAB app on their smart phones in between video calling their grandchildren. Thats why you dont see as many lingering at the pod or the increasingly irrelevant manned terminal. Get with the programme. As for Melbourne Cup Day the promotions are aimed at getting customers to sign up online. Printing of fields was an extreme waste of trees and expensive. At pub agencies the printing costs were paid for by the pub!!! As for betting on the Melbourne Cup you can bet on futures and on fixed odds up at least the day before.

I dont think many have actually done that much thinking. The majority have just pitched and moaned and looked for scapegoats. Or focussed on the wrong things such as you have done.

Then haven't you got what you asked for in another Topic? Greater focus on the customer - the punter?

For those wanting wagering experience you have got what you wanted in spades.

NZTR Strengthens Leadership with World-Class Appointments - NZTR nztr.co.nz New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) has further strengthened its senior team with three key appointments, following an extensive global and local search to secure the best talent for the future of the sport. Newly named General Manager – Racing, Mitch Lamb, brings over 25 years of experience across international racing, wagering and media markets. Lamb’s leadership has powered growth at OlyBet in Europe, Tabcorp, William Hill and Sky Channel, with a proven track record in audience growth, content innovation and building high-performing teams. Joining him is Zac Reynolds, appointed General Manager - Brand Experience, Communications & Industry Promotion. Reynolds is a seasoned marketing leader with nearly two decades in global horse racing and sports wagering, including senior roles at Tabcorp, Sportingbet, Churchill Downs, BlueBet and bet365. He has also founded two successful agencies in the US, delivering innovative, digitally led fan engagement strategies Charlotte Mills has been appointed Racing Consultant (12-month term). Mills brings over a decade of executive experience from Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA), where she served as Chief Racing Officer and led on animal welfare, racing operations, industry engagement, and national strategy. “These appointments follow a rigorous search - both here in New Zealand and internationally - to ensure we have the right people in the right roles,” said NZTR Chief Executive Officer, Matt Ballesty. “Our industry needs bold decisions and a relentless focus on engaging participants, challenging the status quo, and growing our fan base. These leaders bring world-class expertise, proven results, and a passion for racing that will help secure the future of New Zealand Thoroughbred racing.” These appointments complete a recent management restructure that also includes the appointment of General Manager - Strategy and Transformation, Dan Smith and General Manager - Welfare and Industry Capability, Sam Fursdon. To further sharpen its racing strategy, NZTR is also establishing a Racing Think Tank to guide programming, the racing calendar, and the national pattern. The wider industry will have an opportunity to provide input, with more details to come. Lamb and Reynolds will relocate full-time to Cambridge, while Mills will split her time between New Zealand and Australia in her support role. “Supporting and growing local capability remains a key priority – we're building a team that will help our sport prosper for generations to come,” Ballesty added.

Waller: Racing's Anger And Infighting Needs To Stop Richard Callander column . . . https://bitofayarn.com By Richard Callander 04:37pm • 29 September 2025 0 Comments The fighting and anger need to stop if you truly love racing.https://bitofayarn.com Egos and self-interest need to be put on the backburner for the betterment of racing. Chris Waller is a champion trainer, and over the years he has shown his emotional side many times. But after chatting with Sky's Greg Radley at Rosehill on Saturday, it was clear the recent dramas in Sydney and NSW racing are weighing heavily on him. https://bitofayarn.com "We need to regroup, recognise we have an amazing industry, be proud of it, and keep going strong," he said. "Everyone around the world talks about how good racing in Sydney is." From the proposed Rosehill sale, the parliamentary inquiry, the constant attacks on both Racing NSW and the Australian Turf Club, the personal vendetta against Peter V'landys by those who claim to love our industry, and the recent “show-cause” notice served on the ATC are all issues damaging our sport. https://bitofayarn.com And why? Simply because of damaged egos, lack of power, slow processes, and rampant self-interest. Some with influence may bristle at these words, but for the sake of racing, everyone needs to pull their heads in and work together. Punters are being taxed left, right, and centre and that has to stop. Trainers having to carry excessive debt is putting them and their families under unnecessary pressure. Owners are forking out millions on overpriced horses while covering skyrocketing costs for veterinary services, barrier trials, stable rent, track fees, transport and insurance. Racing NSW over the past 20 years has put NSW racing into a great position but we need to keep going. The governing body has started many infrastructure projects in NSW but it needs to move faster and also be more understanding of participants especially when it comes to costs and programming. Race clubs need to be held accountable for their poor management and even slower action. Too many clubs are being run like a social club and are wasting money on ridiculous things and the use of consultants is out of hand. Big breeders need to appreciate others in the industry especially the punters, our customers. Something has to change and soon. And even after airing all the issues in NSW, let me assure you, NSW/Sydney racing is still the envy of every other state in Australia and many overseas jurisdictions. Imagine if all of us were on one team. How good would things be? https://bitofayarn.com

What do you mean ex north island horses? @Pitman has bought a few from up there. Born and/or bred and/or raced and/or owned and/or trained? What exactly?