Chief Stipe

I think many a missing a few points here. The issue with TAB NZ is they DON'T have bookmakers. Many/most of the odds are set by computer. Effectively a tote but with a higher risk profile to the TAB.

Both are related to stellar and planetary alignment. Easter Sunday is the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring (northern hemisphere) equinox. Matariki is the Maori name for the constellation named Pleiades. The Matariki celebration is timed to coincide with the re-emergence of Pleiades which like Easter can vary. I think it is the first Friday after.

Really? Matiriki wasn't a set day in the year known well in advance?

TAB NZ scheduling. Who runs racing?

What's your definition of "girl"?

@Forbury Gammalite only has one profile.

Appealed. McDonald had a six-meeting ban reduced to four meetings on appeal which will allow him to ride on one of the biggest Group 1 days in Australian racing.

Two "very good surfaces" in four months?!

The Whale is probably only surviving on his rebates.

J-Mac suspended for Golden Slipper day after ‘brain fade' James McDonald after winning aboard Golden Slipper favourite Cylinder at Randwick last Saturday. Picture: Jeremy Ng-Getty Images By Clinton Payne 09:19pm • 08 March 2023 1 Comments A self-confessed "brain fade" has cost James McDonald the ride on four Group 1 favourites on Golden Slipper day including the coveted steer of Australian racing's superstar Anamoe. The champion jockey was handed a crucial six-meeting suspension for careless riding after pleading guilty to causing interference after the post in the Chase The Dream Handicap at Randwick on Wednesday. McDonald allowed his mount Cholante to shift out into the running of Look Only which "struck heels" and "blundered badly". AUTUMN CARNIVAL OFFER: UNLOCK EVERYTHING ON RACENET FOR $1 "It was a nasty piece of interference," acting chief steward Chris Albrecht told McDonald. "She (Amy McLucas) was lucky not to come down." A remorseful McDonald was banking on his exemplary record to save his outstanding book of Golden Slipper rides which includes Group 1 favourites – Cylinder in the Golden Slipper, Anamoe in the George Ryder Stakes, Pericles in the Rosehill Guineas and Lost And Running in The Galaxy. McDonald had only found out earlier in the day that Godolphin weapon Anamoe would be lining up in the George Ryder Stakes (1500m) after trainer James Cummings informed stewards the Cox Plate hero would target the $1m test instead of the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes on the same day. Anamoe, already an eight-time Group 1 winner, is the red-hot $1.70 TAB favourite for the George Ryder. McDonald's Golden Slipper steer Cylinder ($3.50) as well as Pericles ($4.50) and Lost And Running ($4.50) are also considered superb chances for the star rider to add to his major haul of 10 Group 1s this season around the globe. James McDonald only found out on Wednesday he was booked to ride Anamoe in the George Ryder Stakes. Picture: Jeremy Ng-Getty Images Godolphin colt Cylinder put himself in the box seat to help McDonald claim a second Golden Slipper win with a stellar performance to salute in last Saturday's Group 2 Todman Stakes at Royal Randwick. McDonald captured his first Slipper back in 2014 when he combined with the John, Wayne and Michael Hawkes-trained Mossfun in the world's richest two-year-old race. AUTUMN CARNIVAL OFFER: UNLOCK EVERYTHING ON RACENET FOR $1 The suspension could cost James McDonald an estimated $215,150 if all four horses won their respective Group 1 races, with jockeys entitled to five per cent of prizemoney. "After the line horses gravitate outwards," McDonald told stewards. "I have shifted. I apologise. I had a brain fade." Working off their penalty template – stewards started with a 14-meeting suspension which was reduced to six after factoring in McDonald's exemplary record of one suspension in the past year, his guilty plea and that the suspension costs him Golden Slipper day, Black Opal Stakes and Canberra Cup Day. McDonald starts his suspension on Sunday and returns to the saddle after the Golden Slipper meeting on Saturday week. McDonald indicated he would be appealing the severity of the suspension.

But if the Track Manager doesn't have enough budget and the Clubs spare cash is spent on hospitality and stakes what can he do? Other than resign? The buck stops with the CEO and the Board.

It still is a product of a number of issues. "Mow the lawns" doesn't fix the root cause. Excuse the pun. Further, you cannot guarantee that mowing the grass to the recommended height would have fixed the problem. It certainly would have helped but the underlying issues still remain.

I disagree. It was one symptom of a number of issues and mismanagement.

Where does it say that in the report?

But it isn't the Track Manager's decision to renovate or rest the track!! Did the Track Manager not inform the CJC CEO and Board of the irrigation problem? As for cutting the grass that wasn't the cause of the problem.

So in the second case he didn't get pinged?

Even your guru couldn't fix the problem without major renovation and resting of the track. Even dairy farmers renovate and rest their paddocks nowadays.

The other issue with irrigation on the Riccarton track is the inconsistent soil conditions i.e. some parts drain better or retain water better than others due to differing levels of compaction and clay/organic (soil structure) content. So for example if you applied 20mm of irrigation some parts of the track would absorb more than others. This is noted in the report but there is no mention of reviewing the Water Budget data which I assume all track managers maintain. The report does say that there wasn't enough irrigation to prevent the soil moisture content getting into deficit in the first place. Again where is the Water Budget data? Unfortunately the state of the soil structure means you have to keep water levels up at all times rather than waiting until a couple of weeks or less from raceday. It is impossible to play catchup.

So if you are the leader when would not handing up the lead be considered "an unacceptable drive"?

DECISION HARNESS RACING VICTORIA and BRADLEY WILLIAMSON Date of hearing: 21 February 2023 Panel: Judge John Bowman (Chairperson) and Dr Andrew Gould. Appearances: Mr Nicholas Murray appeared on behalf of the Stewards. Mr Anthony Butt represented Mr Bradley Williamson. Charge: Australian Harness Racing Rule (“AHRR”) 149(2) states: (2) A person shall not drive in a manner which in the opinion of the Stewards is unacceptable. Particulars of charge: The particulars of the charge being that after improving to the outside of Rockinwithattitude (Jayden Barker) near the 1800m and initiating a challenge for the lead, Mr Williamson persisted with that challenge from that point until resisting with that challenge approaching the 1500m, when it was apparent Rockinwithattitude (Jayden Barker) was showing no inclination to relinquish the lead. Stewards considered that the driving tactics adopted by Brad Williamson (Aroha Kenny NZ) during the relevant section were unacceptable contributing to a quick lead time of 42.9 seconds and his failure to give the filly sufficient respite sooner was the main contributing factor in Aroha Kenny NZ giving ground to finish in 8th position beaten approximately 35m. After Mr Williamson requested to provide further evidence in relation to the charge, the matter was adjourned to be reconvened on Wednesday 23 November 2022. A veterinary and endoscopic examination of Aroha Kenny NZ revealed no significant findings. On Wednesday, 23 November 2022, HRV Stewards finalised an inquiry concerning the driving tactics adopted by Brad Williamson on Aroha Kenny NZ, in Race 2 at Tabcorp Park Melton on Saturday, 19 November 2022, the Aldebaran Park Breeders Crown Series 25 (2YO Trotting Fillies) Final (Group 1). After giving consideration to all of the evidence presented, Brad Williamson, driver of Aroha Kenny NZ was found guilty of a charge under Rule 149(2) which states: A person shall not drive in a manner which in the opinion of the Stewards is unacceptable. The particulars of the charge being that after improving to the outside of Rockinwithattitude (Jayden Barker) near the 1800m and initiating a challenge for the lead, Mr Williamson persisted with that challenge from that point until resisting with that challenge approaching the 1500m, when it was apparent Rockinwithattitude (Jayden Barker) was showing no inclination to relinquish the lead. Stewards considered that the driving tactics adopted by Brad Williamson (Aroha Kenny NZ) during the relevant section were unacceptable contributing to a quick lead time of 42.9 seconds and his failure to give the filly sufficient respite sooner was the main contributing factor in Aroha Kenny NZ giving ground to finish in 8th position beaten approximately 35m. In accordance with the HRV Minimum Penalty Guidelines, Stewards took into account the relevant considerations: · That the degree of culpability was assessed to be in the mid-range, in that the driving tactics occurred over a considerable distance when the speed of the race was quick, reflective in the fast lead time recorded (42.9 seconds) and the stewards ultimately determined that the tactics employed had a detrimental effect on the performance and chances of Aroha Kenny NZ in the event. · The driving frequency of Mr Williamson in that he has competed in more than 4000 races as a driver. · The overall good record of Mr Williamson in relation to similar matters however, noting a similar offence at Invercargill in February 2022. · The feature race status of this event being a Group 1 race of $100k in stakemoney and that as publicised, penalties in such races usually carry a higher penalty. In all the circumstances, Mr Williamson’s licence to drive in races was suspended for five (5) weeks to commence midnight Saturday, 3 December 2022. Stewards ordered that this penalty is to be served cumulatively with the two (2) week suspension incurred under the provisions of rule 165(1)(b) from the same race. Plea: Guilty DECISION Mr Bradley Williamson, you are appealing in relation to a breach of Rule 149(2), which could be summarised as driving in an unacceptable manner. It relates to your drive of Aroha Kenny in Race 2 at Melton on 19 November 2022. Following an inquiry, the Stewards suspended you for a period of 5 weeks. You have appealed in relation to this decision. Very sensibly, the parties have now come to an agreement relating to the disposition of this appeal. Of course, the final decision is one for Dr Gould and myself. When the parties have agreed on the disposition of an appeal, it would be very unusual for this Tribunal not to impose the agreed penalty or result. However, the ultimate decision is that of the Tribunal. In this case, we have no problem with the mutually proposed result – that is, the upholding of the appeal and the varying of the penalty to one of 4 weeks suspension. We thank Mr Murray who appeared on behalf of the Stewards and Mr Butt, who is assisting you, Mr Williamson. We congratulate you on the very sensible approach adopted. In summary, the appeal is upheld, and the penalty is varied to one of 4 weeks suspension, commencing at midnight on Saturday, 4 March 2022. Mark Howard Registrar, Victorian Racing Tribunal

Seems to be some proactive stuff from HRNZ.

RIB harness audit update – March 2023 Category: News Date: 07/03/2023 The RIB have now carried out thirteen announced audits of harness trainers facilities across both the North and South Island. The response to these audits has been excellent and we look forward to working with more trainers and HRNZ as the programme continues. As the number of visits increases, we will be providing regular updates to inform Stakeholders of any issues or trends we may be noticing. The hope is that once aware of these, trainers will be able to better prepare for certain components of the audit with some assistance from HRNZ. There have been a number of improvement notices issued so far and the RIB is encouraged by the timely resolution of many of these. These matters will be discussed with you in person at the conclusion of your audit. If, after receiving your report, you have any questions or queries please get in touch with one of the audit staff members who will be able to assist. Whilst still very early in the schedule, there are some common issues appearing. These are listed below with links to more information which may assist you in complying with the regulations. Treatment records – as of October 2022 it is a requirement for trainers to keep detailed and thorough treatment records. HRNZ have produced a treatment record template which is available below. You do not have to use this exact form if you have a preferred method, but it will be worth looking at the document to ensure you are capturing all the required information. We encourage you to discuss this with your Veterinarian and consider how best they can assist you with the filling of this document. Links More information on what is a treatment Treatment record template Medicines – All medication kept on site must be correctly labelled and not expired. Medication is checked in an audit and improvement notices are issued for incorrectly (or not) labeled medication and for products which have expired. Again, we encourage you to discuss this with your Veterinarian who will be able to issue appropriate labeling and advise on expiry dates. Links What information is required in a treatment book? Emergency plans – the animal welfare act requires facilities to have in place a considered plan in the event of emergency. We have recently seen floods and fires and encourage all trainers to consider a response to such events. Spending some time now advising your staff of an evacuation plan could be very useful should such an incident occur. Links Emergency planning Emergency plan template

Prohibited (raceday) substance investigation completed Category: News Date: 03/03/2023 The RIB has concluded its investigation into trainer Todd Mitchell and the horse Green Aeon which presented at racedays on 10th and 26th December 2022, and subsequently returned positive swabs for the prohibited Corticosteroid substance, Betamethasone. On 26 February 2023 RIB Adjudicators disqualified the horse from both races after hearing a Request For Ruling. This disqualification was consented to by the trainer and connections of the horse. The placings in these races will be amended accordingly. After extensive enquiries which included expert veterinary opinions and legal advice, Mr Mitchell will not face any charges regarding this matter. It was determined that the horse was treated by a veterinarian using acceptable products based on withholding guidelines, however this horse has abnormal excretion rates.

Isn't this just more of the same old same old? It hasn't worked that well for other tracks they have tried it on e.g. Ellerslie and Te Rapa. 6. Testing by Wai Design revealed that pop ups were not operating consistently with a difference in performance of up to 40%. The CJC have undertaken a review of the irrigation system to improve the uniformity. 7. The lack of a suitably aggressive annual renovation program was identified as a contributing factor to the deterioration of the turf and track profile. 8. Riccarton is currently undergoing a full turf renovation with all grass being removed down to 30mm, scarifying, sub-soiling and verti-draining. The track is currently being cored, under sown and fertilised. 9. The Club have also been advised and have agreed that a more aggressive annual renovation program would help ensure the issue does not develop again in the future.

But isn't the fix just another quick fix?