Chief Stipe

Pitty got the pip when it was pointed out that given his status and involvement in Canterbury Racing he had some part in the downward spiral of the Riccarton track and facilities. The response was irrational. As for Michael O'Brien the king of the pokie rort he too should take some credit for the dependency that was created on those blasted machines. But O'Brien doesn't hide his identity.

Then they'll be at Awapuni.

Two different types of eaters. Awapuni - pies, sausage rolls, hotdogs and chips. Mother's Day a bit flasher.

I tend to agree and the data is certainly pointing in that direction.

Wrong Michael.

Aren't you describing management of any organisation be it Corporate or Public in New Zealand? Aren't we run by eunuchs?

Yes.

HRNZ announcement - Gary Woodham 27 April 2023 Harness Racing New Zealand Chief Executive Gary Woodham will be taking a short leave of absence, after suffering a medical event at work yesterday. After undergoing surgery at Christchurch Hospital, Gary's condition has stabilised over the last 24 hours. He's expected to return home over the weekend. In Gary's absence General Manager Corporate Services Liz Bishop will be responsible for all operational and financial matters and General Manager - Racing Catherine McDonald will deal with everything racing-related. Our thoughts go out to Gary and his family and we ask everyone to respect their privacy at this time. There will be updates on the HRNZ website and social media channels as necessary.

Presumably the $200m return to racing per annum is over and above what by law has to be returned to national sports organisations.

How New Zealand racing ‘sold the farm’ to Entain and left Tabcorp at the altar When New Zealand’s Minister For Racing Kieran McAnulty signs off on a 25-year multi-billion dollar deal for Entain to take over the country’s wagering licence, he will deliver a once-in-a-lifetime financial boost to the thoroughbred industry. New Zealand Racing has received a 25-year commitment from Entain. (Illustration by Sproule Sports Focus) In the wake of John Messara’s landmark 2018 report into the troubles of the New Zealand racing industry, Tabcorp was seen as having an open shot for the licence to run wagering in the country. The path was laid for Tabcorp to waltz in and add another dominion to the empire, giving the publicly listed Australian corporation a much-needed boost to its international profile. It had even been reported that a deal between Tabcorp and the New Zealand Racing industry was at an advanced stage of negotiation, but when details of that deal, which was significantly inferior to the one Entain has now put forward, were leaked, administrators and legislators got cold feet. It then became a truly competitive process, a battle between Tabcorp, Sportsbet and Entain after BetR had opted out at an early stage. The result, announced last month, has been a prospective 25-year commitment from Entain, in what is a game-changing deal for New Zealand racing. The headline numbers hit all the right notes. There will be NZ$160 million (US$98 million) up front for the deal, plus a minimum guarantee of NZ$1 billion (US$614 million) over the first five years. There is also a $NZ100 million (US$61.4 million) sweetener to be paid if the New Zealand government passes geo-blocking legislation which would give the new Entain-powered entity a virtual monopoly in a potential market of five million people. The final deal is now before Kieran McAnulty, the Minister For Racing and former bookmaker with the NZ TAB, for final approval but his assent is seen as a fait accompli. Kieran McAnulty (left) with connections of Probabeel at the New Zealand Thoroughbred Horse of the Year awards. (Photo by Nicole Troost) For many involved in racing and wagering, it is viewed as the right solution at the right time. The broader public sentiment surrounding TAB NZ has diminished as the relative riches enjoyed by racing bodies in a much more mature Australian wagering environment have become apparent. Meanwhile, overseas corporate bookmakers, particularly Bet365, have made strong inroads with New Zealand punters, further undermining financial returns from the NZ TAB. The way which the Trackside media product has been managed in recent years has also been cited as a reason for reform. There is considerable anecdotal evidence that New Zealand punters have become less interested in the local product as a result and this has concerned stakeholders. Entain has used this and its burgeoning pedigree in the media space, chiefly through its Ladbrokes content offering in Australia, as a key ‘non-financial’ consideration for its bid. Every deal has its costs and there has, of course, been trepidation and misgivings from some quarters. “Once you have done this, you can never undo it,” one source said. “You can’t put the machine back together.” The length of the deal has been questioned, perhaps understandably when you consider Entain has only existed as a corporate brand since 2020, yet it has put forward a deal which will take New Zealand racing, with its long history, in a commercial marriage until 2048. There are those whowould prefer a home-built solution, rather than one imported from overseas, while others are concerned whether the flood of money from the deal simply goes to those who are already doing particularly well out of New Zealand racing. But that all depends on where the money is spent. Firstly, the upfront NZ$160 million payment will undoubtedly help set the new company up for success as well as provide a sugar hit in terms of infrastructure investment for the broader racing industry. It will enable the industry to invest into areas neglected under the previous funding model and, as one source put it, ‘fix a whole lot of things that need fixing’. The NZ$1 billion guarantee, the equivalent of NZ$200 million (US$123 million) a year in the formative years of the new marriage, will be the aspect which helps underwrite future funding for prize money, the lifeblood of the industry. The NZ$200 million would be a NZ$60 million (US$37 million) a year increase on what the NZ TAB contributed to the broader industry last financial year. Given the thoroughbred industry currently represents about 55 per cent of the wagering market, the respective annual uplift for it in terms of revenue would be in the realms of NZ$35 million (US$21 million), or 30 per cent of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s (NZTR’s) current revenue. Nobody at NZTR is willing to put the cart before the horse and speculate ahead of McAnulty’s decision what the extra cash means to prize money but reporting elsewhere, chiefly through noted New Zealand journalist Michael Guerin, suggests the changes will be far-reaching. Minimum prize money for thoroughbred races is expected to increase from $14,000 to $20,000, underpinning the bottom end of the industry, but it is also highly likely New Zealand’s best races will get a much-needed boost. G1 New Zealand Derby winner Sharp 'N' Smart. (Photo by Trish Dunell) The average prize money for a Group 1 race in New Zealand has lagged well below that of Australia for many years and that is expected to be addressed, while minimum prize money for premier Saturday racing in Auckland is expected to be boosted to around $80,000 by the time Ellerslie re-opens later this year. That is well short of the Saturday minimum of $150,000 offered in Sydney, but still an enormous incentive for those trainers and owners with quality horses to keep them racing at home, rather than selling to Australia or Hong Kong. Logic would say that if racing returns to New Zealand owners through prize money are going to increase by 30-40 per cent, then we can expect the value of bloodstock to increase at similar levels. While New Zealand has been famous for exporting its best thoroughbred talent for generations, it has become a particular commercial reality in the past 10 years to the detriment of the local racing industry. Suddenly, those previously compelled to ‘sell the good ones’ overseas might be convinced to chance their arm at the larger prize money available at home, forcing prices and competition up for investors from Australia, Hong Kong and elsewhere, be it on the private market or through yearling or breeze-up sales. Aerovelocity, one of many Hong Kong stars sourced from New Zealand. (Photo by HKJC) There is also the prospect of that additional NZ$100 million should ‘geo-blocking’ be enacted by the New Zealand parliament. Due to the current political cycle – there is an election due in September – that is unlikely to happen until 2024, but it would be a huge boost for the new Entain-powered wagering product. It will set them up with a monopoly for the foreseeable future, with safeguards apparently set to be put in place for punters around minimum bet limits to provide a fair betting environment. There are cases for and against betting monopolies. Certainly, Hong Kong and Japanese racing benefit from the monopoly models which help power their racing industries, while Australia’s ‘free-for-all’ corporate bookmaker approach has led to increased returns, greater innovation, but complexity when it comes to taxation and regulation. The Entain deal allows New Zealand racing to benefit from much of the corporate bookmaker innovation that has happened across the Tasman, while having the security of ongoing funding. It also gives the industry a five-year window to get its house in order in terms of prize money, infrastructure, media and marketing, aspects which have been sorely neglected in the past decade. The pending agreement is a massive feather in the cap for Entain, which has battled to erode the dual dominance of Sportsbet and Tabcorp in Australia, where it has been the third wheel for some time. It tried to buy Tabcorp’s wagering and media arm for AU$3.5 billion (US$2.3 billion) in 2021 but having failed on that front has changed tack with the New Zealand deal. It certainly puts Entain in a stronger position for consideration for the Victorian wagering licence, currently held by Tabcorp, which is due to expire in August 2024. That deal is a very different one, with the Victorian wagering environment much more mature and the racing industry not in need of a ’white knight’ as has been the case in New Zealand. The current Victorian joint venture wagering agreement returned $129 million to Racing Victoria last financial year, around 33 per cent of its overall wagering revenue. RV and the Victorian government will be looking for improved returns from any prospective partner going forward and if Entain can prove its credentials in that area through its New Zealand deal, then there is no reason to think they can’t parlay their win across the Tasman into a major success in Victoria. Winning the New Zealand bid shows that Entain is worthy of a seat at the table in a Victorian process, which by all reports, is very much still an open question despite a looming deadline. The Australian tote is dying, but does anybody care?

@Yankiwi you still haven't provided proof that your accusations are correct or if the other disqualified parties asked to be part of Great Mates and were declined? Assuming with the latter of course that their disqualification was AFTER the programme was set up.

Now you are being facetious. What is it exactly that you are trying to get changed? As yet you have provided ZERO evidence that the Waretini property is part of the Great Mates/GAP rehoming programe.

That's why the rules and penalties need a review. Zero is now more Zero than it was before. The RIB should be transparent in publishing the levels that are detected in a positive. GRNZ and the other two codes should also revist Zero and establish thresholds otherwise there will be more and more environmental contamination cases.

My points and opinions haven't changed. Do you have an axe to grind? Seems to me the Waretini property would be a great addition to the Great Mates and GAP programme.

Actually your beef isn't against GAP is it? It is presumably against Great Mates which is more closely aligned to GRNZ. Again do you have ANY evidence to support your allegation otherwise this discussion is moot. That said I don't see a problem with it. The dogs are retired.

BTW @Yankiwi have you applied to be a rehoming transition facility? I understand that the current capacity is well short of demand and if you succeed in getting the Waretini's dumped (assuming your accusation is correct) then the problem won't have been addressed.

The only basis they would have for a case is if they had applied to be a GAP provider and were declined. If they haven't then case closed.

That's your opinion. I disagree. The dogs are retired and supposedly being well looked after. Assuming of course that your accusation is correct in the first place.

How are they inconsistent? Do you have any evidence that the individuals in the other cases you cite applied to house GAP dogs? Does GRNZ run GAP? GAP is a registered charity. GRNZ doesn't run GAP. They may donate money to it, they may sponsor it as does any number of companies and individuals.

That's one thing I agree with. There are inconsistencies in the way the RIB operates not only within the racing codes but across them. If Waretini could afford it she has grounds for appeal and the Sheryl Wiggs appeal from Harness Racing provides a precedent.

Did they ask? The 5 cases are NOT identical. Some of those respondents had priors. Waretini had ZERO.

At a very low level. I've said this many many times on each of the three code forums that the new Zero is much much lower than the old Zero and we will see more and more cases of environmental contamination. The codes AND the RIB were going to address this issue and look at thresholds. The RIB refuse to publish the levels detected in these cases. I assume because it would open then up to a barrage of criticism because the levels detected would have zero performance impact on the animal in question

It was measured at a "very very low level" that would have not been sufficient to substantiate any criminal charge in a court. As I said in an earlier post if you visited a few bars at the low end and high end of society it is likely that a swab of your clothes would return a positive to any number of Class A or B or C drugs.

Tragic. 4 children aged under 4.

Popular jockey Dean Holland dies after shocking fall Dean Holland tragically died after falling from a horse at Donald. By Brad Waters 07:53pm • 24 April 2023 40 Comments Newmarket Handicap-winning jockey and father of four Dean Holland has died tragically after a shocking fall in Victoria on Monday. Holland, 34, crashed to the turf when his mount Headingley ducked in sharply and fell as the field entered the straight in the opening race at Donald. Jockey Alana Kelly fell from Time To Rumble after the gelding was brought down by the fallen Headingley. Kelly walked back to scale while Holland remained on the track where he was treated by paramedics, who subsequently called for the air ambulance for the jockey. Holland, however, could not be saved despite the valiant efforts of paramedics. Victoria Police said: "(Holland) was worked on by paramedics but sadly died at the scene". Dean Holland. "Work Safe have been notified and will investigate. The death is not being treated as suspicious." Police will also prepare a report for the coroner. Racing Victoria CEO Andrew Jones said: "On behalf of the Victorian racing industry, I would like to extend our prayers and heartfelt condolences to Dean's partner Lucy, his children, his family, friends and colleagues on the incredibly sad news of his passing." "It was a tragic accident at Donald today and we are all are deeply shocked and saddened that Dean has passed away as a result of injuries sustained in the fall. Victorian Jockeys' Association chief executive Matt Hyland said: "The VJA and our members are incredibly saddened by the loss of our colleague and friend Dean Holland and extend our heartfelt condolences to his partner Lucy, his four children and his wider family." "Dean was a much-loved member of the riding group here in Victoria and when he travelled interstate, and his fellow riders will all be shattered at the shock news of his passing as we at the VJA are," Hyland said. Dean Holland wins the Newmarket on In Secret. Out of respect, the Anzac Day meetings scheduled for Flemington and Moe on Tuesday will not go ahead. "Racing Victoria, following consultation with the VJA, has determined that (Tuesday's) Anzac Day race meetings at Flemington and Moe will not proceed as programmed out of respect to Dean and the Holland family," the statement said. "A further update on the re-programming of any races will follow in due course." In Sydney, jockeys will wear black armbands for the entirety of the Anzac Day meeting at Randwick-Kensington in a sign of respect to the fallen jockey. Racing NSW boss Peter V'Landys confirmed the organisation would start the ball rolling to raise $20,000 for Holland's family. Holland leaves behind a partner Lucy, and tragically, four children under four years of age — Harley, Luca, Frankie and Lily. Trainers Tony and Calvin McEvoy, who Holland did a bulk of his riding for, said: "Vale Dean Holland. The whole McEvoy Mitchell Racing team are sending our love and thoughts to Deans family. Lucy, their 4 kids, Darren and Belinda. "Dean was a huge part of the McEvoy Mitchell Racing team and always bought a smile to everyone's face at work. Rest easy Deano." Holland posted the biggest win of his career when he steered In Secret to victory for the international Godolphin operation in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington in March. His fellow riders celebrated with Holland as the lightweight jockey was universally popular across the racing industry with gentle demeanour and hard-working approach endearing him to his peers and trainers. Those same riders along with the state's trainers now had to begin their own grieving process for their comrade with social media tributes to Holland. Holland won more than 1100 races in a career that started on a dusty circuit at Ceduna in SA in December 2005 with his first winner coming at that venue in January 2006. Holland is part of one of South Australia's most respected racing families with his father Darren riding more than 600 winners in his career. Holland was apprenticed to South Australian trainer Jon O'Connor while he also spent time with Hall of Fame trainer David Hayes. Donald is 280km northwest of Melbourne. Both horses involved in Monday's fall were understood to have avoided injury. Stewards abandoned the remaining races of Monday's meeting. Dean Holland with James Cummings after winning the Newmarket Handicap on In Secret last month. It is the latest in a series of shocking falls in Victoria in recent weeks which seriously injured jockeys including Jamie Kah, Ethan Brown, Craig Williams and Teo Nugent. Holland had his biggest day in the saddle only a few weeks ago when he picked up the last-minute winning ride on In Secret in the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington. Dean Holland after winning on Way Up High at Ararat on Thursday. Holland landed the ride after Kah was injured in a fall earlier in the day. After winning the Newmarket, Holland said: "First of all, what I didn't want to do was carry on, win, lose or draw with what happened with Jamie (Kah) and Willo (Craig Williams)." "My thoughts go out to them," he said at the time. "I'm just the lucky one that was able to ride light today and picked up the ride on one of Australia's best sprinters." Dean Holland after winning the 2019 Adelaide Cup on Surprise Baby. Holland, originally from Adelaide, was having a breakout season with 82 winners in Victoria, and was sitting fourth on the Victorian jockeys' premiership table. Prior to Monday, he last rode at Morphettville on Saturday where he finished an unlucky fourth on Seradess in the Group 3 Irwin Stakes. Dean Holland (right) with his dad Darren in 2004. One of his greatest wins on the track was the 2019 Adelaide Cup on Surprise Baby. His last winner was on a horse called Way Up High at Ararat on Thursday. Dean Holland with his wife Lucy and two of their children in 2020. Dean Holland's parents are making their way from Carpenters Rocks in South Australia to Victoria.