Chief Stipe

Sundees Son smashes the NZ Record for 2700m going 3:16.3.

Racing regulator issued up to 300 warnings to greyhound trainers over health and welfare failures in under a year EXCLUSIVE 05/05/2022 Michael Morrah Newshub can reveal up to 300 warnings have been issued to greyhound trainers for health and welfare failures in less than a year. The head of the Racing Integrity Board says "almost all" kennels visited since its inception last year have been issued with improvement notices. And now a resignation at the top echelons of the sport is also imminent. Mike Clement, chief executive of the Racing Integrity Board, said the organisation has issued between 200 and 300 improvement notices against the kennels it's been auditing. Problems identified include: Unvaccinated dogs Unapproved medications being used Treatment records not being kept An increase in dental issues More dogs found at some kennels than official records show And improvement notices were not handed out to just a couple of trainers. "A large number of those have been issued and I would be reasonably confident that that applies to almost all kennels," said Clement. He said it's become clear many don't understand what the rules are. "I think everybody's expectation is they should, [but] the reality is that they don't - they don't universally know what the standard is." Asked if it was good enough though they don't know what's expected in 2022, Clement said it's fair that it's called out. "I think if you were to reflect on what's gone on in previous years, you would say your point is well made. It's not good enough." Will Appelbe, investigations and rapid response manager for animal rights group SAFE, said given previous damning reviews, such widespread non-compliance is inexcusable. "At this point, I don't think the minister has any other choice but to ban greyhound racing." And that's still on the cards. "There are still very disturbing and concerning things occurring," Racing Minister Grant Robertson said. "That's why the Racing Integrity Board is doing its job. We have said this industry is on notice. "If they don't improve, they run the risk of closure." Greyhound Racing NZ chief executive Glenda Hughes told Newshub greyhound racing is an industry like any other. "It's a family of people and what we do have is we do have some problem children." On Wednesday night, Newshub revealed one of the country's most successful trainers John McInerney has been charged by the Racing Integrity Board over racing a dog while it was injured. Newshub also obtained photos of injured dogs he was in charge of. Asked if McInerney was one of the problem children she was referring to, Hughes remained coy. "From my perspective, I would not be willing to actually identify anybody as to who's the problem children and who isn't." She said the images are distressing. "Our staff get really upset about any images of that type, so yes it is disappointing. But what I can say is that the majority of our people that run racing dogs, they are not doing that." As for the audits, Hughes acknowledges there's work to do, saying attention by trainers had "slipped". However, she said all registered racing dogs are now up to date with their vaccinations after the audits showed there were problems. Hughes announced her resignation as chief executive of Greyhound Racing NZ on Wednesday afternoon. A statement from chairman Sean Hannan said Hughes had only intended to be acting chief for six months when appointed in 2019. The statement said a new CEO will be appointed in the next two months but Hughes would stay on to help the new boss until the end of the year. Hughes told Newshub that the biggest challenge has been trying to portray greyhound racing in a positive light to the public. "The majority of people involved in greyhound racing really care about their dogs, they love their dogs and they do their absolute best for them," she said.

Is it because Woodville was abandoned?

Are you saying he wasn't kennelled?

But there is no grey with those pushing the re-homing agenda. They are all or nothing. In reality it is an emotional political tactic aimed at ending racing. Extreme cases that are being used to further the agenda of stopping racing. Perhaps the Industry should fund free disposal of post racing stock. In the case of these dogs - why did the organisation accepting the dogs not make an issue of it at the time? Why not address the alleged issues as soon as they were identified? I suggest the reason they didn't is because they wanted to build up a quantum of "evidence" as one individual case has very little weight. Find a sympathetic journalist (Morrah) and then ramp up the noise to time with a political review or milestone.

The way things are going you will have to find a paddock for your retired horses to hog all day. Unfortunately the industry has bought into "every animal needs to be rehomed" which is just politically driven by the woke green left. I wonder where all the "retired" dairy cows go?

Last Race Dates: Sozins Comet last raced in March 2015. Impressive Chase - Nov 2021. Mattie Blueblood - July 2017 Lonely Baxter - June 2019 Most of these were bred from.

Just one obvious observation that is odd about this story. Timing is another one. So the antagonists sit on this stuff for how long? Surely they should have complained after one dog? Is the story timed to coincide with a review milestone?

So you are anti racing?

A few obvious things don't add up with this story.

Racing regulator inquires into condition of dogs owned by John McInerney, NZ's most prolific greyhound trainer EXCLUSIVE 17 minutes ago Michael Morrah Warning: This story contains images and descriptions that may upset some viewers. Newshub has obtained multiple photos and descriptions of injured greyhounds linked to the South Island's most successful trainer, John McInerney. An independent vet says the images warrant investigation, while animal rights group SAFE described the condition of the dogs as disgraceful. McInerney oversees the largest number of racing dogs in the country. Newshub can reveal he was recently charged by the Racing Integrity Board (RIB) for racing another dog when it had an open wound - its tail bone. In the photos supplied to Newshub, another dog, Homebush Bayern, is seen with a large, partially-healed wound on his right shoulder, and a fresh wound on the back consistent with bite marks from another dog. Homebush Ramona had an infected dislocated toe that had to be amputated. Other dogs had sores on their legs. Photos of them were taken shortly after the former racing dogs were dropped off at a rehoming kennel. All were trained by John McInerney, although he denied that eight of his 11 dogs were in a poor condition when they arrived. "That's not true," he said. But Will Appelbe, SAFE investigations and rapid response manager, said the images are "seriously concerning". "This is one of the biggest trainers in the country, he races about 200 dogs a year. Eleven dogs went to this kennel and eight of them have serious issues - that's a huge red flag." Newshub has been leaked notes about the dogs' conditions. Impressive Chase was 75 percent blind in one eye, "terrified of humans" and "aggressive"; Mattie Blueblood and Lonely Baxter had wounds that needed stitches; and Sozin's Comet was 6kg underweight and had severe worms. Helen Beattie, Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Aotearoa managing director, said it warrants further investigation. "We need more information, but certainly from the numbers coming through, the injuries seen, there absolutely needs to be further scrutiny of what's going on here." Beattie was formerly New Zealand's chief veterinary officer and now runs an independent, science-led animal welfare company. Her biggest concern is the marks seen on some of the dogs, which she believes are pressure sores. "That speaks to a much more chronic, long-term husbandry issue where these animals are lying on hard surfaces for long periods of time that are causing those pressure sores," she said. "We should be concerned about that - that's not acceptable." Welfare rules state: Bedding must be provided at all times and the bed must be raised off the ground. Greyhounds are to be protected from injury by other greyhounds Immediate veterinary care must be provided for sick or injured greyhounds John McInerney has made over $1 million so far this season and has 191 racing dogs - the largest number of any trainer in the country. Newshub understands the injured dogs came from a property in Darfield, and that several dogs had advanced issues with worms. Beattie said the higher the population density in an area, the harder parasites become to control. McInerney has been charged by the RIB for failing to provide proper care for another dog, Homebush Hero, by not checking it for injury prior to racing. Evidence at his hearing showed the greyhound's tail bone was exposed in what was described as in a "horrible state" and a days-old infection. McInerney denied it was that bad prior to the race, saying it could have been injured in the starting box. Newshub asked him about the photos, showing other dogs in poor condition. "There's a picture of Homebush Bayern. How did he get those injuries?" he was asked. "It was a dog fight," McInerney responded. He said the injuries were "completely healed" when dropped off, although it's evident from photos the dog also had a fresh wound on its back. "What about Ramona that had to have two toes amputated on arrival at the kennels?" Newshub asked. "News to me," he said. When shown that photo, he denied the injury happened at his property, saying: "It didn't come from our place like that." Asked if he believes he's neglected his responsibilities as a greyhound trainer, McInerney said no: "That dog was not like that when it left our kennels." But in Beattie's opinion, it's not a new injury. "So there's a dislocated toe as well as an open wound, and the open wound would not have happened in a mere number of hours. That's a more long-standing injury," she said. Newshub understands multiple dogs needed "immediate" vet care after being dropped off. "It's completely shameful, It's disgraceful," said Appelbe. "I feel for the dogs that have had to go through that kind of pain, because I think they're clear examples of neglect." It's alleged neglect the RIB is now looking into. RIB chief executive Mike Clement told Newshub concerns have been raised with them in relation to the photos, and the regulator is making inquiries. "We are conducting inquiries to determine whether or not there's an allegation to be investigated," he told Newshub. Clement said it takes such reports seriously and he would not rule out asking the SPCA to assist with its investigations. "We reserve the right to do that." The CEO of Greyhound Racing New Zealand refused to answer specific questions about the issue, saying it was being overseen by the RIB. "All matters of concern of the nature you have raised are referred to the independent Racing Integrity Board for their consideration and/or investigation," she said. John McInerney did not respond to further questions from Newshub.

So they're not the type of horses you'd race on an AWT either?

I guess looking on the bright side it hasn't been abandoned after Race 1 was run!

MEETING NEWS Woodville on Sunday Abandoned The Woodville meeting scheduled for Sunday has been abandoned due to the firmness of the track. The track has been inspected today (Monday) by club representatives and the RIB. With fine weather forecast for the week ahead the track is expected to be at least in the Good2 range come race-day. There is no option to irrigate. NZTR will look to divide a race or races at Otaki this Friday and will add a race or races where possible in the coming weeks if required.

Same Steeplechase course irrigation plan as Riccarton. Blame it on Climate Change.

MEETING NEWS Te Rapa Steeplechase(s) Abandoned for Saturday The steeplechase(s) scheduled for the Waikato meeting this Saturday 7 May will not take place due to the extreme firmness of the steeplechase course. With zero rainfall over the last seven days (and a fine forecast) the course that is used for the steeplechase has come up a Firm1 with a moisture meter reading of 12.3%. The scheduled hurdles will take place as programmed as they race on the course proper which will be irrigated as per the normal track management plan.

Kiwi’s QLD invasion as 34 horses cross the ditch Entriviere heads to the Doomben 10,000 first up next weekend. Picture: Trish Dunell. By Trenton Akers 03:06pm • 02 May 2022 0 Comments Kiwi trainer Mark Walker says punters did not see the best of their highly touted colt Sword Of State last year during a failed spring carnival mission but can expect a better showing during the winter this time around. The New Zealand star, along with Entriviere headlines a team of 34 Kiwi-trained horses that made the trip to Brisbane over the weekend as they look to make their presence felt. With the Covid disaster of the last two years now a long memory, the Kiwi’s are returning to Queensland and Walker expects his small team of three to pack a punch. Replacing the Hong Kong-bound Jamie Richards, Walker will have Sword Of State (Gold Coast Guineas) and Soprano Supreme (Gold Coast Cup) race this weekend while Entriviere heads to the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 next week first-up. With three starts in Sydney and Melbourne during the spring, Sword Of State finished no better than fifth, but Walker says there were excuses. “He went to Australia in the spring and got a foot abscess so things never really went right for him,” he said. “His record is pretty good overall, It will be better for him this time around. “He really battled with the foot abscess over there but it is well and truly behind him now. “He has been impressive back here, Aussie sprinters are generally quicker than ours but we need to see how he measures up this time around.” Sword Of State will go around in the Gold Coast Guineas this weekend. Picture: Mark Evans — Getty Images. Walker said if the Gold Coast presents a heavy track, he would not run the colt, who boasts six wins from 10 starts in his career. Originally kicking off his career with Te Akau in New Zealand, Walker moved to Singapore to head up their Asian operation before getting the call to return home with Richards’ impending departure. While he has walked into the country’s most powerful stable, Walker says not much changes for him. “It’s a bit like riding a bike really, you don’t forget how to do it,” he said. “It has started off well. “I have had good horses when I was here before, Darci Brahma, Kings Chapel and all those sort of horses.” Leading New Zealand rider Opie Bosson will ride Sword Of State this weekend and Entriviere in the Doomben 10,000, while Kerrin McEvoy is booked for the lightweight ride on Soprano Supreme in the Gold Coast Cup. Also on the flight to Brisbane was dual Group 1 winner Coventina Bay, who will be ridden by Sam Collett in the Hollindale Stakes this weekend. It comes as trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young consider bringing their Group 1 Australasian Oaks winner Glint Of Hope over for the Queensland Oaks later in the carnival.

So all the stakeholders that matter - punters, owners, trainers and jockeys get hit in the pocket! As well as the Judge doing a job with inadequate tools! Meanwhile the RIB sitting in the bunker with High Definition equipment screw everyone well AFTER the event!!

South Canterbury RC 28 April 2022 – R3 – Craig Harrison ID: RIB8733 Respondent(s): Craig Harrison - Judge Applicant: Mr John Oatham - Chief Stipendiary Steward Adjudicators: Dave Anderson Persons Present: Stipendiary Stewards Mr Mark Davidson and Ms Rebecca Haley, Racecourse Investigator Mr Simon Irving, Mr Oatham and Mr Harrrison and camera operator Mr Jim Ryan. Information Number: A14168 Decision Type: Adjudicative Decision Charge: Failed to place AUNT CINDY and ROW OF EIGHTS (dead heat) according to the order in which their noses have reached the winning post. Rule(s): 641(1) - Judging of the Race Plea: Not Admitted Stewards Report Results Animal Name: AUNT CINDY and ROW OF EIGHTS Code: Thoroughbred Race Date: 28/04/2022 Race Club: South Canterbury Racing Club Race Location: Phar Lap Raceway - State Highway 1, Washdyke, Timaru, Race Number: R3 Hearing Date: 28/04/2022 Hearing Location: Phar Lap Raceway Outcome: Proved Penalty: Judge Craig Harrison is fined $2000. BACKGROUND: Following the running of Race 3, the NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race Maiden F&M 1200, Chief RIB Steward Mr John Oatham presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 641(1) by the Judge for the race meeting, Mr Craig Harrison. The Information stated Mr Harrison “failed to place AUNT CINDY & ROW OF EIGHTS (dead-heat) according to the order in which their noses have reached the winning post.” Mr Harrison confirmed he understood the charge and that he was conversant with the Rule. Mr Harrison signed the Information stating he did not admit a breach of the Rule. Rule 641(1) “The Judge shall place all horses in the Race according to the order in which their noses have reached the winning post”. Mr Oatham had Stipendiary Steward Mr Mark Davidson, identify each of the horses on the photo finish and point out their noses and the margin between the 2 horses Stewards alleged to be correct. EVIDENCE: Mr Oatham said the key evidence from Stewards was the photo finish image, which he said clearly shows a margin between the 2 horses in question. He submitted a photo taken at the stabling area showing ROW OF EIGHTS’ prominent white nose, which he said, can clearly be seen against the dark nose of AUNT CINDY, highlighting a discernible gap between the horses at the finishing post. Mr Oatham said the image on the screen was the official photo finish of the race released to Trackside by the Judge and the photo finish operator. The Stewards see it clearly as not a dead heat. Mr Harrison said in reply that the photo on screen was only one image and he looks at several images, particularly when there is a close finish such as this. He said we compress the images, draw them out and expand them from all angles and it was his opinion that there was not enough photographic evidence to determine which horse was 1st or 2nd. He said to be fair to the connections, I dead-heated them. Mr Harrison said it does appear Steward’s image on their screen is clearer than what we had to work with. He showed the Adjudicative Committee the computer image he had worked off, and another which camera operator Mr Jim Ryan demonstrated and who commented that the colours were different, the picture was compressed and it was basically a low-quality image. Mr Harrison said it is clear now that the outside horse has a white nose, but at the time we disregarded that colour as we do for all colours. He said high-resolution cameras can distort images and can also pick up shading, and the low angle of the sun can be a factor plus his laptop didn’t have the same ability, in the time frame, to enhance it to the clarity of the Trackside image. Mr Harrison said it has been a constant problem here at Timaru with the camera angle looking through the horses, not over them as at most other tracks. He said in regard to these factors, and although it is now clear ROW OF EIGHT’s nose is white, he is still not 100% sure that the image on the screen of AUNTY CINDY’S nose is actually the mare’s nose. Mr Harrison, in summary, said considering the factors he had mentioned plus the lack of an infield camera, a winning post mirror that is not up to standard, the Judge’s box which is a considerable distance from the track and at a low angle, there were too many elements of doubt to determine that the inside horse’s nose was in fact what we can see on the screen. Racecourse Investigator, Mr Simon Irving, asked Mr Harrison if he had accessed the Trackside image at the time, would it have changed his decision. Mr Harrison said he couldn’t answer that, he didn’t know. He said he made his decision from what he had available to him at the time. REASONS FOR DECISION: The Adjudicative Committee carefully considered all the submissions presented. The image the Stewards had on screen was very compelling. Mr Oatham’s assertion that ROW OF EIGHTS nose and AUNTY CINDY’S nose are clearly visible and can’t be anything else is correct, and there is a discernible margin between them. Mr Harrison had many factors to consider when making his decision and in the Adjudicative Committee’s opinion, many factors beyond his control to contend with. Nevertheless, a serious mistake has been made and Mr Harrison has to bear the responsibility for this mistake. The Adjudicative Committee find the charge to be proved. SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY: Mr Oatham said charges of this nature are very rare and there are only two that can be referenced, and he said he was personally involved in both of them. The first was Mr Dave Carter, who was the Judge at Tauranga in 2004. The mistake was picked up a day or two later involving 2nd and 3rd placings. Mr Carter admitted the breach which happened on a premier day. Mr Oatham said the stake differential was approximately $2500 and Mr Carter was fined $1750. The second was Mr Tom Thomson, who was the Judge also at Tauranga in 2009. This breach was also picked up at a later date and involved 3rd and 4th placing. On this occasion, the difference of stake money was $1750 and Mr Thomson was fined $1500. Mr Oatham said connections in these cases were compensated by the club and in this case, the stake differential after the 1st and 2nd stakes money were combined and shared was $2180. He said the Rules around the judging of the race determine the Judge’s placings must stand, and as is the case here, there is no comeback for the betting public. Mr Oatham said Mr Harrison has been a Judge for some time now and there appear to be no issues in the past. He said on this occasion, a fine is the appropriate penalty and he can only point to the previous cases to be of some guidance. Mr Harrison chose not to make any submissions on Penalty. REASONS FOR PENALTY: Breaches of Rules for Judges are very uncommon and there are no Guidelines to provide a starting point for a Penalty in this case. The historic cases alluded to by Mr Oatham are exactly that, historic, being 13 and 18 years ago, but the cases at Tauranga are the only relevant reference the Adjudicative Committee has for guidance in finding a starting point that is fair and reasonable. They involved horses being placed in the wrong order, and it could be argued the impact on the betting public was greater than in this case, where a dead heat was wrongly posted. In arriving at an apposite sanction, the Adjudicative Committee has regard for the significant increase in fines implemented in approximately 2012. The consequences of this breach are a loss of stake monies to connections and a large effect on the betting public, a serious consideration. The Adjudicative Committee acknowledges Mr Harrison has made a genuine mistake and has arrived at a starting point of a $2500 fine. Mr Harrison has an excellent record over many years for which credit is afforded, and the Adjudicative Committee has some understanding of the factors in play that may have influenced his decision making on the day. This has been taken into consideration. These factors accumulate a discount of $500. PENALTY: Judge Mr Craig Harrison is fined $2000.

29 April 2022 TAB New Zealand (TAB NZ) provides the eighth monthly trading update for the 2021/2022 financial year, with the results and highlights for March 2022. The TAB continued to operate successfully through its online and retail channels throughout March, despite some impact to retail operations due to the current Omicron outbreak. The outbreak has had a continued impact on foot traffic in the retail and hospitality sector, leading to a downturn in gaming turnover at TAB retail outlets, although these figures showed signs of improvements towards the end of March. Racing and sports betting turnover and profit performed well despite fewer customers interacting with the retail and hospitality sector. Turnover was back above budget in March after dipping below in February and, combined with a gross betting margin on par with budget, the gross betting revenue was also above budget. The peak of the Omicron outbreak in late March and the resulting effect on foot traffic in retail and on-course, was mitigated by the loosening of gathering restrictions for outdoor events, allowing race clubs to increase crowd capacities. The TAB NZ Board has been able to maintain betting profit distributions at budgeted levels through the year to date. With funding from Betting Information Use Charges and the Betting Levy tracking above budget, this has meant that total distributions have been above budgeted expectations. As the New Zealand government continues to adapt its approach to the Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus, the Board will factor in potential developments and how these might affect trading conditions and what this may mean for profit distributions. Wagering Performance Summary In March, the key performance results for TAB were in line with the overall positive trends of the 2021/22 financial year. Subject to final audit, turnover of $215.9m was 2.2% ($4.7m) above budget and gross betting revenue (GBR) of $34.6m was up on budget by 2.6% ($0.9m). The gross betting margin (GBM) of 16.0% was in line with budget. Racing Average NZ thoroughbred starters per race was 10.1, below the Year To Date (YTD) average of 10.5, while the peak turnover for a domestic meeting was $4.2m on 5 March for Vodafone Derby Day at Ellerslie. Harness average starters per race was 9.7, below the YTD average of 10.2, while the peak meeting turnover of $1.2 was on 6 March for the Hororata Trotting Club meeting at Methven. For greyhound racing, the average starters per race was 7.5, dropping slightly below the YTD average of 7.6, while the peak turnover for a domestic meeting was $595k on 6 March at Manukau. Sport The top sporting event for March was the Warriors vs Dragons NRL on the 12th March at $396k closely followed by other NRL and ICC Women’s World Cup cricket matches. Basketball dominated in-play performance, accounting for 40% of in-play turnover. March Operational Performance Reported Profit for the month was $12.1m, which was $1.6m below Budget. Operating Expenses were $10.3m for the month, which was in line with Budget. Year To Date (1 Aug 2021 to 31 Mar 2022) Reported Profit* was $109.1m, which was $0.4m above Budget and $7.6m below last year. Year To Date (1 Aug 2021 to 31 Mar 2022) Operating Expenses* were $76.9m, which was $3.2m below Budget and $2.7m above last year. * - Note: Year to date figures are subject to final audit. March Distributions Racing Codes were paid $14.3m in distributions and other payments for March, versus $14.1m budgeted. This consisted of TAB NZ Betting Profit (listed as Fixed Distribution in the table below), offshore bookmaker commission fees, which are based on actual turnover (termed Betting Information Use Charges (BIUC) in the table below), and Betting Duty/Levy repeal. Top 10 Racing events by turnover Date Venue Race No. Race description Turnover 5-Mar Ellerslie R9 Vodafone NZ Derby (G1) $793K 13-Mar Ellerslie R9 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (G2) $756K 19-Mar Trentham R8 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (G1) $633K 19-Mar Trentham R6 Wellington Seamarket Levin Classic (G1) $617K 5-Mar Ellerslie R7 Vertical Logistics 1200 $481K 19-Mar Flemington R6 The Seppelt Wines All-Star Mile $480K 5-Mar Ellerslie R10 Barfoot & Thompson 1400 $477K 13-Mar Ellerslie R10 Gravity 1400 $473K 12-Mar Flemington R6 Yulong Stud Newmarket Handicap (G1) $468K 13-Mar Ellerslie R7 Ellerslie Jewellers & Engraving 1200 $454K Top 10 Sporting events by turnover Date Code Event Turnover 12-Mar Rugby League New Zealand Warriors v St George/Illa Dragons $396K 27-Mar Rugby League Manly Sea Eagles v Canterbury Bulldogs $384K 25-Mar Rugby League Wests Tigers v New Zealand Warriors $379K 10-Mar Rugby League Penrith Panthers v Manly Sea Eagles $376K 17-Mar Cricket New Zealand Women v South Africa Women $376K 10-Mar Cricket New Zealand Women v India Women $347K 1-Mar Cricket New Zealand v South Africa $341K 27-Mar Cricket India Women v South Africa Women $340K 19-Mar Rugby League Gold Coast Titans v New Zealand Warriors $338K 31-Mar Cricket South Africa Women v England Women $337K

From what I saw from my last drive by a couple of years ago Dargaville was well short of being ready to race. 80kms away is Ruakaka - I hope in the agreement Dargaville demanded that Ruakaka gets a fair cut of the whip from here on in.

FFS you don't quote facts you post vague politicised references to undefined metrics!!!

So you've given up arguing on substance and actual fact?

Right so now you are defining what the hell you are talking about instead of making ambiguous statements.