Chief Stipe

Sandown currently loses $5m a year on primarily racing operations. However given the apparent disarray of the construction industry in OZ at the moment is redeveloping Sandown into a housing estate a very risky propostition?

ANALYSIS: Sandown decision critical Paul Tatnell@PaulTatnell 24 March, 2022 Racing is not all about money. But it sure goes a long way in our sport. Two clubs are currently set for significant redevelopments worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Prizemoney is at record levels, the breeding industry is producing colts in the seven-figure range and we have just witnessed a record wagering period. But how to sustainably meet these costs is the tough question. Racing Victoria will take care of the majority of the prizemoney, even if the expected wagering decline eventuates. But the three Melbourne clubs know running a racing club is not cheap. The traditionalists, let's call them, argue that the clubs should operate and make decisions that are about racing. And they are right - their core product is racing and they should be run to serve the sport and its members. But the kicker is, as per above, that it's a costly exercise. Clubs, in order to properly support their core product, have diversified their assets to ensure incomes away from a Saturday meeting. Every Melbourne metropolitan club has looked at its assets and sold businesses or land because it made business sense and inevitably helped its core racing operations. But no club has had an asset like Sandown and if sold, the windfall just not for the Melbourne Racing Club but the industry as a whole, could be huge. As far as a new-look housing estate looks, it's impressive. According to the MRC, a new Sandown development would be new homes, medical centres, schools and allowances for green space. It will cost an estimated $3.5 billion to develop and would take around 20 years to complete. As the literature supporting a new suburb notes, it's one of the last pieces of the southeast corridor left to develop. But it would replace one of Melbourne's most historic racing sites and would be cold comfort for those who adore Sandown as a racecourse. Historic and intrinsically linked to some of our greatest racing memories, there's plenty who will fight to keep Sandown. Others who want it to stay just believe it's the best-performing track in Victoria. There will be plenty of prominent racing figures who will likely speak up against the development. Trainer Peter Moody put it as only he can, asking 'why the bloody hell is it even being considered'? "It's a beautiful galloping track, every participant loves it." Fellow trainer Mick Price has publicly called for the MRC to investigate the partial development of the site but keeping the racetrack. It's unlikely, however, that that option will make economic sense. Price also asked the salient question that every club has been forced to ask of late: "Aren't we in racing? If they want to be in property development, then they should be in property development." The economics of racing at Sandown, according to the MRC, don't stack up. The club claims to lose $5 million a year racing there. Wagering in comparison to Caulfield is just over six per cent lower when the club holds race meetings at Sandown. Crowds don't turn up either [which could be argued might be because of the ageing facilities]. As RV takes a closer look at just how sustainable some clubs' financial models may be, the strength of a club's assets or income away from racing is important. RV's close relationship with the MRC in regard to Sandown is crucial. The slow shift from many at RV from being cautious to somewhat supportive of a sale is important and the two bodies signed a memorandum of understanding on Sandown. A significant amount of work by some at RV with strong ties to the Victorian Government has been crucial in securing tax exemptions. Undoubtedly linked to Sandown's future, RV will shortly launch a significant piece of work regarding the future of racing and what infrastructure it may need. That document, Racing.com is told, includes discussions of a huge new facility. Negotiations continue surrounding hundreds of acres of land in Melbourne's north. But It could be home to a new training facility, academy, equine welfare hub and potentially even a quarantine base. It could even include a new racetrack. Surely any sale of Sandown is dependent on a slice of the profits paying for this facility. As RV has always maintained, it will only support the sale of Sandown if it's in the interests of racing, not just the MRC. The kicker of selling Sandown could be a shiny new facility that would take racing into the future. It's a scenario, according to some involved in the process, that means at least some who were previously opposed to selling Sandown are now happy to watch this space. Regardless, the next 24 months will be the genuine test for the industry - are we ok to say goodbye to a loved yet ageing facility in order to take ownership of something that will be used for generations? Are we comfortable with clubs actively seeking alternative revenue streams from established assets to ensure its core racing products are modernised? Regardless, there will be no quick outcome for Sandown's future. Rezoning applications will take more than a year. An election cycle won't help, plus there will be a new Planning Minister post the election who will play a key role. Then once the politicians, bureaucrats, administrators and media have had their say, it will all come down to the MRC members to decide what's best for racing - should racing stick with Sandown or does it make sense to move on?

Note how the table comparison is Actual versus Budget which shows a positive variation whereas the narrative shows that Year To Date Profit is $11.9m DOWN on last year. Also Operating Expenses are ABOVE last year by $2.4m.

24 March 2022 TAB New Zealand (TAB NZ) provides the seventh monthly trading update for the 2021/2022 financial year, with the results and highlights for February 2022. The TAB operated successfully through its online and retail channels throughout February. With New Zealand in the grips of the current Omicron outbreak, the continued impact on foot traffic in the retail and hospitality sector has caused a correlated downturn in gaming turnover at TAB retail outlets. This is reflected in final trading results for the month, which follows the year-to-date trend that has resulted from the impact of various regional lockdowns and corresponding venue closures. Racing and sports betting turnover and profit continued to hold up well despite this reduced customer mobility. Turnover was slightly down in February due to the reduction in foot traffic in retail and on-course, as well as a number of abandoned domestic race meetings, but improved gross betting margins on racing and sporting events ensured final returns in line with budget for the month. 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 New Zealand enters new phases in its response to the Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus, the Board will maintain a close watch on potential developments, any potential flow-on effect on trading conditions and any effect on profit distributions. At its February meeting, the Board agreed to repay the remaining $15m of debt, given the organisation’s strong cash position, leaving a nil balance owed. Wagering Performance Summary In February, the key performance results for TAB were mixed after a strong January and December. Subject to final audit, turnover of $184.9m was 2.3% ($4.4m) below budget but gross betting revenue (GBR) of $30.1m just shaded budget at a gross betting margin (GBM) of 16.3%, 0.4% up on the budgeted 15.9%. Racing Average NZ thoroughbred starters per race was 10.6, matching the Year To Date (YTD) average, while the peak turnover for a domestic meeting was $2.9m on 12 February for Legends Day at Te Rapa. Harness average starters per race was 9.9, slightly below the YTD average of 10.3, while the peak meeting turnover of $1.4m was on 7 February for the Amberley Trotting Club meeting at Rangiora. For greyhound racing, the average starters per race remains at 7.6, matching the YTD average, while the peak turnover for a domestic meeting was $418k on 6 February at Manukau. The total margin for the month across all New Zealand racing was 20.4%, above the YTD domestic racing margin of 18.7%. Overseas racing margin was 19.1%, above the YTD average of 18.5%. Sport Superbowl LVI led the sporting events in February with turnover of $754k followed by Adesanya vs Whittaker at UFC 271 with turnover of $546k. The total margin on in-play sport throughout February was 7.4%. Basketball and tennis dominated in-play performance, accounting for 59% of in-play turnover at 6.0% and 8.0% margin respectively. The pre-match singles margin was 10.8%, driven by basketball (30% of pre-match sports turnover) at a margin of 7.3% offset by football (20% of pre-match sports turnover) at 14.1%. Sports Multi margin was 16.6%. February Operational Performance Reported Profit for the month was $11.3m, which was $0.2m below Budget. Operating Expenses were $9.0m for the month, which was $0.8m below Budget. Year To Date (1 Aug 2021 to 28 Feb 2022) Reported Profit* was $96.9m, which was $1.9m above Budget and $11.9m below last year. Year To Date (1 Aug 2021 to 28 Feb 2022) Operating Expenses* were $66.5m, which was $3.1m below Budget and $2.4m above last year. * - Note: Year to date figures are subject to final audit. February Distributions Racing Codes were paid $12.2m in distributions and other payments for February, versus $11.8m 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 12-Feb Te Rapa R7 Herbie Dyke Stakes (G1) $538K 19-Feb Ellerslie R7 AJC Avondale Guineas (G2) $537K 19-Feb Ellerslie R6 Mainland 1600 $368K 19-Feb Ellerslie R4 Wallen Concreting Avondale Cup (G2) $365K 26-Feb Otaki R7 El Cheapo Cars WFA Classic (G1) $360K 19-Feb Ellerslie R8 Ecochill 2100 $359K 26-Feb Matamata R9 The Rich Hill @ Karaka 2022 $335K 5-Feb Wingatui R8 White Robe Lodge (G3) $334K 19-Feb Ellerslie R5 Dads Pies 1500 $331K 26-Feb Matamata R8 Matamata Veterinary Services Kaimai Stakes $327K Top 10 Sporting events by turnover Date Code Event Turnover 14-Feb American Football Cincinnati Bengals v Los Angeles Rams $754K 13-Feb MMA Israel Adesanya v Robert Whittaker $546K 25-Feb Rugby Union Highlanders v Crusaders $346K 26-Feb Rugby Union Blues v Hurricanes $335K 20-Feb Cricket Australia v Sri Lanka $330K 19-Feb Rugby Union Crusaders v Hurricanes $322K 15-Feb Basketball Los Angeles Clippers v Golden State Warriors $246K 21-Feb Basketball Team LeBron v Team Durant (All-Star Game) $216K 19-Feb Rugby Union Chiefs v Highlanders $211K 13-Feb MMA Derrick Lewis v Tai Tuivasa $194K

31 Jockey's out of action. Didn't realise we had that many in NZ!

MEETING NEWS Suspended & Injured Riders Updated at 8am Thursday 24 March Suspended Riders: Taiki Yanagida | From close of racing Saturday 2 April to close of racing Wednesday 6 April Rahul Beemud | From close of racing Wednesday 23 March to close of racing Saturday 9 April Terry Moseley | From close of racing Saturday 26 March to close of racing Sunday 3 April Kozzi Asano | From close of racing Saturday 23 April to close of racing Saturday 7 May Kate Hercock | From close of racing Sunday 27 March to close of racing Sunday 24 April Kozzi Asano | From close of racing Saturday 26 March to close of racing Saturday 23 April Lisa Allpress | From close of racing Saturday 19 March to close of racing Wednesday 30 March Jason Laking | From close of racing Saturday 26 March to close of racing Sunday 10 April Vinnie Colgan | From close of racing Wednesday 16 March to close of racing Saturday 26 March Matthew Cameron | From close of racing Saturday 19 March to close of racing Saturday 26 March Elen Nicholas | From close of racing Wednesday 23 March to close of racing Wednesday 6 April Chris Johnson | From close of racing Monday 21 March to close of racing Saturday 2 April Tina Comignaghi | From close of racing Thursday 17 March until close of racing Friday 25 March Shankar Muniandy | From close of racingMonday 21 March to close of racing Saturday 2 April Courtney Barnes | From close of racing Saturday 19 March to close of racing Saturday 26 March Leith Innes | From close of racing Sunday 13 March to close of racing Sunday 27 March Joe Kamaruddin | From close of racing Sunday 13 March to close of racing Saturday 26 March Niranjan Parmar | From close of racing Saturday 5 March to close of racing Friday 25 March Injured Riders: Bailey Rogerson | Out until further notice Vinnie Colgan | Out until further notice from Friday 11 March Leah Hemi | Out until further notice from Monday 7 March Erin Leighton | Out for 2 weeks from Thursday 3 February Liam Kauri | Out until further notice after a fall at Awapuni 11 December Chad Ormsby | Out until further notice from Monday 11 January Not Currently Riding: Kylie Williams Mereana Hudson | Out from Monday 21 March to Monday 28 March Brandon May Wiremu Pinn Jonathan Riddell Sanu Toolooa Yuto Kumagai Lynsey Satherley

Why should their still be vaccine mandates for Corrections staff, health workers, border staff and aged care facilities? Doesn't make sense - just more control. Vaccination really works - yeah na!

Cost - $100 billion and shaken foundations of NZ democracy. We aren't free as the focus of the woke left will now shift back to climate change. Cindy's campaign to eliminate child poverty just ain't going to happen. Cindy will never fully relinquish control as long as she is in charge. For example what difference will a few hours make to allowing a rugby stadium to open up to crowds e.g. the game this Friday night is closed to crowds but if they held it 4 hours later at midnight it can be full? What difference does a week make to removing vaccine passes? Supposedly there are only 180,000 eligible people not vaccinated and according to Cindy most of those have now been infected so have natural immunity. Why wait another 10 days? Control - nothing more just control. Watch the spin now on 3 Waters ramp up and the blatant central government asset grab. Watch the two forms of central government develop rapidly while they still have control of Parliament i.e. one for New Zealanders and a disproportionate one for the Maori.

Nothing to do with HRNZ - it is the RIB that are now the one stop for rules enforcement. HRNZ could make the rules tighter or more black and white which would limit the RIB's scope in getting imaginative.

Are you sure you want this to happen? He is currently fixated on the whip rules and his stance is that the whip should go. When he isn't fixated on that he reverts to banging on about Dummy Myers talking to the media 20 years ago!!!!

An absolute load of bollocks! Should words like this be in a judicial decision? Are they going to test Drivers for testosterone levels in the future?

Yet another case where the Driver charged admits guilt rather than get hammered by a bigger penalty.

Non Raceday Inquiry – Written Decision dated 6 March 2022 – Tim Williams ID: RIB7846 Respondent(s): Tim Williams - Driver Applicant: Mr V Munro - Stipendiary Steward Adjudicators: Dave Anderson Persons Present: Mr N McIntyre and Mr P Williams - RIB Stewards and Mr T Williams Information Number: A16749 Decision Type: Adjudicative Decision Charge: Race Duelling. Rule(s): 869(3)(g) - Diminishing chances Plea: Admitted Animal Name: SHOW ME HEAVEN Race Number: R7 Hearing Date: 06/03/2022 Hearing Location: Mt Harding Racecourse, Methven. Outcome: Proved Penalty: Driver Tim Williams is suspended for 5 days and fined $350. BACKGROUND: Mr Williams admitted a charge from the Invercargill Harness Racing Club’s meeting on the 25 February 2022 in that as the Driver of SHOW ME HEAVEN in Race 7 he drove in a manner capable of diminishing his horse’s chances of winning by persisting with holding the lead when challenged by MABALENE in the middle stages. The Information was heard at the Hororata Trotting Club’s meeting held at the Mt Harding Racecourse, Methven on 6th March 2022. Mr McIntyre produced an Authority to Charge signed by Mike Clement, Chief Executive of the Racing Integrity Board. The Respondent had endorsed the Information admitting the breach of the Rule and confirmed he understood the charge and he was conversant with the Rule. Rule 869(3)(g) provides: No driver in any race shall drive in any manner capable diminishing the chances of his horse winning. SUMMARY OF FACTS: Below are the relevant facts in respect of the breach. (1) Mr Williams was the driver of SHOW ME HEAVEN in Race 7 at the Invercargill HRC meeting on 25th February 2022. (2) SHOW ME HEAVEN drew 3 for the 1700 mobile start event. (3) Mr Williams has urged his runner forward out of the gate and took the lead shortly after the start point. (4) At the 1400 metre mark MABALENE (B Williamson) comes alongside the leader SHOW ME HEAVEN and is urged to try to take the lead. (5) From this point Mr Williamson has become active in urging MABALENE to try and assume the lead. (6) Mr Williams has sat there until approaching the winning post near the 1000 metre mark where he taps his drive up just as Mr Williamson has his horse forward of Mr Williams’s charge but not far enough for his sulky to move down to the marker line. (7) Mr Williamson has then continued to urge his horse for another 200 metres until he desisted with the challenge which had been for approximately 600 metres. (8) At no stage has Mr Williams attempted to restrain his horse and take a trail during this period when the opportunity existed for a considerable distance. (9) Mr Williams’s horse has battled over the final stages and ended in 7th place 6.7 lengths from the winning horse. (10) The official time shows that the initial 900 metres which was timed in an extremely fast 61.23 seconds. The final 800 metres was 59.76 seconds , with an overall time being 2.00.99, being a mile rate of 1.54.51, a new track record. (11) Mr Williams had options available to him , which was to restrain his horse to take cover in order to give his runner some respite, to finish the race off in the best way possible which he failed to do so. (12) Mr Williams’s drive on this occasion is well below the standard expected of a driver with his experience. EVIDENCE: Mr McIntyre and Mr Williams were both satisfied with the Summary of Facts prepared by the Applicant. Mr McIntyre stated the Stewards had nothing to add in the way of evidence and they were not requiring to show any replays of the race. Mr McIntyre stated Mr Williamson’s case was heard on Friday and as a result he received an 8 day suspension. Mr Williams was delighted he didn’t have to sit through any replays of the race again. He stated his plan for the race was to lead because his horse had won all its races in front. He said he indicated to Mr Williamson early on he was going to hold the front and as Mr Williamson was challenging he saw that the favourite was on Mr Williamson’s back. He said he thought if he eased and let the front go Mr Williamson would have let the favourite go which would have him placed 3 back which he considered was not giving his horse the best opportunity. He said MABALENE had raced poorly in its 2 previous starts and appeared to be flat compared to his horse which was travelling kindly. The Adjudicative Committee asked Mr McIntyre, was the culpability of the incident shared equally between Mr Williamson and Mr Williams. He said both Drivers have to make decisions as circumstances are presented during the race whether you are outside the leader or on the rail and in this case the Stewards’ opinion was that both Drivers were equally culpable. DECISION: The charge is admitted and therefore proved. SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY: Mr McIntyre outlined Mr Williams’ driving record which showed he is one of the country’s leading and experienced Drivers. He said the Penalty Guidelines have a starting point for a breach of this Rule of a 40 drive suspension or a $2000 fine. He said a suspension of 6 days is recommended and the Stewards realise this would differ from Mr Williamson’s penalty as it was based on Mr Williamson driving an average of approximately 4 times a meeting as against Mr Williams averaging approximately 6 drives per meeting. Mr Williams stated in 15 years as a license holder he has a clear record under the Rule. He said he wasn’t looking for any deferment in respect of suspension and that a fine or a combination of both would be preferable. REASONS FOR PENALTY: The Adjudicative Committee in its assessment of the race, found that up until the two horses reached the winning post with a lap to run, the challenge from Mr Williamson and the rejection of it by Mr Williams was within the Rules. From this point on either ego or testosterone or perhaps just bloody mindedness reared it’s head. Race tracks are a very competitive place and theses incidents happen from time to time but they have a detrimental effect on Harness Racing. Mr Williams’ drive impacted the Owners, Trainers and more importantly the betting public and is deserving of a significant sanction. The Penalty Guidelines provide a 40 drive suspension or a $2000 fine as a starting point for a breach of the Rule. Mr Williams has a clear record under the Rule, admitted the breach and has freely accepted, with genuine remorse, that he was guilty of poor judgment. In assessing a concession for these factors it is helpful this Adjudicative Committee has the Williamson decision to reference. The Adjudicative Committee in that case applied a starting point of a 10 day suspension based on Mr Williamson’s average drives per meeting and allowed a 2 day discount for the very similar factors in this case. The Adjudicative Committee has arrived at a starting point of a 7 day suspension in Mr Williams’ circumstances based on his average drives per meeting. It finds a discount of 2 days, for the mitigating factors, to be too lenient on Mr Williams and at the same time considers a 1 day discount to be too harsh. Although this Adjudicative Committee is mindful the two cases have to be judged separately it is common sense to appreciate they are entwined and any sanction must conclude in close proximity with the other. CONCLUSION: The Respondent is suspended for a period of 5 days commencing 9 March 2022 and concluding 16 March 2022. In addition to this suspension the Respondent is fined $350.

Purely self enforced exile. Not sure what he objected to exactly.

Then just roll over and take it until it hurts or there is no one left.

Start speaking up @Freda - lobby your local programming committee!! Shame you are flying the white flag with regard to the Guineas moving. I guess fields of broken hacks and poorly bred plodders will be attractive to some punters.

What's your point? Surely the key calculation is their return vs the industry average. Is it really an unhealthy fascination? Isn't it more unhealthy to turn a blind eye in public yet continue to pitch up on poor training and racing tracks, not say anything and expect things to change. However I note some are quick to speak out when it directly affects their own self interest. Yeah do away with Cup Week completely afterall it is just a party for all the once a year tossers and they don't serve the beer you like anyway. Yep a really progressive move. Won't fix the track though will it? Isn't that a reflection of the state South Island racing and the focus of South Island Trainers? Every trainer not matter their domicile has the same opportunity to target iconic age group races. Agreed - but who are the people on the programming committees? Surely they could help bring about positive change. Although it must be getting harder to programme with the diminishing number of good racing surfaces in the South Island.

Your bias and snarkiness causes you to miss the point. There were patterns for 2 and 3 year olds in BOTH islands leading to the elite races. Now the South Island has a mess and the Guineas are dominated by the North. You knock Te Akau yet they didn't join your so called Mafia from the North clamouring to get the Guineas moved north. However if Riccarton don't sort their race and traiming track issues out I wouldn't count on their support much longer. BTW quite an achievement to get the First 4 in a Group 1 yesterday was it not?

I wouldn't be surprised to hear that she hurt herself in the first 400m.

Yes that's correct. I got mixed up with Lionel Pratt who trained there and was associated with the early education of Bob and Bill Skelton.

Colette has solid Heavy form 3 from 4 and $7.5m in the bank.

Yep but the only certainty of the day.

Wouldn't touch the Slipper - 2yr olds on a heavy track.

Your sort of track today - a lottery!