Chief Stipe

Uh? The table you presented has year on year stake increases for each year.

Well you don't appear to be listening. A tilde "~" can mean many things in mathematics but I guess ambiguity suits your argument.

FFS that isn't stagnant is it? Even if you do use a tilde like a negative sign. It is a +20% increase! Why are you becoming so miserable?

Which is? I know what your answer is that "there is dirty laundry lying hidden". But no evidence. People are sensitive because it is the likes of Nairn and those who seek to empower her (you?) that make life unenjoyable for hard working participants the majority of whom (99.5%) just want to get on and make racing work.

You can't bring "people like that on board" they are more intransigent than you are on most things and as much as @Brodie is on wagering with TABNZ. Seriously @the galah what would she know before any of the professionals? I heard the BS conspiracies for the last 50 years in racing very very few of them have any veracity. Leave it to the professionals.

Things look positive for the CD although I imagine Waipukurau and Woodville will be absorbed. The proposal justifies the time taken.

awke’s Bay region. No images? Click here https://bitofayarn.com NZTR and HBRI Unveil Plans for Hawke’s Bay Racing Precinct This evening, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) and Hawke’s Bay Racing Inc. (HBRI) presented to Club Members on proposals for the future of racing in the Hawke’s Bay region. The Forum marked the first formal opportunity for the Club’s full membership to consider these proposals, which set out a two-part strategy: restoring racing at Hastings Racecourse in the short term, while advancing plans for a new long-term Greenfields racing precinct venue in Flaxmere. The proposals form part of NZTR’s national infrastructure strategy, which recognises Hawke’s Bay as a key regional centre for racing. The revitalisation strategy outlined to Members has two key elements. The first is an interim project at Hastings Racecourse, where a partial recambering of the track’s bends will be undertaken to improve safety and performance. This work will allow racing to recommence at Hastings Racecourse in time for the 2026 Spring Carnival. This upgrade is essential in allowing racing to return to Hawke’s Bay while longer-term solutions are progressed. The works will be staged to minimise disruption to Central District-based trainers and horses. In parallel, Members were presented with a long-term proposal to develop a new, purpose-built racing and training facility on a Greenfields site in Flaxmere. Envisioned as a modern metropolitan venue, the facility would host premier race meetings, support year-round training, and provide wider event and tourism benefits for the local community. The Greenfields proposal remains subject to funding confirmation, Resource Management Act approvals, including mana whenua consultation, as well as formal approval by Members. A vote will be required once funding is confirmed before any final commitment is made, with project timelines dependent on the outcome of those ongoing discussions. NZTR Chief Executive Officer, Matt Ballesty, said the Hawke’s Bay region remains a vital part of New Zealand’s racing network and is an important focus of the organisation’s long-term strategy. “Our vision is to build a sustainable, world-class racing infrastructure across the country, and Hawke’s Bay has a key role to play in that,” he said. “Hastings has been confirmed as a strategic venue, reflecting the NZTR Board’s directive to ensure Hawke’s Bay remains a centre of racing excellence in the years ahead. The projects presented tonight address both the immediate need to restore racing and the longer-term opportunity to deliver a modern facility for the future. “Realising that vision will require strong collaboration with the Club, ongoing engagement with Members, and, importantly, securing the necessary funding. With the right resourcing and careful planning, these projects can create facilities that serve both the industry and the wider community for decades to come,” Ballesty said. HBRI Chairman, Richard Riddell, said the Forum was an important opportunity to involve Members in shaping the Club’s next chapter. “This evening was about opening up the conversation with our Members and ensuring they are part of the decision-making process,” Riddell said. “For the first time, the full membership has been presented with these proposals, and their feedback and support will be crucial as we move forward. “The interim track upgrade provides a clear and practical path back to racing at Hastings next year, while the Flaxmere Greenfields proposal is about thinking bigger and setting up Hawke’s Bay racing for the next generation. Our Members’ role in that journey cannot be overstated,” he said. Both the Club and NZTR emphasised that the redevelopment proposals would deliver benefits extending well beyond the racing industry itself. Should the proposed Greenfields venue in Flaxmere proceed, redevelopment of the current Hastings Racecourse site would only occur once the new Flaxmere facility is completed and formally handed over for racing use. At that point, the Hastings Racecourse land could be released and it is likely that redevelopment will take place, potentially paving the way for much-needed housing and other urban projects in the heart of Hastings. This aligns with wider community priorities, with local government and Council already progressing for new housing initiatives in the area. A purpose-built Greenfields racing and events facility in Flaxmere would also create jobs during both construction and operation, attract visitors and tourism spend, and complement Hawke’s Bay’s broader urban planning strategies. “This is not just about racing, it’s about contributing to Hawke’s Bay’s future,” Riddell said. The Hastings track recambering project will move into its implementation phase this month, with progress updates to be provided as Spring 2026 approaches. In parallel, planning for the proposed Flaxmere Greenfields development will continue alongside efforts to secure funding. Decisions on potential government co-funding are pending, and Members will ultimately vote on any relocation proposal once details are finalised. Ballesty said the organisations recognise the dynamic nature of the process. “We appreciate this is an evolving project and that circumstances are constantly moving,” he said. “NZTR and HBRI want to express our gratitude for the ongoing support and patience shown by the Hawke’s Bay racing community and neighbouring Clubs in the region who have stepped up to help fill the racing programme while Hastings Racecourse is out of action. “Our commitment is to keep Members, stakeholders and the wider community updated, and we will provide further detail as soon as it is possible to do so,” Ballesty said. Corporate Communications New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing nztrcommunications@nztr.co.nzhttps://bitofayarn.com

I have but they seem to contradict what you are saying. Essentially HRNZ said no comment other than they were able to test for Xenon use.

Why would the industry even consider working with someone as duplitious as her? That aside what are HRNZ not doing that they should be? @Steven has written a very well reasoned and logical post that shows there is nothing to be gained by engaging with Nairn. If Nairn was credible then she would have answered his questions and in the first place made sure that there was no uncertainty. Surely if she was genuine then cost wouldn't have been an issue as she earns money from her FB page and allegedly has 50,000 followers who, if they are as concerned as you infer, would surely have dipped into their pockets to assist.

From the table you posted. From $93m to $112m.

So I gather you agree then that stakes are increasing 20% over the next five years. That isn't stagnant.

How is a 20% increase in Stakes Funding over the time frame you posted "stagnant"?

The rain came, but the races went on George Simon • September 1st, 2025 4:26 PM • 4 min read https://bitofayarn.com https://bitofayarn.com The rain came but the races went on and Nedwin won the Pakuranga Hunt Cup at Te Aroha on 31st August. Photo Credit: Race Images Damned if you do...damned if you don't. Sunday's Pakuranga Hunt Cup Day at Te Aroha was almost over before it began. Racing Te Aroha were staging both the Pakuranga Hunt Hurdle and Steeplechase, as the vital lead up races to their inaugural Great New Zealand Jumps Carnival in mid-September. Sign Up Offer We'll match your first deposit upto $50 in Bonus Cash when you join TAB. Bonus Cash is a product, not actual cash. Max bonus $50. New customers only. T&C's apply. Join Now When the predicted heavy rainfall arrived on race morning, there was a real concern the meeting was on the brink of abandonment due to surface water near the 1500m mark. Full disclosure here, I'm on the Racing Te Aroha Committee and work closely with Course Manager Ryan Gartner. I've said before in this column, you couldn't pay me enough money to be a Course Manager. After last Sunday, nothing's changed as far as I'm concerned. The area where there was surface water, has caused concern since the reconstruction of the Te Aroha track. Remedial work has seen significant improvement, but there is still obvious work to be done. Mind you, there's not many tracks that could cope with the rainfall Te Aroha endured. There was a total of 67mm of rainfall in the week leading up to and including race day. Several horses schooled over the steeplechase course last Saturday morning with their riders were happy with the track conditions despite a further 14mm of rainfall. However, a further 25mm fell on race day with 8mm falling between 7am and 9am . And that tipped the scales considerably. There is always a foreboding gloom when you see a delegation of Jockeys and Officials inspecting the track, especially before the race day has even started, as was the case on Sunday. Yet, for the first time in a very long time, every sector group pulled together to ensure the meeting went ahead. The ramifications of the meeting being abandoned were far-reaching particularly for the connections with horses being aimed at the Great NZ Jumps Carnival in three weeks' time. These horses needed the mileage in their legs for their upcoming endurance tests. It was a crucial preparatory outing. To see the various sector groups combine to get it done was extremely satisfying. From the Jumps Jockeys, to the Owners and Trainers, to Stewards to Club Officials, the Starting Gate Crew, the Paramedics, Trackside Production Crew and even my old mate Course Manager Ryan Gartner and his team, everyone played their part. Yes there were extenuating circumstances particularly with the Steeplechasers not having to negotiate the three fences down the back straight. It was less than ideal, but necessary in the greater scheme of things.Weather permitting, the pay back will come in three weeks time.

Especially when the writer doesn't have any of the facts - just AI written hyperbole.

Meeting News Extra Trials at Avondale – 11 September An extra set of trials has been added to Avondale on Thursday 11 September. With Ellerslie expected to be over-subscribed and running circa 170 horses the remainder will get preference for Avondale two days later.

Seriously does the karitane yellow pond really think any serious administrator in the industry is going to reply to an AI generated Open Letter that is factually incorrect?

A brilliant post that has put far more eloquently what I and others have been saying. Well said @Steven. Needed a topic of its own!

Karaka demand - Huge uptick in numbers for NZB’s Ready to Run Sale thestraight.com.au Increased demand from vendors has prompted New Zealand Bloodstock to compile an expanded catalogue for its 2025 Ready to Run Sale, to be held at Karaka in November. New Zealand Bloodstock has unveiled a bumper 480-Lot catalogue for its 2025 Ready to Run Sale, a year after the auction house set an Australasian NZ$1.65 million record at Karaka. Buoyed by the past season’s results, in which NZB’s two-year-old sale had 10 Group 1-winning graduates last season, the two-day November sale catalogue has increased by 19 per cent year-on https://bitofayarn.com year. The NZB Ready to Run Group 1 honour roll includes Antino, Ceolwulf, Feroce, Gringotts, Mr Brightside and War Machine, a last-start winner of the Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm in June. This year’s sale will be held at Karaka on November 12 and 13, marking the third of three Australasian breeze-up sales. Magic Millions and Inglis will stage their respective one-day sales in October. NZB director of business development Mike Kneebone is confident that an extra 78 horses compared to 2024 would help attract buyers, particularly from Australia and key Asian markets. The success of graduates in Australia in 2024/2025 will also prove to be a major selling point when it comes to luring buyers to Karaka in November, Kneebone says. “I think that plays a massive part in it, but from an Asian perspective, from Hong Kong and Malaysia now, which are probably the two big ones for us, they need big numbers to come down and be happy to compete and that's where the sale has a big advantage,” Kneebone told The Straight. “You sort of need numbers for people to travel to the sales because they need to know that they're going to be able to actually go away with something and that competitive atmosphere with the numbers makes a big difference.” The Ready to Run catalogue is comprised of two-year-olds by 114 different stallions including champion sires Savabeel, Zoustar, I Am Invincible, Snitzel and Proisir as well as the versatile Per Incanto, Almanzor, Santono Aladdin, Super Seth and Shamexpress, the sire of Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising. Siblings to black-type earners such as War Machine, Lucky Patch, Amphitrite, Coeur Volante, Jungle Magnate, Globe, La Crique, Bonham, Full of Beauty, Asterix, Happy Archer and Turn Me Loose featured. Plus, close relations on offer to Alabama Lass, Lion’s Roar, Lucky Sweynesse, War Eternal, Forgot You, and Fix are also being prepared for the Ready to Run Sale. https://bitofayarn.com Last year’s record-breaking sales topper, I Am Invincible colt Hostility, was runner-up in the Group 1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes and he won a barrier trial at Ellerslie last week for Te Akau as he prepares for his spring return. Kneebone is confident that another quality catalogue has been put together with the support of experienced and respected as well as first-time educators and vendors. “From what I've seen just at places like the Cambridge track and in the Waikato, they're outstanding. I think everybody knows what's required of the sale,” he said. “There's a lot of type about the sale, as well as pedigrees and all kinds of ranges, whether they've taken them through from weanlings to yearlings or bred them specifically for the sale this year. “There's one thing we can always rely on is that New Zealanders, the horsemen and women, just do such a good job. They've been doing it for a long time now, and they're world-class at it.” Breeze-ups to be held at Te Rapa Racecourse on October 13 and 14, a month before the Karaka sale. The Ready to Run Sale will open a big three-month period for NZB, which next year celebrates the 100-year anniversary of the country’s national yearling sales.

No it isn't the same. Both parties to a lease have reduced their risk but ultimately only the owner truly wins. They have their filly raced for nothing, in most cases they clip the stakes winnings and at the end of the racing career still have residual value which has either declined due to lack of performance or increased if it won. Win win win. They also get all the tax breaks. More wins! The leasee hasn't risked any capital and just pays costs hoping for a win. Generally they're not so worried about stakes as they're in it for "fun" not an investment. Also it seems in some cases it gives them a platform to moan and whinge from.

Well your "points" are all over the place. Now you are obfuscating. You say thoroughbred stakes are stagnant yet over the last two seasons they have increased. Your mates in the green envy pool agree with you which acrually reinforces your inaccuracy. Your selective purple graphic shows a 13% increase in turnover for Thoroughbreds, 25% for Harness and 9% for Greyhounds. Hardly figures to be derided. Who would have thought that all your doom and gloom anti-racing acolytes would pour scorn on those figures.

It must be hard for those sitting in the stagnant pond counting whip strikes instead of watching their horses race for good stakes.

Nice colours your point? I see you've got the no-brains trust on NZ's Premier ANTI-Racing Forum stagnating. Well done!! I guess for those that lease horses to race oxygen deprived ponds are an attractive green.

I think Curious is predicting it will only be $35m in 3 more years. I just don't know why these doom and gloomers bother getting up in the morning to work their horses.

Well the facts are for the last two seasons stakes have gone up. Hardly "stagnant".

But the quantum paid between last season vs the one before is up. So the industry as a whole IS getting more stake money. Hardly stagnating.