Chief Stipe

Spot on. Google eh?

Close but not entirely accurate.

What are the NZ connections the favourite for the Melbourne Cup has?

Comment: Vet checked – Spring disclosure puts spotlight on Morrison, with the likelihood of more to come – The Straight thestraight.com.au Racing Victoria chief executive Aaron Morrison is facing a reputational crisis at the time of the year where the industry is looking to put on its best face. But, as Bren O’Brien writes, the timing of the publication of bullying allegations by chief vet Dr Grace Forbes should be no surprise, and may be just the start of the fallout. By Bren O'Brien ● Racing Industry ● October 22, 2025 Racing Victoria CEO Aaron Morrison was named in a bullying complaint by Dr Grace Forbes. (Photo by Jay Town/Racing Photos via Getty Images) When a sensational bullying and harassment complaint from Racing Victoria’s general manager of veterinary services Dr Grace Forbes was detailed in the Herald Sun just days out from the Cox Plate, hearts sank at 400 Epsom Rd, the home of the state’s thoroughbred racing regulator. An “upset” Racing Victoria chief executive Aaron Morrison described the appearance of the story to The Straight as “timed to generate maximum damage and mischief”. The complaint, which took the form of an “application for an order to stop bullying” with the Fair Work Commission, was filed in August. The whereabouts of Dr Forbes, a public figure in the RV vet team for over a decade, had been the source of mounting speculation for months. It was clear to most that she was unlikely to return to her post. The Straight inquired about her employment status in early September, and was told she was on personal leave and was still on the books at RV. This is still believed to be the case. Contacted in early October, Dr Forbes replied to The Straight that “given her situation, it was inappropriate for me to comment at this time”. How her detailed application to the Fair Work Commission came to be published in the Herald Sun is not certain, and Dr Forbes has maintained her silence, despite the mounting public interest. Such documents are usually made discoverable later in the legal process, once mediation has failed, and the hearing is set. The possibility that such documents may become public is often used as leverage by a complainant’s legal team in achieving any settlement ahead of a costly trial. In this instance, it is unusual for such a submission to find its way into the public domain at this stage. But if it was ever going to happen, it would be at this time of year. An escalated HR issue between Racing Victoria and a senior member of staff might warrant a mention in the mainstream press in summer, autumn or winter, but it certainly wouldn’t get anywhere near the front page. This was a storm that RV could have easily predicted. It was an issue which had been bubbling along for some time, and while RV weren’t in a position to provide ongoing commentary, the absence of Dr Forbes during a time of year where her job is most public, was always going to raise questions. This was only heightened by the decision to rule favourite Sir Delius out of the Melbourne Cup, via the vet protocols, that until June, Dr Forbes had been responsible for enforcing and had been the public face of for several years, including her position on billboards around the state. Morrison described the timing of Dr Forbes’ complaint becoming public days after the Sir Delius decision as a “strange irony”. Forbes’ submission makes a number of serious claims, but what rankled most with RV was the suggestion that the RV executive and board had encouraged her to be less strict with her application of the protocols brought in in 2020 to reduce deaths and injuries in Melbourne feature races. “The repeated request of me to be flexible suggests that I should be unethical, which is at odds with my commitment to advocate for the horse,” Dr Forbes said in her statement. “I raised concerns that permitting high risk horses to race could result in serious and or fatal injuries to international horses. The meeting was ended.” That meeting, which also included RV integrity manager Jamie Stier, took place in April this year, but Morrison denies that any pressure was placed on Dr Forbes to be more flexible. “There’s never, ever been any compromise of standards,” Morrison told The Straight. He also denied that third parties, such as prominent owner Nick Williams or leading global trainer Aidan O’Brien, had sought to influence Racing Victoria’s welfare stance. Dr Grace Forbes’ detailed application to the Fair Work Commission was published in the Herald Sun (Pat Scala/Racing Photos via Getty Images) Forbes complaints extend back to a June 2024 board meeting. “I have been publicly humiliated, misrepresented, unsupported, bullied, undermined and professionally isolated by my immediate supervisor Mr Jamie Stier and the chief executive officer, Mr Aaron Morrison,” her submission reads. The decision to utilise international vets Dr David Sykes and Amanda Piggott to co-ordinate the scanning and inspections of spring contenders in Europe this year looks to have been the final straw. RV maintains that decision was not related to Dr Forbes’ capability to fulfill the veterinary aspects of her role. It was done to better manage communications and transparency with the overseas trainers and owners. It sees the ongoing implementation of the protocols as the responsibility of the entire team, not just the GM of Veterinary Services. Forbes also said she felt her card had been marked for exit for some time and that when Morrison took over in August 2024, rumours were rife that she was set to depart. The Straight has been told that the future of her position was discussed by industry participants around this time. This is likely how it was incorrectly reported in other sections of the media that she had left her role. There is still a great deal more to play out in this situation. RV may have faced a fire this week, but the danger of reputational damage, especially to Morrison, has far from passed. It may be that all of Dr Forbes’ cards have been put on the table with her submission being published in the media, but there may also be more disclosures coming. In a situation where her complaint is heard before the Fair Work Commission, Morrison and Stier would almost certainly be compelled to take the stand. The prospect of being cross examined by a senior barrister is not something any executive would look forward to. The potential for significant reputational damage, plus the costs of progressing to the Commission, are why so many Fair Work cases are settled early in the process. The Straight is not suggesting this will definitely happen, but this eventuality remains a possibility should the situation end up in the Commission. In addition to her current Fair Work action, which is likely to be heard by the end of the year, there is also a possibility that Forbes could pursue other legal avenues which could see the matter come before court. In that case, Dr Forbes’ legal team could seek discovery of communications between Racing Victoria’s directors and executives and others in the racing industry as to Dr Forbes’ position. These discovery documents could be made public, while other related parties could also be subpoenaed.

Well of those three Verry Elleegant's maiden was super special. WInning from way back after a checkered run was very very good at Ruakaka.

Obviously neither of you have anything to write of any substance.

Pray tell. Share with us all what you would have written. I realise it will be a struggle getting out more than two coherent sentences that link together but then it is only Wednesday!!

Been really tough work getting young horses ready this spring. Add to that Cup week looks like being a hot one weather wise. Well Written looks like a good chance. Trained up on the AWT and nailed them on a rare G4 at Ellerslie so a fast surface won't worry her. Could be two Written Tycoon fillies winning the 1000 Guineas in a row.

A smidgeon over 1.08 on a Slow 6 at Te Aroha isnt a time to be sneezed at. Not very big though but she would have run the 400m to the 200m very quick.

MESSAGE FROM NZTR's CEO Hello and welcome to issue one of THE RUNDOWN, NZTR’s new industry update. Here you’ll find a straight look at what we’ve been working on and what’s next. You’ll also see a short video outlining our 2025 Strategy and the direction we’re taking together over the next few months. We’re in the thick of Spring racing and, with the weather throwing a few curveballs, there have been plenty of calendar and programme changes. Thank you to our Participants, Clubs, the Racing Integrity Board, Entain, and our Recognised Industry Organisations for staying flexible. We know changes create cost and complexity, and we appreciate the Clubs that have picked up additional races and meetings, particularly in the Central Districts. We’ve now run the first three Group 1 races of the season - the Gr.1 Proisir Plate (1400m) and Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) at Auckland Thoroughbred Racing’s Ellerslie Racecourse, and the Gr.1 Howden Insurance Mile (1600m) at Waikato Thoroughbred Racing’s Te Rapa Racecourse. The early confirmation of these venue moves gave trainers and owners certainty in planning their campaigns, which has been reflected in the strong and competitive fields seen so far. We recently distributed an NZTR Stakeholder Survey and received more than 1,300 responses. We appreciate the valuable input from across the industry and look forward to sharing the results in due course. Across the Tasman, I was on course at Royal Randwick last weekend for Everest Day, hosted by Andrew Vouris (CEO Entain Australia & New Zealand) and the Entain team. It was an incredible event, with more than 50,000 on course and, remarkably, almost 60% under 26. In just eight years, The Everest has grown from an ambition to an iconic fixture on the Australian sporting calendar, and it’s given us plenty to think about as we shape The NZB Kiwi slot race for Champions Day with the team at Auckland Thoroughbred Racing next year. For the Kiwis, the highlight was undoubtedly Ka Ying Rising (NZ) winning the AU$20m Everest. And in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes, NZ-breds Ceolwulf (NZ), Mr Brightside (NZ) and Pier (NZ) filled the top three placings - a clear reminder of the class and quality of New Zealand-bred horses on the global stage, and real inspiration as we build towards 2026. Looking ahead, Project Stamina is progressing well, with the appointment of professional services nearly complete. The review is expected to commence in November. Finally, thanks for taking the time to read this update. If you have feedback or suggestions for future editions, we’re keen to hear them, and we’ll keep you posted on progress in the months ahead.https://bitofayarn.com Yours in racing, https://bitofayarn.com Matt Ballesty Chief Executive Officer New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Today we’re releasing NZTR’s 2025 Strategy - a clear plan to strengthen and modernise New Zealand racing. Every race tells a story - of the horse, the people behind it, and the sport we share. This strategy sets the next chapter: improving how we care for and understand the Thoroughbred, lifting the quality and appeal of our racing, working more effectively as one industry, and building a sustainable future for everyone involved. We’ve captured the essentials in a short video. Please take a moment to watch (click the image below) and consider how your role, your Club, or your organisation contributes to this plan. RICCARTON PARK IRRIGATION The irrigation upgrade is up and running at Riccarton Park Racecourse. We’ve completed the final checks and staff training, and the system is performing well. Pop-up heads on the inside and outside give even coverage, which is essential on windy days. In short: Course Proper: 251 pop-up sprinklers and 5,860 metres of pipe Training Facility: Irrigation now to the Grass, Plough, and Sand/Cinders tracks Total footprint: 796 sprinklers across 15,820 metres of pipe We're looking forward to welcoming an international-scale crowd at Canterbury Jockey Club’s upcoming New Zealand Cup Week meeting in just under three weeks. This year’s programme also flips the traditional order of the Guineas, with the Group 1 Barneswood Farm 53rd New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) opening the Carnival and the Group 1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai 53rd New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) staged on Martin Collins New Zealand Cup Day. HASTINGS RECAMBERING https://bitofayarn.com Work is underway to reshape the Hastings bend so the track has a consistent, safer camber. The recamber project is being managed by Evergreen, who also built Pakenham Racecourse. Since Tuesday 30 September, a specialist machine has been lifting thin 50mm slices of turf from the racing surface. The turf is harvested from areas of the course proper, then relayed on the reconstructed areas. Stage one (the 1400m bend and starting chute) is close to finished, with relaying ongoing over the next few days. This method is new for a New Zealand racecourse but is common in Australia. Stage two targets the 100m past the winning post, which is the section that caused issues last year. The plan is to lower the inside by up to 50mm and build up the outside using tested topsoil sourced on site, creating an even camber through the turn. We’re keeping disturbance to the racing surface as low as possible. Once the reshaping is complete, the track will bed in and the grass will regrow over the coming months. We’re aiming to have Hastings back racing for Hawke's Bay Racing's Spring Carnival next year, subject to growth and routine testing, and we’ll keep you updated as we hit each milestone. RACE AWAPUNI At RACE Awapuni, we’re continuing a staged return-to-racing plan with close monitoring of the surface. I want to acknowledge the significant work from the Club and their wider team, alongside VRC consultant Liam O’Keeffe, and to thank participants for their patience and flexibility. We’re now targeting a restricted barrier trials meeting on Thursday 30 October as the next step. It’s about timing - we’ll return when we’re confident the surface is right, we’ll keep the updates coming, and our aim is to have Awapuni back to reliable, regular use as soon as possible. PATTERN RACES The New Zealand Pattern Committee released its annual report on 22 September, which you can read here, with accompanying commentary from NZTR's Senior Handicapper Bruce Sherwin available to view here. Early signs are positive, with the first two Group 1 races contested this season having met the required international ratings tolerance for their status. These ratings are still provisional and can shift as form lines develop and horses run again. A creditable black-type pattern is an important part of a viable Thoroughbred breeding and racing industry. And it has to maintain international credibility and relevance for our industry to sustain. THE NZB KIWI NZTR is pleased to confirm the final list of 10 New Zealand stakes races that will form part of the $1 million Bonus Eligible Race Pool attached to The NZB Kiwi (1500m), the Southern Hemisphere’s richest three-year-old race. In addition to the $4 million base stake of The NZB Kiwi (1500m), a further $1 million will be distributed in bonuses to horses that win one of the designated lead-up races and go on to place in the top three of The NZB Kiwi, staged on Champions Day at Ellerslie Racecourse on 7 March 2026. The season’s first NZB Kiwi Bonus-Eligible race is fast approaching - the Group 2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m), taking place Monday 27 October at Waikato Thoroughbred Racing's Te Rapa meeting. You can view the full list of NZB Kiwi Bonus Eligible races here. NATIONAL THOROUGHBRED WEEK National Thoroughbred Week runs 20-24 November 2025, opening the gates to stables, studs, and aftercare centres across New Zealand and Australia. Events are free, with bookings required. This year’s hook is the “Bring Five Mates” challenge: if you’re already involved, bring five friends who aren’t - let them meet a Thoroughbred up close and see the work that happens behind the scenes. Expect hands-on experiences (from trackwork demos to life-after-racing insights), timed just after Melbourne Cup Week to make the most of public interest. Registrations are now open and there is still time to get involved if you were thinking of hosting an event. We’d love your help spreading the word to newcomers in our industry. GM - SPECIAL PROJECTS Darin Balcombe moves into the role following more than two decades in the racing industry and a successful tenure as NZTR’s Chief Operating Officer, applying his deep industry experience and operational insight. GM - WELFARE & INDUSTRY CAPABILITY Sam brings over 15 years experience in the New Zealand racing industry, her work has spanned horse welfare and industry development, applying a strong evidence-based approach built on a Bachelor of Science in Equine Studies and project-management qualifications. GM - RACING With over 25 years’ experience in international racing, wagering and media, Mitch has led growth and innovation across OlyBet Europe, Tabcorp, William Hill and Sky Channel, specialising in audience engagement and high-performing teams. RACING CONSULTANT Charlotte has been appointed Racing Consultant (12-month term) and brings over a decade of executive experience from Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA), where she served as Chief Racing Officer and led on animal welfare, racing operations, industry engagement, and national strategy. GM - BRAND EXPERIENCE, COMMUNICATIONS & INDUSTRY PROMOTION Zac brings nearly 20 years in global racing and wagering, including senior roles at Tabcorp, Sportingbet and Churchill Downs, and founding two US agencies focused on digital fan engagement. GM - STRATEGY & TRANSFORMATION Dan has been with NZTR since February 2018, leading major strategic projects such as the LOVERACING.NZbrand launch and The Grand Tour Racing Festival. Before NZTR, he held a strategy role at TAB (now Entain) and brings 20+ years of experience across racing and wagering.

Then why the hell did you bother being a part of the industry for decades? Can't have been just because you wanted to own a pony! A very good point. Why have rules that are next to impossible to enforce equitably and accurately? The only way is to sit in the replay bunker for a very long time with a team of people counting whip strikes and observing where the horse is hit. Assuming of course that you have access to every angle of vision. All right for you and @Thomass sitting there at home going over every replay in slow motion looking for indiscretions and then posting them online. The fact is your family and friends would know there was a problem unless you told them!! "See that whip action there? It is in a place that hurts the horse and isn't allowed. The BLOODY Stipes won't do anything about it! It's abuse and cheating!" They then say - "I didn't know that. Thanks for pointing it out. I won't watch again!" Your days at the races must be quite miserable given your propensity to train spot!

Yes I think some of those owners protesting doth protest too much. How many have asked the trainer not to put a particular Jockey on because of their whip use? There are two separate issues with the whip rules - 1. Abuse and 2. Cheating. The exaggerated accusations of abuse on all based on where and how hard the horse is whipped. Does it cause lasting damage or real pain to the horse? The science looks dubious to me. Plus there are any number of horses training activities that cause pain to a horse but are not classed as abuse. Breaking in for instance is not without pain. So hypocricsy abounds. With regard to cheating the again exaggerated accusations are based on the premise that whipping a horse makes it go faster. Again in my opinion the data supporting that contention is very weak. Whipping a horse may make a lazy horse try harder or signal a horse to sprint. So the cheating allegation is based on the assumption that if you hit a horse 11 times instead of the arbitrary 10 in rules then you have gained an advantage. As for the "social license" argument well that is just a social science construct that is quite frankly bullshit. Having unworkable whip rules and enforcing them will have zero impact on the views of the Anti-racing mob. Supposedly Pro-racing people subjectively highlighting whip indiscretions is shoot the industry in the foot for no good reason. The biggest issue facing racing is capital investment and the economics of racing.

Why is it not? FFS take up a different sport like Rugby.

Bollocks. It's only "abuse" based on a flawed definition and "cheating" based on an artificial construct! But I'm sure the team on NZ'S Premier Anti-racing Forum agree with you.

Where is the betting market? If the horse needs a wind operation who knew before the sale?

Obviously no Stipes there to cancel it and the Jockeys needed the riding fees!!! Would have been cancelled if a race meeting because the Stipes couldn't see the number of whip strikes!!! What ya reckon @curious?

@All The Aces in 2014, 2020 and 2021 the three races were two weeks apart. In 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2016 the first leg was the last Saturday in August not the first or second Saturday in September. From 2000 to 2016 the Mudgway the first leg was run 14 times out of 17 in August. So much for two weeks apart and tradition. Each race of the triple crown has had at least 3 different names depending on sponsor.

Hardly a huge distance to travel. 4 hours from Cambridge - less from anywhere else. I think you'll find the reason for the 3 week gap is historical rather than trainer inspired. Part of my point entirely. Another two weeks gives options. We now have 3 yr olds racing over 1400m first up in black type and still having to back up 2 weeks later.

Can I just make it loud and clear I don't actually care what comments other people make about this site. I do however care when it gets personal and isn't factual and from people who hide behind anonymity and make comments that damage people's reputation and business. Not to mention those that can't help themselves by gossiping in a salacious fashion e.g. I think it is disgusting that some individuals on an online forum make personal derogatory comments about a broken marriage and the individuals involved then expect one of those concerned to go out and ride their horse! Forbury has form on this site and not only was his lead post erroneous but it was copying a bottom feeder who makes money out of unsubstantiated crap while hiding behind a paywall. The fact that people pay for that information amazes me but then I guess The Truth and News Of The World showed that there are people willing to pay for salacious gossip. Andrew Fitzgerald shouldn't HAVE to justify his business model or correct erroneous statements by those he quite rightly calls shit stirrers. I've met a large number of successful people in racing who are subjected to the same online BS. It affects them personally and ultimately it affects the industry. I empathise 100% with Andrew Fitzgerald and not a gnats whisker with Forbury nor the Anti-Racing shit stirrers. But you are correct on one point - they are actually small in stature and number. That is what you would do however I reserve the right to nail anyone to the wall who crosses the line of common decency.

I assume you are referring to legitimate approved treatments and not inferring anything sinister.

@the galah I've had numerous complaints about @Forbury 's past posts and some of them have been quite frankly disgusting. Those without short memories can remember his posts about Ben Hope for example that went far too far. Many of his posts have been moderated by hiding them (I don't delete anything like some sites). I'm quite happy to send you some examples. At the moment there is about a dozen in a moderation queue!!! So don't tell me or any other poster we don't have perspective. I live in eternal hope that the attitude of some individuals will change. That said I and others attempt to ameliorate the negativity by posting alternative sides of the debate often with well thought out responses. For example in response to your inaccurate musings about PED's in Harness Racing. So if I'm enabling anything it is a fair debate. However some individuals take their negativity beyond an online forum into real life. My partner and I now either tell them what we think and if they persist we ask them to move to a different room.

How many trainers give their horses 3 weeks between their first run and their second? Yes the weather might have been OK on all three days this year - what condition the track was in can only be speculated on. However if trainers have more time to get ready during a very wet August leading into the first day surely that benefits everyone. Further trainers could get an extra trial (or race) into their horses and thus be fitter day 1 thus negating the need for a longer recovery period.

As I said there were a number of issues. The biggest was Bayer pulling sponsorship which set the race on its way in the first place. Whoever talked them into those 20 years of sponsorship deserves a lot of credit. Bayer went through cost cutting in 2003 and I imagine that was part of the reason they pulled out. Events tire eventually unless they are reinvigorated - a bit like tracks.

I'm only suggesting moving the HB series back two weeks and cutting the 3 weeks between the first two days to two. NOT changing the season!! That two weeks later might make all the difference in terms of horse preparation and track conditions.