Chief Stipe

It seems GRNZ have known this was going to happen for some time. If you want to see where this is going check out the detail on who is doing the review. https://www.mpi.govt.nz/animals/animal-welfare/national-animal-welfare-advisory-committee/ What is animal sentience? The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) understands animal sentience to mean that animals have emotions, feelings, perceptions, and experiences that matter to them. These can be negative (such as pain or boredom) as well as positive (such as pleasure or comfort).

Yes they do think that as do many of those amongst the elite of NZ Thoroughbred Racing. They believe that Thoroughbreds and Thoroughbreds only created the NZ TAB and infrastructure (which there are no facts to back that belief up) and that leads to believing that they don't need the other codes. They even believe that any revenue gained from betting should all go t them. What they forget and forget at their peril is that Dogs and Harness are low cost delivery options that pay a substantial portion of the fixed and operation costs of the TAB operation. If Harness and Dogs go from NZ then there will be no option but to outsource the NZ TAB to an Ozzier provider.

Seems NZTR are not ready for racing yet on the AWT's. This is the information we get on the surface from yesterday at Cambridge:

So the transition from each of these conditions is black and white i.e. there is no graduated movement between them? The AWT surface is no different to a natural surface it is subject to mechanical intervention and weather. Either of which can change the firmness of the surface. Why not use a penetrometer or going stick to measure the surface - at the very least you will have a comparison between what is the expected parameters from a properly maintained surface and/or the a comparison to the same measurements on a turf track. There is ample evidence that the quality and amount of grooming can make a significant difference to how the AWT surface presents. Surely having a measurement taken is a form of quality control that makes it fair for all Trainers and also provides valuable information to punters. Wouldn't a trainer like to know if a Fast AWT was the equivalent of a G3 or a G2?

Rule Number(s): 869(3)(b)At the conclusion of Race 10 the Earl Drake Builder Mobile Pace, an Information was lodged by Stipendiary Steward Mr V Munro alleging that Open Driver Mr W Low struck the wheel of Lynryd Skynryd ( K Tomlinson) whilst attempting to improve passing the 600 metres. Mr Low admitted the charge and confirmed ... (Feed generated with FetchRSS)View the full article

GRNZ and Glenda Hughes appear to have not made any public comment regarding the Government review. Has she given up or thinks it will just go away?

Yet a licensed trainer with a known gambling problem can turnover more just because they are losing. Go figure!

In this case the RIU didn't "catch up" with anything. They wouldn't have had a clue unless they had been told. Certainly they weren't monitoring the licensee gambling. The first step would be to actually keep records and make them freely available online to owners to check. The HRNZ after all are the central repository for these records and charge high fees for them collating them and maintaining them!

They would have to act deceptively in other areas. What I'm proposing is not restrictive it is enforcing proactively the rules that exist now and putting in places systems and processes that close loopholes in the system. Isn't that what HRNZ and the RIU are tasked to do? Yes I do have issues with the way the industry is run. The RIU and HRNZ together cost $16 million to run. You agree that the systems I proposed above should be in place. If they had been then three significant areas for deception would have been closed off. Yes that may not have stopped Kerr from doing something else to fund his addiction. HRNZ charge horrendously for ownership registration, transfers and license fees and deliver what in return? HRNZ Transaction Fees Branding Fee (charged if foal un-registered at 1st August) $145.00 Change of name $110.00 Colours Registration - new $125.00 Colours Registration - 3 yearly renewal or Transfer $80.00 Export Clearance Fee $500.00 Foal Registration - Current season born $195.00 Foal Registration - Previous seasons Fee Scale Import Clearance Fee $500.00 Imported Horse Registration $60.00 Leases - Breeding and Racing $80.00 Service Certificates $35.00 Service Certificates (if on HRNZ Stud Management Programme) $30.00 Stallion Registrations 0-25 mares $70.00 Stallion Registrations 26-50 mares $110.00 Stallion Registrations 51+ mares and Non Resident Stallion $215.00 Syndicates - Annual Renewal $30.00 Syndicates - New Free Transfer of Ownership $80.00 Company Registration $165.00 Family Trust Registration $165.00 HRNZ Licence Fees HORSEMAN LICENCES ONLY Open Horseman $175.00 Graduation Horseman $135.00 Advanced Amateur Horseman $135.00 Junior Horseman $125.00 Trials Horseman $105.00 Trials Horseman (If licensed as an Advanced Amateur Horseman) $0.00 LICENCE TO TRAIN $145.00 Licence To Train and Open Horseman $270.00 Licence To Train and Graduation Horseman $230.00 Licence To Train and Junior Horseman $220.00 Licence To Train and Trials Horseman $200.00 Licence To Train and Trials Horseman (If licensed as an Advanced Amateur Horseman) $145.00 PUBLIC TRAINER $175.00 Public Trainer and Open Horseman $300.00 Public Trainer and Graduation Horseman $260.00 Public Trainer and Junior Horseman $250.00 Public Trainer and Trials Horseman $230.00 Public Trainer and Trials Horseman (If licensed as an Advanced Amateur Horseman) $175.00 OTHER Judges and Starters (Open) $70.00 Judges and Starters (Trials Only) $35.00 Stablehand $35.00 Sulky Fund Premium $85.00 Sulky Replacement Registration Plate $11.50 It is a BIG "part of the picture". Other racing jurisdictions do it and as I have posted elsewhere on BOAY more jurisdictions are moving in that direction. You are quick to hammer, draw, quarter and admonish those who are caught AFTER the fact yet don't show anywhere near the energy to seek improvements from those who are charged with administering and maintaining the integrity of the sport.

Without. However I miscalculated as I included the Golfing Range but I see that that is owned by Ngai Tahu. I also included the Retirement Village parcel - LOL that will provide some entertainment to the oldies as it is alongside ALL of the 1200m chute from the start to about the 500m mark. That was also bought of Nghai Tahu by Ryman. When did Ngai Tahu get their hands on those parcels? That aside it still leaves 85 hectares in the Riccarton Trust.

Caulfield is not going to have training facilities but then they have half as much land to use. One of the few things Reefton and I agreed on was they should have shown some vision - sold Riccarton and bought 200 hectares out West on shyte land and started again.

Wow - 7 metal plates and 32 screws in her skull. Go Rosie!

Land Management Plan The Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Land Management Plan is shaped around aspirations to create vibrant, inclusive and accessible public spaces for diverse communities. We are at a pivotal moment to begin realising the full potential of the Reserve, consistent with its three purposes – racing, recreation and a public park. The Reserve of the future will be a place for everyone, and the Land Management Plan reflects what we have heard from our community and stakeholders, capturing their diverse needs and uses. More than $500 million in projects and initiatives are highlighted, including brand new facilities for organised sports and recreation, spaces to connect with nature, attend community and cultural events as well as continuing to preserve the racing experience. The plan will be used to provide guidance and direction to meet the needs of the community now, and into the future. Land Management Plan-Summary Land Management Plan The high-level projects and initiatives for each area are summarised below Access and Movement through the Reserve Easier access to the Reserve’s vast open space with two new tunnels and improved access points for vehicle, pedestrians, and cyclists to enter. Parking for 1,200 cars – below or partially underground Improved amenities Improved fencing Open Space and Recreation A new sports hub featuring turf and synthetic sports fields, an indoor stadium, club room, change facilities and café A walking / running / cycling trail around the perimeter of the Reserve. Depot below ground Car parking below synthetic pitch Separation of pedestrian and cars Landscape, Environment and Resilience Protect areas for social recreational uses Upgrades to lake / wetland Create an indigenous heath Climate resilience and improved biodiversity Efficient energy use and systems Culture, Community and Events Spaces for events of different scales, including a stage pavilion for concerts Community garden Community park Indoor community areas and nature-based play to engage children Nature based play element The Digital Experience Wi-Fi connectivity throughout Digital signage Digital platform to communicate events and access times, as well as sharing experiences. The Racing Experience Preservation and enhancement of the racing experience Upgrades to existing amenities and build new facilities and landscapes for use during events. Adequate parking to support race attendance. 20011_CCR-LMP_Summary_20200622_LR.pdf

I initially thought that the first criticism that would be thrown back was that the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve at 54 hectares was a lot bigger than say for example Riccarton. Correct me if I'm wrong but Riccarton is 100 hectares i.e. twice the size of Caulfield.

Caulfield Racecourse Reserve The Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Trust is an independent body appointed by the State Government to manage the 54-hectare Caulfield Racecourse Reserve. The Trust have commenced preparation of a comprehensive Land Management Plan for the site which will set out a vision for the reserve to guide use for the next phase of its existence. We look forward to working co-operatively with and complementing the work of the CRRT for the broader vision of the entire precinct. For further information on the Land Management Plan, please visit the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Trust’s website www.crrt.org.au.

Caulfield Racecourse The vision for Caulfield Racecourse includes: A revitalised entry experience for guests including streamlined access from Caulfield Station and private vehicles New stands with a modern offer and improved track viewing The latest technology to improve the raceday and event experience Improved access to amenities Increased trackside lawn areas New centralised horse stalls and mounting yard offering greater patron access and viewing A second racetrack with opportunities for twilight and night racing World class facilities for industry participants Multi-purpose spaces for better utilisation of the site by members and the public A resilient and sustainable facility which minimises its impact on the environment to ensure it can be enjoyed for the next 150 years Planning for the implementation of the masterplan has now commenced and more information will be made available soon!

One of the key aspects of the proposal for me was the commitment to providing facilities and enabling engagement with other sports and community activities. In New Zealand we are pulling away from other sports and community engagement. Essentially moving towards high cost centralised facilities focused on one activity. Also selling up the land assets for one off gains in capital which is then invested in monolithic single use grandstands or squandered on stakes. Another key aspect in the Caulfield proposal is the acknowledgement of environmental issues and accommodating them. Whereas in New Zealand we are turning away from clean and green environmentally friendly turf and sand tracks to artificial synthetic surfaces on top of asphalt roads. I'm convinced the Greens are just waiting to test the groundwater and runoff from the AWT's for microplastics.

Galah it is you that keeps talking about blame and victims. No one else is trying to blame anyone else. However some of us are taking the approach that there should be better systems in place that prevent or at the very least limit the opportunity for fraud to be committed. A bit like speed cameras. Are they there as a deterrent or a means of facilitating punishment? Isn't the role of HRNZ and the RIU to protect innocent parties, to act as a deterrent and to prevent fraud in the racing industry? Or are they just there to catch and punish? Some simple yes/no questions for you Galah. Let's address three of the key issues in the Kerr episode from a prospective of fraud prevention and deterrence. A: Preventing Fraud in the Ownership of Standardbred Horses For a horse to raced and/or be bred to or from in the Standardbred industry it MUST have an owner or owners, it must be branded, its parentage confirmed by DNA testing - from the foaling paddock to the grave. Otherwise it is worthless to the industry. Question 1: Should HRNZ have a system in place available to all owners that believe they have an interest in a horse where they can confirm the ownership and the percentage of that ownership? Yes or No. B: Protecting those with a Pecuniary Interests in Registered Standardbred Horses - e.g. Insurances and Lien's etc. In society there are rules in place concerning the ownership of assets such as homes and vehicles. With vehicles the owners must be registered as does any pecuniary interest in a vehicle e.g. loans and liens held by third parties. Those systems are there to prevent fraud and protect innocent people from financial loss. An insurance policy is a pecuniary interest against a horse. Question 2: Should HRNZ have a system in place available to all owners where any pecuniary interest interest is registered against the ownership of the registered horse? Yes or No. C; Proactively Monitoring Licensees (Trainers and Drivers) Gambling Under the rules of racing Trainers and Drivers have restrictions on what they can and can't bet on. It follows that those responsible for policing and monitoring this activity have the power and the capability to legally do so. In the Kerr episode we have a licensee who was previously identified as a problem gambler and who was losing in excess of $50,000 a month. That loss equates to millions of dollars in annual turnover as it takes a pretty poor gambler to not win something. Question 3: Should TAB-NZ (including offshore betting agencies), HRNZ and the RIU share relevant information regarding Licensees in order to allow the proactive monitoring of Licensees Gambling activity? Yes or No. Now that isn't shifting the blame for the current episode of interest. What I'm proposing is a shift in culture from one that looks to catch and punish after harm has been done to one which puts systems in place to limit harm and fraud by deterrence and the closing of loopholes. Isn't that what we pay the employees of TAB-NZ, HRNZ and the RIU millions of dollars in salaries to do?

Rule Number(s): 330(3)(c)The Informant, Mr Williamson filed an Information pursuant to Rule 330(3)(c) alleging that Class A Rider, Mr Innes failed to make the contracted weight for his mount LONDON BOUND in race number 5, the DUNSTAN FEEDS 1200. Mr Innes was present at the hearing and confirmed his admission of the breach and ... (Feed generated with FetchRSS)View the full article

Rule Number(s): 642(1)Following the running of Race 9 (Pike Punters Challenge 8 May Mile) Information A14412 was filed with the Judicial Committee. It was alleged by the Informant that first placed horse MARRONI and third placed horse GALLARDO interfered with the chances of her horse LLANACORD placed fourth by the Judge. ... (Feed generated with FetchRSS)View the full article

Rule Number(s): 642(1)Following the running of Race No 1, the SVS Starting Gates 2100 metres, an Information was filed Instigating a Protest pursuant to Rule 642(1). The Informant Mr Bell, alleged that horse number 5 (SHE’S A MANEATER) placed 1st by the Judge interfered with the chances of horse number 2 (PEECEE PUSSYCAT) ... (Feed generated with FetchRSS)View the full article

Rule Number(s): 638(1)(d)This is a defended hearing arising from the running of Race 3, the Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre Stakes Prelude 1100m. Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr Williamson filed an Information pursuant to Rule 638 (1)(d) alleging Ms McCall “allowed her mount (MUSIGNY LASS) to shift in when not sufficiently clear ... (Feed generated with FetchRSS)View the full article

A key question to be answered for me is what impact pre-race grooming of the poly-fill will have. From what I've read you can't just leave it untouched from one week to the next. They need to groom everyday. There is also differences in how the surface presents based on air temperature, moisture and depth of grooming. I hope they will still take going stick and/or penetrometer readings to give an indication rather than just say "synthetic"!

Verry Elleegant falls short as she valiantly tries to run down Addeybb in the Queen Elizabeth. Photo: Hanna Lassen/Getty Images HORSES Verry Elleegant owners propose $10m match race with Addeybb Article Author Stephen Brassel 4:40PM19 April 2021 0 Owners of champion mare Verry Elleegant have made a staggering offer to race Queen Elizabeth Stakes conqueror Addeybb in a winner-take-all $10m match race. However, unfortunately for the Australian racing public, the race won’t come to fruition despite best intentions – at least not this year. An early morning call to master trainer William Haggas at Newmarket in England on Sunday offering $5m for a match race against his Queen Elizabeth Stakes hero Addeybb must have come as a shock, but Haggas regathered himself and listened intently. The caller was Brae Sokolski, part owner of champion mare Verry Elleegant and he was lunching at Mr Wong restaurant in Sydney and discussing with fellow owners how his team could exact revenge on their arch-rival. For two years running Addeybb had beaten Verry Elleegant into second place in the showcase event of The Championships – the Queen Elizabeth Stakes but this time around the result didn’t sit well with Sokolski and a few of the owners. The two horses have met four times with the score 3-1 in favour of the English raider but connections of Verry Elleegant are not convinced the better horse won on Saturday. “Nothing went right for us and while I normally cop it on the chin this time I wasn’t convinced,” Sokolski said. “I thought why not have a crack, and see what William had to say about a match race. “He gave me time and listened respectfully, we talked for a good while and he actually said he loved the idea but it was going to be too hard this time around. “His jockey Tom Marquand was already heading home and the horse was in the throes of getting out of the country as well. “William said with a bit more notice he may well have been on board and he would certainly have given it plenty of thought. “We proposed each team putting up five million dollars and the winner took the ten (million). Brae Sokolski watches Verry Elleegant in the Melbourne Cup. Stuart McEvoy/The Australian. “It wasn’t like we were prepared to just throw money away, we honestly believe Verry Elleegant would beat Addeybb if they went head to head. “It also didn’t help with the carnival going back a week as it shortened preparation time for Addeybb going back for Royal Ascot.” As Addeybb jets out of the country to launch an assault on the big races in Europe the future of Verry Elleegant is yet to be decided. “We’ll let the dust settle and then make a decision on whether she stays here and goes to the Cox Plate or we head to France for the Arc,” Sokolski said. “I’ve always been keen on the Arc but the covid situation continues to be an issue so we have some serious thinking to do.” And from there is could be another crack at the Queen Elizabeth and possibly another meeting, or two, with Addeybb next autumn.