Chief Stipe

Given the now common occurrence of bad tracks at Riccarton this season should NZTR demand that remedial work be done or else the Guineas races will be moved? Or is there a chance that they will be raced on the AWT? Some of the surfaces presented there this year have bordered on dangerous to horse and rider safety. At best they have been inconsistent and a negative to punter confidence. Should something be done NOW while we are still 7 months out from Cup week? Would you really want your valuable 3 year old racing on the surface that was presented at the last meeting?

Especially when they have to contend with some rough training and racing surfaces.

Bosson Harris Parkes Allpress Innes Calder D Johnson C Johnson Collett Grylls Colgan Spratt McNab Weatherley Cameron Seems to be enough to cover most races.

I thought for a moment you were describing Riccarton but then realised that you were talking about Awapuni.

Compare that track to Riccartons recent efforts!

Where did I say I was "amazed"? All I did was acknowledge the fine effort and ask if it had been done before. Why do you feel obliged to diminish the effort? You also only reiterated what I said with regard to the numbers and quality of the purchases. What's your point? The "Oz 2yr old" was purchased relatively cheaply at Karaka. Also as you know buying a Savabeel isn't a guarantee of success particularly as a 2 yr old. Duh!

On The Bubbles winning the Manawatu Sires Produce today notched up the 21st 2 yr old race win of the season for trainer Jamie Richards. Surely that must be a record? I dont care what anyone says but to do that requires some talent regardless of how many or how good the cattle are in the stable. Although I hate side winkers on a racehorse.

Do you recall that this was the part of the track that was "rebuilt" and caused some controversy a few years ago? It was some online posting by Kevin Morton that got him into strife with the RIU and JCA after some serious issues of horses slipping on that bend. Particularly after light rain following a dry spell. If you listened to Jonathan Parkes after his ride on On The Bubbles he had it sussed hence his running wide over the last 800m. BTW that was another excellent effort by that horse.

Have you noticed that the first from Launceston and Albion Park are not being televised? Doesn't clash with Addington but clashes with the gallops from Dongra or Alice Springs.

Do any of these people know anything about racing? https://www.nepgroup.co.nz/about/management-team

I'm not saying anything other than the way it is. You are looking at it from a harness fan perspective - Harness has no control over Trackside. Thoroughbred Racing has most of what is now limited control. You will find that the two female studio presenters on Trackside One today were based in a "Studio" at Te Rapa. I wouldn't be surprised if the Trackside 2 presenters weren't in a room in Parnell at the vendors "production" facility. In terms of "Trackside" you'll find that there isn't an organisation as such any more i.e. there isn't a producer and director that have extensive knowledge of racing managing the programming each day. They are running on a shoe string budget such is the impact of the contract they signed up to. This is the group that got the sweet deal https://www.nepgroup.co.nz/ who occupy the ex Trackside offices in Parnell leased from a large Waikato Stud. Anyone seen where Roger Randall is nowadays?

Cameron George if you read this forum can you explain what the above "Goal" means? It doesn't make sense to me but then marketing BS is my third language. Woops sorry I guess with the Warriors playing the Sydney Roosters tomorrow you are at Rosehill today. Can you get back to us on Monday?

Have you noticed the contradictions between what has been written and the actions undertaken? So you close down low cost venues that meet multiple community needs and centralise with high cost venues (e.g. AWT's) requiring paid administrators.

It WAS a big jumps race with a kiwi connection - the second horse Zed Em ridden by Adam Kuru. However that aside you are correct that the revenue earning races are from OZ at this time of day on a Saturday. Low cost and good margins for the TAB. In saying that Harness should be aware that the revenue earned from those races DON'T get distributed to harness or the dogs in NZ but to Thoroughbred racing. I've said many many times an official inquiry should be done into how we got to the current broadcasting agreement/outsource contract. It stinks and is costing well north of $12m a year. It will get worse as some of the activities previously paid for by TABNZ has been devolved to each of the codes. For example code marketing. That is why I have serious doubts about Woodham and Brooks given their history and involvement in setting up the whole scenario we now face.

I think it is worse than that. The Industry is being driven by the needs of the big Thoroughbred Clubs. In my opinion they are nothing more than black holes vacuuming up all the dosh. $16m of tax payer and industry money has gone into building the CJC All Weather Track with no evidence on any thought on how the yearly maintenance and future renovations will be funded. Expect heavy subsidisation from the other codes. The Greyhounds will be the first to go.

Are you sure about that? I thought with the new technology and data circuits that the major centres were permanently "wired" so you didn't need a full broadcast truck for those centres only those that didn't have the permanent connections. The production is done from a central facility in swanky Parnell as opposed to a Broadcast truck. If that isn't the case then yet another reason for an investigation into the broadcasting outsource agreements which are costing the industry over $12m a year. Obviously they are not fit for purpose when you look at the needs of NZ racing.

Did the new $2m computer system approved by C. George write this BS?

Racing: Big changes on the way for racing industry 1 Apr, 2021 11:00 PM5 minutes to read By: Michael Guerin The heads of New Zealand thoroughbred racing have drawn a line in the sand and say the time for change is now. New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing chair Cameron George says implementing change in seven key areas is no longer negotiable and NZTR don't greatly care who is upset by it as long as it is for the greater good of the industry. NZTR sent a document, obtained by the Herald, to club and kindred bodies late Thursday afternoon outlining not only the areas the industry needs to improve in but most importantly the exact time frames they want change to occur in. "We are not writing another huge strategic plan and then sitting around talking about how to get it done," George says. "We have to make changes now and it is our job to lead thoroughbred racing where it needs to go. We want everybody in the code to embrace it. "We can't maximize the potential of this industry, and therefore its returns, sitting around arguing about everything and different groups' self-interests." The report gets straight to the point. "At times you may disagree with our lead, but always remember our role is industry first," says the report signed off by George and NZTR chief executive Bernard Saundry. "That principle is embedded in every decision we [NZTR] make and what is best for the future is not necessarily that which was best historically. "This is our opportunity as an industry to make the aspirational changes which will count; the inspiring changes which will see us lift standards and our levels of professionalism. "We need to be brave, ambitious, creative, forward-looking and, most importantly, supportive and ready for change. "It is time to stop the talk and take action." George has the buy-in of the NZTR board and Saundry but he says there will be accountability to ensure change is made, and that means inside NZTR as well as the industry. While racing administration bodies writing documents is nothing new the aggressive intent from NZTR is impossible to miss and the reports gives dates for when they want to see progress and what they want that progress to look like. George has already proven himself to be a change agent as chief executive of the Warriors rugby league club and he says the thoroughbred code has to be responsible for itself before worrying about the all-important TAB payout, which is expected to be significantly higher this year. "That money is important but we need to make our industry as efficient and progressive as possible before we get that money, then do the right thing with it. "We need to look at every opportunity." New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing chair Cameron George. Photo / Photosport The seven key areas for change in what NZTR are calling "a leadership document" and what outcomes they want from that change are: 1: The racing product Goal: "The focus is on growth and the subsequent returns this will provide owners and participants." 2: Venues Goal: "That the overall result is a sustainable, affordable venue footprint meeting both our community and professional needs." 3: Participants Goal: "That our workforce is excited about their future within the industry, they have clear career paths and are proud to be involved in racing." 4: Clubs Goal: "Clubs are encouraged to create added revenue streams; establish strong community relationships; and business opportunities." 5: Marketing and PR Goal: "Our stories are getting racing into the mainstream media. We are catering for all fans – new and old, expert and beginner." 6: Wagering and content Goal: "Data and vision are more effectively monetised, enabling NZTR to provide greater returns to industry participants." 7: The business of racing Goal: "Our collective scale and a united approach provide significantly improved commercial outcomes." That will mean a more fluid approach to how the industry uses resources to make money, how they engage with overseas betting operators to promote New Zealand racing, and how to attract and educate more people to work inside the industry. Two key areas of focus will be the racing calendar, as in when races and carnivals are held and even what time of day meetings are held to maximise turnover opportunities and the interaction with overseas betting operators. The latter means NZTR sees overseas bookies as potential business partners, not enemies. Those running NZTR want change, they want all seven areas actioned in 18 months and it sounds like they are willing to convince or even go to battle with those inside the industry who stand in their way. Coming on the back of the enormous changes already made since the Messara report, at TAB level, and with the historic agreements afoot between Ellerslie, Pukekohe and Avondale, thoroughbred racing may finally be gaining momentum to meaningful and permanent change. Which will lead to the one factor always raised during any conversation in the racing industry: better returns - or as racing people like to call it, better stake money. But this time it sounds like NZTR want much more than that. Industry-Reshaping_Our-Actions_FINAL (1).pdf

Actually try and find those that DON'T have Kiwi connections! R7 KIA TANCRED STAKES (G1) . $1630000 2400m Starts 6:35pm WIN, PLC, FT4, QLA, TFA, QAD Leg2, PL6 Leg4, TRB Leg1, FFWin 17, FFPlc 1017 Trackside 1 Tote Form Name, barrier, trainer Jockey (allowance) kg (R rtg) Course, Dist 1 6X794 Sir Dragonet (1) Maher/Eustace Glen Boss 59 C(1-0-0) Dst(1-0-0) On a quick back-up. Battled on here last start. Up in distance. Take beating. 2 08X93 Mirage Dancer (4) Busuttin/Young Damien Oliver 59 C(2-0-1) Dst(14-4-7) Ran on well to place here last outing. Proven performer here. Can figure here. 3 34X26 The Chosen One (14) Baker/Forsman Hugh Bowman 59 C(2-0-0) Dst(7-1-1) Gave a good sight here last time out. Place. 4 X79X7 Southern France (9) Maher/Eustace Mark Zahra 59 C(1-0-0) Dst(4-2-0) Freshened. Looks tested here. 5 21623 Sound (8) Michael Moroney Craig Williams 59 C(1-0-0) Dst(6-1-2) Formerly with M Moroney & P Gerard. Not likely. 6 22112 Spirit Ridge (6) Mark Newnham Robbie Dolan 59 C(1-0-1) Dst(6-2-2) Led and only nailed late in easier company last out. Suited this distance. 7 3X735 Chapada (7) Michael Moroney Tim Clark 59 C(2-0-1) Dst(5-1-1) Goes to another level. Unlikely to trouble some of these. 8 X411X Nickajack Cave (11) Peter G Moody Luke Nolen 59 C(0) Dst(1-1-0) First-up. First run in Australia. Previously trained by G M Lyons. Place claims. 9 X6653 Angel of Truth (5) M, W & J Hawkes Kerrin McEvoy 59 C(5-1-1) Dst(5-1-1) On a quick back-up. On pace but outgunned late at long odds here last start. EW. 10 063X5 Shraaoh (3) Chris Waller Brenton Avdulla 59 C(3-0-1) Dst(7-0-4) Worked home okay at long odds to finish close to placegetters first-up. Place. 11 13191 Melody Belle (12) Jamie Richards James McDonald 57 C(1-0-0) Dst(0) Ready for this trip now. Commands respect. 12 5X323 She's Ideel (10) Bjorn Baker Jason Collett 57 C(6-0-4) Dst(1-1-0) Rises in class. Prefer others. 13 3X681 Toffee Tongue (2) Chris Waller Tom Marquand 56.5 C(1-1-0) Dst(2-0-1) Terrific effort from from off the pace here at latest. Among the dangers. 14 07878 Miami Bound (13) Danny O'Brien Rachel King 56.5 C(1-0-0) Dst(1-0-0) Ordinary in similar class here last time.

The silence is deafening Horace. However I understand that what you may have been referring to is turning out to be a bit of an embarrassment for those concerned. Maybe when the new "organisation" is formed it will sort of be "forgotten"?

All well and good but WTF can I do to change the front page when I sign on to be Racing NOT sport! Not only am I not interested in soccer fullstop I care even less about FIFA Electronic Football! FFS friends of mine can't even get a $10 Exacta on without being restricted!

Topics like this are too relevant to be banned!

Bet365 boss’s £421m pay for 2020 takes earnings over £1bn in four years Bumper package for Denise Coates comes as gambling firm reports fall in revenue Denise Coates said the company ‘continued to make considerable progress during the period’. Photograph: Alex Severn/Bet365/PA Rob Davies @ByRobDavies Wed 31 Mar 2021 16.17 BST The boss of gambling website Bet365, Denise Coates, was paid nearly half a billion pounds in salary and dividends last year, as the latest in a string of record-breaking awards took her total pay since 2016 to nearly £1.3bn. After an unusual delay in filing its accounts at Companies House, Bet365 revealed that its highest-paid director, understood to be Coates as chief executive, received £421m – or £48,000 every hour of every day throughout the 12-month period. In its accounts, the company said its pay arrangements were “appropriate and fair”. Bet365 also paid a dividend of £95m, signalling a separate windfall of around £45m for Coates, who owns more than half of the empire she built out of her father Peter’s Stoke-on-Trent bookmaking business. The deal is just the latest bumper package for Coates, who – together with Peter and her brother John – ranked 16th in last year’s Sunday Times rich list with a fortune of £7bn. It is also likely to cement the family’s position as the UK’s largest taxpayers, contributing more than £500m a year when factoring in Bet365’s corporation tax. But critics of excess pay and the gambling industry alike said it was hard to justify the scale of the rewards on offer to Coates. “Of course rich people pay more tax, they have grossly disproportionate incomes,” said Luke Hildyard, the director of the High Pay Centre. “What’s relevant is how much money they have after tax and in her case it’s more than anyone can spend in multiple lifetimes,” he said. “It’s appallingly inefficient for single individuals to hoard wealth in this way when fairer systems of taxation could mean the wealth is instead used to support better public services or raise living standards for low- and middle-income earners.” Coates paid herself £323m in 2019, including salary and dividends on her stake of more than 50% in the firm, based in Stoke-on-Trent. The pay packet, then a record for a UK chief executive, took her income over three years to £817m. The new enhanced deal takes her pay and dividends since 2016 to nearly £1.3bn. The Scottish National party MP Ronnie Cowan, a vocal advocate of tougher gambling regulation, acknowledged Coates’ hard work and success but added: “When the industry is creating so much harm in the community, when it is the most deprived areas that see the most damage and when the industry is in denial in regard to the damage it does, then salaries of this magnitude will always draw criticism.” Bet365 reported an 8% fall in revenue to £2.81bn for the 52-week period ending 29 March 2020, partly due to the cancellation of sporting events as the Covid pandemic took hold last year, on top of the lack of a major football tournament during the period. Operating profit fell by 74% to £194.7m, down from £758.3m in 2019, owing to the reduction in revenue but also as a result of a bumper pay rise for its four directors, only one of whom is not a Coates family member. The combined pay of the quartet leapt from £373m to £529m. The company, which also owns Stoke City football club, will not publish results covering most of the pandemic period for at least another nine months, but it is likely to have done extremely well given the increase in online gambling seen at rival companies. Coates has become Britain’s best-paid woman while building the Bet365 empire after recognising the power of internet gambling early on and pioneering hugely popular in-play bets on football, which has overtaken horse racing in popularity among gamblers. She took the company from a small operation housed in a portable building in a Stoke car park to a globe-straddling multibillion-pound empire in the process. Bet365 has repeatedly declined to give a breakdown of the geographical spread of its business, despite past allegations of offering bets in China, where it is illegal to do so. In its accounts, Bet365 said disclosing regional income would be “severely prejudicial” to the group. The company said it had donated £85m to the Denise Coates Foundation, supporting causes such as the Douglas Macmillan Hospice and Alzheimer’s Research UK. The foundation’s page on the Charity Commission website offers no indication of whether any money goes to problem gambling treatment but Bet365 said it had made advances in protecting vulnerable people via its early risk detection system. Coates said: “On behalf of the board I am pleased to report that the group continued to make considerable progress during the period, particularly in the priority area of safer gambling, where significant investment and developments have been made. “The period also saw the initial impact of Covid-19, with sport at all levels halted across the world. I am delighted with how the group responded and adapted to these challenging circumstances.”

Rule Number(s): 872Stewards lodged a Request for a Ruling under r872 following Race 3. The Information alleged “YOU CAN FLY ARDEN be declared a non-runner due to assisting capturing the driverless horse SHADOW AVEROSS, thus extinguishing its chances.” (Feed generated with FetchRSS)View the full article

Rule Number(s): 869(3)(b)Mr McNally was charge with a breach of r869 (3) (b) – careless driving - following an incident in Race 9. Stewards alleged that “Mr McNally (PUNT AWAY) drove carelessly into the first bend when shifting inwards and checking MARTIN JOHN”. Mr McNally admitted the charge and appeared at the hearing. Mr ... (Feed generated with FetchRSS)View the full article