Chief Stipe

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.

MacDonald contributed to that in my opinion. I'm sure she would have settled on the rail and yes she may have got held up at some stage but she is robust enough to push out. Better to do that than fight her.

Kerr was LOSING $50,000 A MONTH! Hell knows what his turnover was!!! Why report him? THEY DIDN'T HAVE TO REPORT HIM - all the RIU needed to do on a regular basis was a data match of our licensees against their client base and check either turnover and/or losses. It is perfectly within the rules. They did this AFTER the fact so it must have been easy to identify him. Hell Gammalite are you that naive? Did you know that these agencies have a STATUTORY obligation to report individual turnover that is over a certain amount per transaction and over an accumulated amount? Sure the authorities don't dig deep unless there is a red flag but it is perfectly within privacy laws to do it. Be afraid they could be looking at your account now!

Gammalite don't you understand that betting agencies have statutory obligations to meet than involves sharing information not only involving AML but also racing integrity. THEY are not required to "snitch" they are just required to provide the information. The agencies tasked with monitoring AML and racing integrity interpret the data. Bookies are licensed to provide betting on racing events - there are agreements reached between the racing jurisdiction and the agencies to share data. How hard is it for those tasked with monitoring the integrity of the industry to check what their licensees are doing? I bet some jurisdictions are doing this. As for putting the transactions in someone else's name - yep that can be done but that then relies on another person being complicit. But that wasn't the case with Kerr was it?

Actually I take back what I said about Daytona Red. I gave up watching him a while ago and didn't look at his recent runs. Change of stable and BLINKERS REMOVED!!!! Still he has looked weak on softer tracks.

Really? They didn't help him at the start! First time he has missed the jump isn't it? Nothing to do with the fact that he improved fitness wise from his first run of course.

LOL plus a tongue tie, nasal strip, lugging bit and ear muffs.

Yep part of my racing soul was cut out when Westland Racing Club was forced to close Hokitika to prop up a shit hole called Kumara that doesn't have a resident committee and a population of about 200 people! I get distressed when I see the shyte tracks that are being produced at our "Premier" locations (Te Rapa despite its recent renovations wasn't that great at the weekend) and prominent trainers say they are "great"! I find myself looking more and more to the racing coming from OZ metrop meeting's on a Saturday. Hell even the racing from the OZ country tracks is better than some of the poor quality fields we see.

The horse I feel has an attitude problem. Puts in some days and not others. Probably could benefit from a gallop over the steeples on the Ellerslie Hill.

So how do they identify those if they are not information sharing but waiting on the 800 Snitch line to alert them?

So what was the point of even asking the RIU Betting Analyst to be involved in the JCA hearing? What the money was spent on is irrelevant to the fact that Kerr committed fraud. In my opinion that part of the "evidence" is an arse covering exercise by the RIU to give the impression that they are on top of things - which they obviously aren't. You obviously haven't read the extracts from the T's and C's for Ladbrokes that I posted. The RIU has EVERY right to question a LICENSEE about their activities related to racing and especially about their gambling. Maybe "lot's of trainers and jockey's have offshore accounts" but wouldn't you expect the RIU to be monitoring them? I'm not expecting them to question EVERYONE with an account but surely there were enough red flags to question Kerr as a licensed trainer? Kerr identified as a problem gambler to TAB-NZ; Kerr is a HRNZ licensed Trainer and Driver; Kerr opens and closes numerous accounts 2009-16; Kerr spending on average $50k per month with Ladbrokes; Kerr as a Trainer won a total of $245k during the 2020 season - 10% of that is $24,500 i.e. half of what he spent with Ladbroke's; Where was all the money coming from?; Information/data is supposedly shared between the betting agencies, HRNZ and the RIU with the intent of proactively ensuring the integrity of NZ racing. Did anyone from HRNZ and the RIU ever look into or ask Kerr about his gambling PRIOR to a third party complaint in 2021? According to the evidence presented to the JCA it appears not! All we see is a retrospective investigation that adds nothing, achieves nothing other than adding another salacious angle to Kerr's demise! Don't you expect better from those running the industry? The RIU are quick to play the cops in flak jackets hiding in hedges and convince their Police mates to do wire taps yet don't seem to be able to do what is within their own jurisdiction and ask some simple questions? Yeah na better to have lots of road kill littered all over the place than act proactively.

You miss the point Gammalite. If the RIU was able to identify Kerr's account to Labrokes once there was an issue why couldn't they do it proactively BEFORE there was an unrelated issue? Doesn't say much for the RIU systems, their Betting Analyst nor the $10m spent per annum by them maintaining the integrity of the sport. Not to mention the millions spent on INCA to find nothing. Bear in mind Kerr's gambling was going on during the whole INCA investigation!!! Keystone Cops spring to mind!

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