Chief Stipe

Thanks JJ Flash for that contribution.

If what I've heard is true then all the history points to a pattern.

Anyone heard what was handed down? Strangely gone all very quiet.

https://community.betfair.com/australian/go/thread/view/93998/28513119/mrc-ceo-robertson-exposed-in-the-age-today#flvWelcomeHeader

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/racing/racing-club-chiefs-rocky-relationship-with-media-20110414-1dg0e.html LAST week's public outburst by Melbourne Racing Club chief executive Alasdair Robertson was not the first time he has been caught up in media controversy. Robertson's attack on a female ABC reporter, when he said he would rather his daughter grow up as a prostitute than a journalist, sent Melbourne into a media frenzy. But it appears that last Wednesday's behaviour is just one of several attacks on the media. The state government declared Robertson's behaviour grossly inappropriate, and since first-hand accounts of his irregular behaviour towards the media have flowed from Western Australia.

Alasdair Robertson - was it him that stole the horse ambulance? Does this add to the list of people we have had as administrators who have OZ racing on their CV?

Can you give us a clue Mikie?

You would probably lose your license to train!

But why keep track? Are dogs and cats going to become vegetarian? Or do we ban them? The approach being taken is adding oil to the already slippery slope to the end of horse racing in NZ. We all love our horses (more so the good ones) but do we throw away pragmatism and the facts of life when the day comes to sack the useless slow ones? Why not let them loose in the Kaimanawa's? Every three years or so the Government will cull the crop and hardly anyone will protest because it is saving tussock lands and native flora. When I worked in a stable we used to joke "that one is heading to AB Flutey's soon if it doesn't shape up!" I'm sure the dog smiled and licked its lips when it heard that. Although a joke that is what actually happened from time to time - we culled the unproductive part of the herd. We didn't have acres of spare land to water, graze and supplementary feed (during a hard winter or dry summer) the unproductive members of the herd. Why would a new owner sign up to a new horse for 30 years? Reminds me of farming family friends who always named the pet lamb - Lamb Chop (was called Dog one year) or the two Bobby Calves - T-Bone and Eye-Fillet. The children were made well aware that they were destined for the dinner plate. I must say that those children have grown into fine young adults.

So 3,000 horses a year at 20 years. 60,000 horses to be housed.

Yes but the reality is that it is for tax and disease tracking purposes (won't be long before we humans get an ear chip!). Not to see if they have a "happy and fulfilling retirement." Note this Welfare "Standard" puts the onus on the owner to ensure the "full circle" is completed - that will add costs to those that already get their pockets robbed. How many owners will buy into a horse when they know they may be forced to look after it for 30 years?

Perhaps it's my farming background but why is the horse more of a special animal than a dairy cow for example? Take the latter after 5 years of hard work does it get a nice retirement somewhere?

What does "Minimise thirst and hunger mean"?

Give me strength - some real pieces of wisdom in this document. "Enable eating to be a pleasurable experience."

Welfare Guidelines go global Mary Burgess 15 December 2020 Following the lead of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR), the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) has this week released its horse welfare standards. The Welfare Committee of the IFHA created the minimum guidelines drawing from work undertaken in New Zealand which resulted in the release of the New Zealand Welfare Assessment Guidelines in October 2019. Welfare Committee chairman Jamie Stier, who led the IFHA work, emphasized that the IFHA Standards, created for a global audience, represent the minimum standard expected. “We encourage everyone to go above and beyond, “he said. In undertaking its work on this document, which the IFHA expects racing jurisdictions around the world to refer to when establishing their own horse welfare practices, the IFHA called upon the expertise of Professor Emeritus David Mellor. Prof Mellor, the Foundation Director of the Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre at Massey University, played a significant part in the development of the New Zealand Welfare Standards. NZTR GM Welfare & Sustainability, Martin Burns, who drove the development of the New Zealand Welfare Standards over a two year period prior to their release last October, said it was pleasing to see them now being used to help create a starting point for other racing jurisdictions. “NZTR was fortunate during the development of the NZ guidelines to have worked in partnership with Professor Emeritus David Mellor, who is globally recognised in the animal welfare field. His input, along with that of other skilled veterinarians and industry stakeholder groups, was greatly appreciated,” Burns said. “Our Thoroughbred Welfare Guidelines are created around the Five Domains model of equine welfare which defines optimal provisions and aims to reduce avoidable negative experiences and ensure our horses enjoy a life worth living.” As part of NZTR’s welfare strategy amendments have also been made to the Rules of Racing to allow for better traceability of thoroughbreds from birth to death. In addition to the 30-day foal notification introduced earlier this year, NZTR now requires every horse to have an “accountable person” who takes responsibility for the appropriate rehoming of their horse following its racing career. The New Zealand Welfare Standards, which include comprehensive assessment guidelines for thoroughbred horses at all stages of their lives reflect NZTR’s vision for thoroughbred welfare: “A Thoroughbred should be provided a good life, with the care and conditions that allow it to thrive and perform to its natural abilities.” Work in the welfare area continues with NZTR hosting a Thoroughbred Welfare Forum last week which was attended by representatives of the various racing industry sectors; partner organisations; researchers; and organisations with responsibilities under the Animal Welfare Act. The New Zealand Welfare Standards can be found here. More detail regarding the IFHA guidelines, including a panel discussion which features Professor Mellor, can be viewed here. IFHA_Minimum_Welfare_Standards.PDF 658507611_NZTRThoroughbredWelfareGuidelines2020Final.pdf

So you can't give us an example?

Rule Number(s): 638(1)(d)Following the running of Race 7 the Edge handicap an Information 11753 was filed by Stipendiary Steward Mr M Davidson against Class A Rider, Mr K Mudhoo, alleging careless riding in that he permitted his mount Gerry Joyce to shift inwards when not clear of Top Of The Straight (R Mudhoo) near the 500 ... (Feed generated with FetchRSS)View the full article

You make a very good point Centaur. It was clear that the post made by LJM was illegal. Although there is some protection under the Harmful Digital Communications Act for the owner of a platform. However it was clear the LJM was defying the law rightly or wrongly and the post should have been hidden at the very least from public view. Now there is possibly no legal consequence for the Comic Dog not doing that however one should respect the laws of the land in which you reside.

Well they will dispute that. Just my interpretation of the screes of stuff that they have posted over many different channels over the years. I understand the ex-DBA hasn't worked for 17 years but earns enough from punting on Betfair - well so he says. I guess with Betfair or a betting exchange you are playing the role of virtual bookmaker. However I imagine the margins are small. As I said not my idea of fun but then when I have a bet it is because I've got information others don't have or I like the cut of a horse in the parade ring or have blackbooked a horse based on a previous performance. Always just for entertainment when in the mood. Lately I've waited for a "free" bonus bet from the TAB and try and turn it into real cash while having a bit of entertainment. Always on the NZ TAB - why not help local stakes if I lose! Tend to bet on OZ gallops mainly - racing is more competitive and consistent surfaces.

The wee man is sentenced today.

Put it another way Huey I'm sure the ex-DBA couldn't visually assess a horse's condition. Amazing how much time some people spend online when they work for someone else. Another advantage of a VPN.

Huey - Curious and the ex-DBA rely on processing comparatively large amounts of data and adjusting their algorithms based on what must be subjective assessments of track conditions. They then look for value by pricing fields themselves (most probably automatically using an algorithm based on their assessments) and looking for where the price is overs. Then playing small %'s. For example if a horse they value at 25 to 1 is paying 50 to 1 they will back it. Sounds as boring as bat shit to me. But the ex-DBA tells us he makes money doing it.

Rule Number(s): 870(3) Breaking Horse RegulationsFollowing the running of Race 1 NZ Bloodstock Mobile Trot Information A09850 was filed by Stipendiary Steward Mr V Munro with the Judicial Committee. It was alleged that Kiwi Heir broke in excess of 50 metres in the final 200 metres of the race. Mr Paisley the trainer of the horse and representing the ... (Feed generated with FetchRSS)View the full article

Rule Number(s): Rule 638(1)(d)Following the running of the SHOWTECHNIX 1200 an Information was lodged by Stipendiary Steward Mr B Jones against Apprentice Jockey Miss T Newman alleging that Miss Newman as the Rider of LUNA VAARA allowed her mount to shift in at about the 950 metres mark when not clear of LET'S DO THIS (Rider S McKay) ... (Feed generated with FetchRSS)View the full article

Rule Number(s): 869(2) & Whip & Rein RegulationsThis is a defended hearing arising from the running of Race 5, the Woodlands Stud Caduceus Classic Mobile Pace (Group 1). An Information was filed by Senior Stipendiary Steward, Mr Mulcay, alleging Licensed Driver, Ms S Ottley (LA ROSA) used her whip with more than a wrist flicking motion in the home ... (Feed generated with FetchRSS)View the full article