Chief Stipe

Who would know. All third world stuff.

That's an interesting question because the time is taken from the video. Is a time taken that way able to be ratified? I see they have times for all the runners for that race - that's a lot of stop watches! Or have they been updated some other way? Rogie must think his R49 maiden that won the race is a World Beater. By comparison we watch the Randwick races today and the commentators can read out the sectionals before the horses have got back to the birdcage. Meanwhile Trentham supposedly the #2 Premier Track in New Zealand hasn't been able to provide any such data accurately for years now.

It will be hand timed and then taken off the video and it will be half a second slower but then it will still be close to a record on a Soft 5 track. Instead of the Champagne Turf it wil be called the "The Turf where Champions emerge"!

In the first instance they need to maintain it properly - contrary to popular belief they are NOT low maintenance tracks. They need grooming everyday and water management. Unless the maintenance is being done correctly the surface will under perform and probably degrade quicker than it should. There may be a need to vary to the mix i.e. the ratios and types of fibres and waxes to match local conditions. I would imagine the Riccarton AWT has a different composition to the Cambridge one.

That's their call.

Once again you miss the point unless you are taking the piss.

It's about succession planning.

Hell I remember when I couldn't check my Saturday bets until The Press arrived on Monday!!

Well the rules would need to change to allow a Steward viewing the Trackside HD video to declare the results. With so many options you have to just about place the whole field! Don't forget in the old days we used to read the results in the local newspaper the next day. 15 minutes would have been amazing in those days. If you wanted your dosh you had to wait until someone official rang through the results AND dividends and hope the TAB was still open to hand over your yellow ticket.

But it isn't the TAB that declares the official placings - isn't it the oncourse Judge/Stewards that do that?

PGG Wrightson Turf Emerging Racecourse Manager Award Launched New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR), in partnership with the New Zealand Racecourse Management Association (NZRMA) and PGG Wrightson Turf, is pleased to launch the inaugural PGG Wrightson Turf Emerging Racecourse Manager Award - a new initiative to recognise and encourage rising talent in the racing industry. The Award celebrates racecourse managers and track staff who are early in their careers, demonstrating strong work ethic, leadership potential and a genuine commitment to the future of Thoroughbred racing. NZTR Chief Operating Officer Darin Balcombe said the new Award reflects a strategic focus on talent development within the industry. “The PGG Wrightson Turf Emerging Racecourse Manager Award is an exciting new initiative that reflects our commitment to developing future leaders in the racing industry. “By supporting and encouraging track managers early in their careers we are providing another pathway in the industry and ensuring our racecourses continue to be managed with the expertise the sport demands,” he said. Proudly sponsored by PGG Wrightson Turf - a leader in turf management solutions - the Award includes a valuable professional development opportunity, with the recipient attending a national industry conference to gain insights, build connections and further develop their skills. Award sponsor Karen Crake of PGG Wrightson Turf said the company was proud to be involved in an initiative that supports the next wave of industry professionals. “We’re proud to back an Award that shines a light on emerging talent. It’s about recognising effort, creating opportunities and giving young people the tools to grow into the next generation of industry leaders. Supporting them is how we help the sport move forward.” Jason Fulford, Chair of the NZRMA, said the Award sends a strong message to young people considering a future in the racing sector. “This Award gives the next generation something to aim for and is a clear signal that racecourse management is a valued and rewarding career.” “It’s also about celebrating the talent already emerging and encouraging more young people to take that step into the industry.” Award Nomination Process Nominations are now open and can be submitted by Racing Clubs, Regional Track Advisors and NZRMA Committee members. Each submission should outline the nominee’s background, current role, and why they would benefit from the Award. For more information, please contact: Tim Lambert Head of Tracks and Infrastructure New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing tim.lambert@nztr.co.nz

No no didn't you realise that substantially increasing Stakes will help achieve all those KPI's?

Phew we are on the same page. 😉 😜

But when were your bets decided in your account? Assuming you weren't at the local using the betting pod.

The only good reason would be if there is a plan to renovate the Riccarton Track. A bit arrogant on NZB's part to schedule the sale to interfere with the best racing carnival in NZ - Cup Week in Canterbury.

What is a worry is if it is exactly like Ellerslie which quite frankly is a bastardised StrathAyr. But seems a good deal if it cost less than $10m vs $50m! Hopefully they have a annual maintenance budget and are planning for a cycle of renovation.

Are you being facetious? I know it isn't in the SOI but it should be...surely? Would that be a good idea?

Yes I think it could be a good initiative to publicise a part of the business that many don't see and which shows the dedication and hard work of participants. Security would worry me though. There'd have to be some protocols put in place to make sure that nefarious types didn't get too close. Also some adjustment to working hours. I don't see Ma and Pa Kettle and the young'uns getting up at 3:30am to watch trackwork or feeding out. The programming and handicapping fixing must be a high priority...surely?

Are you talking about Trackside or the TAB? From what I've seen the TAB will pay your fixed odds bets often before the official result is declared especially if the placings are clear cut. I think the old days of the Trackside commentator laboriously going through all the dividends are well gone. Would take half the day for one race anyway given the number of options there are.

The 2025 edition of the Sale will take place at the Karaka Sales Centre on Thursday 13 & Friday 14 November with Breeze Ups to be held at Te Rapa Racecourse on Monday 13 & Tuesday 14 October. _____________ NZ Cup Week has always been the week of the second Friday after the first Tuesday in November. We hope to see you again next year, so save the date and get ready to celebrate with us in 2025: IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup Day: Tuesday, 11 November 2025 Show Day Races: Friday, 14 November 2025

How do you define over watering? Tracks have to be irrigated otherwise you end up with the variance that you have at Trentham. The issue is you have no buffer given the state of the turf and soil. Looking at Awapuni and Ellerslie if this is the path they are going to go down with sand hydroponic type tracks then Trainers will need to adjust quickly. As will breeders.

I can see the logic but I think the "discretion" was misapplied. The 3 horses that finished in front of KGG had each won two races yet were only on as you say 67, 68 and 70. Arguably they should have been on more points.

According to some it doesn't need fixing. "It's the best track in New Zealand"...."New Zealand's Flemington"... Even though in official information circulated there has been comment about a future renovation.

I get the theory but you assume that the ratings he gave the 3 in front leading up to the race were correct. The four of them were well beaten in the Wellington Guineas.

Where in the handicapping policy does it say it should get 14 points?