Chief Stipe

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?

Although the 20th to the 24th isn't exactly a full week - Marketers!

New Zealand to Launch National Thoroughbred Week in November New Zealand is set to open its stable doors this November with the launch of the inaugural National Thoroughbred Week—a five-day initiative aimed at giving the public an inside look at the care, passion, and people behind the country’s thoroughbred racing industry. Running from November 20–24, racing stables, stud farms, and aftercare facilities across New Zealand will welcome visitors for a hands-on experience—offering everything from observing morning trackwork to learning about equine welfare and life after racing. The initiative comes at a time of growing public interest in animal welfare and industry transparency. By offering direct access to the inner workings of the sport, organisers hope to foster trust and understanding, helping Kiwis form informed views about the industry. Aligned with Together for Racing International, the event takes inspiration from the UK’s successful National Racehorse Week and is tailored specifically for New Zealand’s racing landscape. The week coincides with our friends across the Tasman, who will also host National Thoroughbred Week, in an initiative designed to bring the public closer to the thoroughbred racing industry through real, hands-on experiences. Justine Sclater, Head of Welfare and Sustainability at New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, has seen first-hand the concept successfully executed at New Zealand’s Open Farms week. “It was so uplifting and rewarding to have conversations with visitors and see them leave with an insight into the dedicated care our thoroughbreds receive,” Sclater said. “I'd really like to encourage anyone with the capacity to take part in National Thoroughbred Week to support the concept and we're here to make sure the process is as easy and stress free as possible.” Sclater highlights the event’s potential to unite the racing community on a national and Trans-Tasman scale. “National Thoroughbred Week is about unity. This is an opportunity for the entire industry across two countries - trainers, breeders, owners, aftercare facilities, and community groups - to come together and showcase the true heart of racing. “From trainers to breeding operations, everyone has a role to play. Whether it’s a local country stable or a major stud farm, we want every part of the industry involved. This is about full participation, and we’re here to bring it all together.” Vicky Leonard, the driving force behind the initiative, believes it is a critical evolution for the next step in improving the industry’s perception. Leonard heads Kick Up, which provides a balanced view to false claims that have been made about horseracing. “Kick Up has been focused on tackling perception challenges online and through education, but change marketing also needs real-world action,” Leonard said. “National Thoroughbred Week is the next step - opening stable doors, creating hands-on moments, and showing people the reality of racing, up close and personal. “Trust is built through experience and when an industry isn’t open people believe it has something to hide. We’re giving people a direct and special experience.” More information can be found at thoroughbredweek.co.nz Corporate Communications New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Contact: Catlyn Calder +64 27 252 2803 nztrcommunications@nztr.co.nz

b. Maiden Races As all Maiden races are conducted set weight races, Maiden horses are rated for balloting purposes only. Maiden horses that are rated above 53 and start in a Ratings race will be weighted based on their Rating. Maiden horses start with a Rating 45. Ratings are then adjusted based on race performances: • Winners of a Maiden race will be re-rated between 61-64 depending on the strength of the performance which will be determined by the Handicapper having regard to the advertised prizemoney for the race and the relative strength of the field. • Maiden horses who have placed in Group or Listed races may have a rating higher than 64 • Raceday 2 nd add 2 points – minimum 7 points, maximum 9 points • Raceday 3 rd add 1 point – minimum 6 points, maximum 9 points • Raceday 4 th minimum 5 points, if presently higher stays as is • Raceday 5th minimum 2 points – if presently higher stays as is • Raceday 6 th in one of a horse’s first 3 starts can accrue 1 point. This is not accumulative. Subsequent second placed performances will result in a horse being given an extra two rating points, subject to the condition that a horse having run second at its most recent start will not be rated below 52 or above 54. Subsequent third placed performances will result in a horse being given an extra one rating point, subject to the condition that a horse having run third at its most recent start will not be rated below 51 or above 54. Subsequent fourth or fifth placed performances will not result in any change to a horse’s rating subject to the condition that a horse having run fourth at its most recent start will not be rated below 50 and a horse having run fifth at its most recent start will not be rated below 47. Maiden horses will lose a point for an unplaced effort (sixth or worse) and after three unplaced performances will revert to 45, which is the minimum rating a horse can receive in New Zealand. Horses with a rating of 45 that finish sixth at any of their first three career race starts will be re-rated to 46. That Rating reverts to 45 after one start unless the horse again finishes sixth or better. Trial winners with a rating of 47 that finish sixth at any of their first three career race starts will remain on 47. That rating reverts to 45 after one start unless the horse again finishes sixth or better. Handicappers can apply discretion in maiden races in fields of (8) or less, for beaten margins. Unplaced runs in Group or Listed races are usually ignored for Maiden horse, however the handicapper may apply judgement or discretion in determining if a reduction in rating is warranted. Examples: Form Rating 0287………………………………… Rating 50 8202………………………………… Rating 53 4522………………………………… Rating 54 3908………………………………… Rating 45 796…………………………………. Rating 46 769……………………………………Rating 45 500………………………………… Rating 45

From the Handicapping Policy: 4.6 Maiden Races All Maiden horses begin with a Rating of 45, unless they win a registered trial. Winners of a trial receive 2 points to take their initial rating to 47. Only the first trial win of a horse will apply to an increase in rating. When assessing trial performances for unraced maiden horses three years and older, two year old trial form is not taken into account. A Maiden horse will not receive a rating above 54 unless that horse performs meritoriously outside of Maiden company and in the opinion of the Handicapper a rating in excess of 54 is appropriate. A Maiden horse that is placed in a Group or Listed race will almost always (though there may be exceptions) receive a higher Rating than 54. As Maiden races are run at set weights, maiden horses are rated for balloting purposes only. Maiden horses that are rated above 54 and start in any rating, based Benchmark Handicap or a three year old Maiden in restricted age group race, will be weighted based on their rating.

Really good point. Actually looking at it again it is a Set Weight conditions race and the difference in Rating doesn't make a difference other than avoiding the ballot. But I thought the weights weren't set that high for the maximum weight?

The stalls and boxes have been like that for the last 25 years which was the first time I had a horse racing there. How they have got away with it from a Health and Safety perspective I have no idea.