Chief Stipe

Well he was obviously when he was at Hastings.

Where the Rabbit? Tauherenikau Abandonment Investigation - NZTR nztr.co.nz Following the Sunday 23 March abandonment at Tauherenikau Racecourse, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR), the Club and NZSTI have been onsite, and have now received an initial report following NZSTI’s investigation. The report outlines: A deep hoofmark was clearly visible, with nothing similar observed in the vicinity. It appears that the horse’s hoof contacted a small, unusually soft spot and has penetrated much deeper than usual. Moisture readings and cores were taken at various points in the track, and they showed good consistency through the profile. Investigations around the deep hoof mark did not reveal any similar soft spots or voids and moisture levels in the vicinity of the hoof mark were 45% and consistent with the rest of the track. It appears the horse has scrambled to regain its footing after the deep hoof mark which has resulted in the slip. Further investigation of the area where the slipping occurred was also normal. NZTR is confident the track was presented well on race morning, with Jockeys and the RIB complimentary of the surface prior to the running of the first event. However, given the unusual nature of this abandonment, NZTR, the Regional Track Advisor and the Club have decided that further investigation is required. The scheduled race meeting on 13 April will no longer be held at Tauherenikau and alternative venue information will be communicated in the coming days. The Club will complete a full investigation before performing a full, detailed renovation which had been scheduled to commence after the April 13 Raceday. https://nztr.co.nz/news/tauherenikau-abandonment-investigation

Quote unquote. Did the horse fall? No. Was their any punting (officially) on the trials? No. So why couldn't they adjust.

So which ones do you choose? How would you know that Te Teko wouldn't play they same way as Taupo today?

Where did the horse slip? Was Goodwin on duty today?

You're kidding? Didn't you see the drone vision of the track? Or the fact the electronic timing is stuffed? Or the fact the only view of the first 600m of a 1200m race for spectators, commentators and stipes is overhead drone version? Or the BS about the track rating where they run 1:07 on a Soft 6?

If that's the case (which it isn't) how do you explain Te Akau entering 33 horses to trial at Taupo today when they don't sell their horses until they have finished racing?

I wonder if any trainers galloped their horses after the Stipes left?

If it is irrelevant then why not have the same rating system? The biggest difference I can tell is that Victoria doesn't assign a rating until a horse wins. That rating assigned is 61 (unless it is a Grp win). Grp wins no matter what age group have a minimum rating e.g. Grp 1 the minimum rating is 102. So when Leica Lucy races in any race first up in OZ her rating will be 102. In New Zealand we start giving rating points if a horse wins a trial no matter where it is held and against any opposition! Then rating points if it places in a race. I guess this helps determine order of entry into races.

Easy sell Trentham. Upgrade Hastings and Awapuni. Put a bus on for the 30 WRC members that are left.

Why would they do that? They pulled out of funding the Riccarton irrigation system upgrade - too expensive!

Woodville - Pahiatua RC @ Woodville is now Egmont RC @ Hawera!!! Is that fair to Woodville?

Obviously there is no irrigation at Woodville...

Meeting News 4 April Meeting Now Egmont @ Hawera The meeting schedule for Friday 4 April at Woodville will now be held at Hawera. There are concerns with regards to the firmness of the Woodville track and there is little significant rain in the immediate forecast.

Heat 1.

About 180 horses were to go round including 90 2yr olds. Apparently a lot of horses were balloted out as well. Te Akau had 33 horses entered! I was counting Lance O'Sullivan's entries and got up to 16 before NZTR started deleting the fields!

No video posted of Heat 2. 30 trials scheduled there today.

The moment Leica Lucy sets foot on OZ soil it will be rated 20 points higher. Captured By Love had a rating of 82 in NZ and is rated 102 in OZ. Why aren't the ratings consistent between the two jurisdictions?

Meeting News Racing Taupo Trials 25-03-2025 Abandoned The trials have been adandoned after an incident in Heat 2. More information to come.

I see the near record time for the Lightening has been adjusted to 1:07.70. Obviously has been handtimed off the video again. However the time still isn't a Soft 6 time and the last 600m was run in 31.5 on the straight which would be softer than the shute!!!

I don't see the relevance. The rating is a reflection of a stuffed up rating system. Not the quality of the horse. Leica Lucy has won 6 races these season - 2 Grp 3's, 2 Grp 2's and a Grp 1 yet is only rated 79. It got just 1 point for winning the Oaks! The Grp 2 Wellington Guineas was won by an R70 horse!

Well there is a lot of legislative pressure coming that will force Incorporated Societies to be efficient rather than rely on a tax break. From a taxpayer perspective answer this simple question: How does an organisation with $60m plus in equity not pay corporate income tax?

Watching the body language at the weekend I suspect there is a general resignation. We need some leadership to step up and have a plan. In the first instance a plan and then drive it through. I don't have a problem with the new CEO appointment because I can see that he has been employed to secure revenue from other sources. HOWEVER we need a couple of leaders to get down and dirty and fix the fundamental issue - a safe and competitive track with competitve fields of horses.

Wabbit wees.