Chief Stipe

FFS have you got Superman eyes? Now you are taking 2 second clips out of context.

Interesting that this photo was published in the Riccarton Racebook. Funny how most peceptions are biased and the statistics prove otherwise. It wasn't that long ago that a few commentators were saying things like "I bet the South Island (Te Akau) stable is not making a cent for the owners...does anybody know how many winners they have had in the SI this year with horses trained there????" With 46 wins in the South Island to date it would seem Te Akau's strike rate holds firm in the South as well as the north. Statistics don't lie.

The following two pictures were posted by @Thomass to supposedly highlight whip abuse. They are snapshots presumably taken from a TV replay of the race. They were posted in the largest possible format allowed on BOAY - no doubt to emphasise the point being made. It is questionable that the horse is being hit on the flank (defined as the area between the ribs and the hip - not sure what the racing rule definition is) or that the pictures are even in close sequence. The first picture is chosen to create a visual impression of extreme force - the second picture suggests that force was exerted on the flank of the horse. Now look at these pictures in the context of what the "normal" viewer sees on Trackside in the no more than two minutes it takes for the broadcast of the race before Trackside broadcast the next race from some remote location in Australia. Watch the video below at normal speed or even slow motion. Bearing in mind that the only way a Steward could see how the whip was used and the number of strikes for every individual is to sit in a bunker watching a High Definition video in ultra slow motion. Now go back and count every whip strike and location of the strike for every Jockey. What's more do you think and Animal Rights Activist who doesn't like racing would have seen anything unless something had been snapshotted out context? Greyhound Racing created a rod for their backs with the creation of KPI's that they had no way of influencing beyond a certain point or at all. I hope Horse Racing doesn't do the same.

As for making the rules gender neutral you are right that it isn't a big deal however they now align with other legislation and any ambiguity (there was some) has been removed. At the end of the day the change wasn't trumpeted on Trackside or a major media release but was circulated in an industry official notice to licensee's. Some have chosen to weaponise it with statements like "haven't NZTR and suits got anything better to do". The point I'd make is well done NZTR for doing it and now please start remove other ambiguities and get some consistency between the codes on important things like licensee penalties and horse drug testing.

Harness have Drivers not Jockeys. What incident are you referring to?

Thinking about this table it proves those who allege Te Akau have an appalling strike rate in the South Island are well wide of the mark. Not so much here but elsewhere. I'm sure there have been more winners for Te Akau in the last three weeks in the South - so their total must be getting close to 50. Hunter Durant does a fine job down there at Riccarton and actually rides work in the mornings. Footnote: @Comic Dog Te Akau SI wins are now 46.

So much for your money laundering accusation - doh!!

Bad night on the punt @Forbury ? AGAIN!

About time.

Fair enough. I don't agree with the base supposition but if you want to address it then don't do it on an online forum. You are just feeding the "Crazies" as @Comic Dog says. And the Journalists! I've seen that happen on BOAY's Greyhound forum. KEEP TALKING TO THOSE THAT ENFORCE THE RULES.

But you are producing the ammo?

I'd aim for 15%. Which is 6.7 strike rate?

So on that basis some of the photos posted are misleading at best. But let's not drum up traffic with emotion.

Is that from the rules?

Apparently @curious you are "giving the crazies ammunition. What do you say to that?

Here we go again...sigh. What is the definition of flank in the rules?

In my opinion it proves nothing. A high definition slow motion replay may very well do that. But a screen shot of one video frame or part of a frame doesn't prove Jack. We don't even know the source of the video. What's more what is the Jockey doing with his or her whip in the other hand? I gather you and @curious won't be putting Joe Doyle up anytime soon?

Define flank? Between the ribs and the hip?

That picture proves SFA but I see @Comic Dog stole it so he can sing to the crickets.

Each to their own. But if I didn't win a race in 20 starts I'd be looking for another horse and probably a new trainer.

I look forward to the output of your transpotting while watching trackside tomorrow or will you just leave that up @Thomass? Tell you what you could always cut out the middleman and send the photos directly to SAFE. Meanwhile I'll wistfully put my head in the sand with one eye shut as I ignore the hordes of animal rights activists protesting a the race tracks.

Geez 30 starts? Is it with Rogie?

Thursday, 19 June 2025 Disgraced harness racing trainer's return to be 'tightly managed' 967 0 Canterbury Christchurch Nigel McGrath was handed an eight year ban from harness racing in 2020 after he admitted to... Nigel McGrath was handed an eight year ban from harness racing in 2020 after he admitted to cheating. Photo: Supplied By Sam Sherwood of RNZ A prominent Canterbury harness racing trainer banned for eight years after admitting cheating has been granted a “partial return” to the industry. Nigel McGrath made headlines after he was banned for eight years in July 2020. The ban came after he admitted charges of attempting to administer a prohibited substance by way of nasal gastric tube, refusing to make a statement, and obstructing a racecourse investigator. McGrath has 570 wins in his 20-year career with $6 million in stake money. Harness Racing New Zealand chief executive Brad Steele said a decision had been made allowing him to make a “partial return” to harness racing. At the last Harness Racing New Zealand annual meeting a rule change was passed allowing any banned party to apply for an exemption if they have served at least half their penalty, Steele said. McGrath then applied for an exemption. HRNZ’s exemptions committee met to consider the matter and concluded that some of the conditions regarding McGrath’s ban would change. This includes McGrath now being allowed to earn prize money again. “It is, however, under tightly managed conditions and it is up to him to prove he has changed his ways,” Steele said. McGrath cannot hold a trainer’s or driver’s licence and he cannot act as a stable representative or make official decisions on behalf of a training operation. He is allowed to be at a licenced person’s property, but cannot be involved in the training of any horse. He will remain unable to enter a racecourse when a meeting is taking place. Steele said there would be “zero tolerance”. “Any breach of these exemptions would result in immediate consequences, including the potential reinstatement of his disqualification.” McGrath’s involvement would be subject to regular review and monitoring by the Racing Integrity Board and HRNZ. “The decision balances disciplinary actions with the industry’s obligations to rehabilitate,” Steels said. “A decision to provide anyone with a chance to be re-integrated should not be mistaken for leniency.” Steele acknowledged the decision “would not be welcomed by everyone in the sport”. “We take those comments on board and the issue has prompted us to commit to a review of the industry’s integrity standards and processes. “It will be an opportunity for everyone in the sport to have their say and will happen shortly.

Not a specific individual owner but that's where a lot of owners now spread the risk over a number of horses. A friend of mine has shares in a number of horses and the good ones make up for the bad ones and overall they have an enjoyable hobby for very little cost. Recently one of them was sold - a two win horse from 11 starts but no return for the last 7. So a strike rate of 5.5 BUT although talented wouldn't put in on race day. Some trainers would have played it out for another full season or even two.

Who's that? Rogie?