Chief Stipe

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Why?

Rule Number(s): 869(4)&(6)(b)&(c)Following the running of Race 10, Buccleugh’s Inangahua – Grey Valley Handicap Pace, an information was filed by Stipendiary Steward, Mr R A Quirk, against Licensed Open Driver, Mr J C Hay, alleging that Mr Hay, as the driver of NORMAN RICHARDS in the race, “shifted ground near the 1400 metres forcing ... (Feed generated with FetchRSS)View the full article

Rule Number(s): 213(1)(j)Following the running of Race 12, The Elley Clan Handicap Trot, an information requesting a ruling was filed by Stipendiary Steward, Mr R A Quirk, “to determine whether PRINCE TEKA (C J Markham) was denied a fair start”. Mr Markham, driver of PRINCE TEKA, was present at the hearing of the information. ... (Feed generated with FetchRSS)View the full article

Rule Number(s): 869(3)(b)Following the running of Race 11, Team Teal Women Drivers Challenge Mobile Pace, an information was filed by Stipendiary Steward, Mr R A Quirk, against Licensed Junior Driver, Ms S Diamant, alleging that Ms Diamant, as the driver of MARKHAM EYRE in the race, “drove carelessly entering the home straight ... (Feed generated with FetchRSS)View the full article

Is the Industry strong enough to handle the impact of Coronavirus? I'm not sure it is. Hong Kong has experienced a drop in turnover of 15% since running its "Ghost" meetings where no spectators are allowed on course. Granted NZ is much less dependent than it was with on-course turnover. But we are now more reliant on overseas racing events and both International and Domestic sporting events. Sporting events are taking a big yet with events being cancelled. Today the OZ Grand Prix was cancelled and before long travel restrictions will impact other sporting events especially ones like Super Rugby. The Government can't be expected to help as the nature of their coalition is that other industries will be deemed more needy. Unfortunately Racing has used up all its rainy day reserves to fund stake increases.

Rule Number(s): 638(1)(d)Following the running of race 5, HOLSTER ENGINEERING LALLY AND SYMES SOUTH WAIKATO CUP (2000 metres) an Information was filed pursuant to Rule 638 (1)(d). The Informant, Mr Williamson, alleged that Mr Kareem permitted MASTER PAINTON to shift in near the 1250 metres when insufficiently clear of JOE CARGO ... (Feed generated with FetchRSS)View the full article

Go for it. My philosophy in running the site is "free speech" is paramount.

"Marketers" have stuffed up all the race scheduling. The omen bet in the St. Leger would have to be Glory Days. That aside the Cuddle Stakes field isn't great. The Guineas looks a good field.

According to the JCA Inquiry - (5) Unbeknown at that time to the Stewards or Inspectors of Harness Racing and the RIU, a police operation pursuant to an Interception Warrant issued by a High Court Judge, had, amongst other things, revealed telephone conversations... I find it hard to believe that not ONE individual in the RIU knew what the Police were doing given the closeness of some individuals, one in particular, to the Police. The allegations appeared to have come from a disgruntled individual from within the industry not RIU investigations. People in glass HOUSES shouldn't throw stones. I'm unhappy that what was a relatively simple issue was blown up into something much bigger than it was. That was caused by incompetence causing great cost and harm to the industry and stakeholders. Yes I believe given the employment history of the some RIU individuals and the Police "brotherhood" that the RIU did influence the Police investigations. Afterall do the Police have a history of racing and wagering expertise? NO. So where would they go for their advice? Where is the investigative journalism with the appropriate headlines showing that the RIU and the Police got it WRONG! They display incompetence on a regular basis particularly every Saturday. You admit in this statement that there is an inconsistency in the application of the laws - "overlooking", "harshly treated compared to some", "afraid of the fallout". Let's look a little bit more closely at the N McGrath case: The particular incident in question took place on 31 March 2018! It involved two horses - Sheriff and Star Commander - the latter driven by N McGrath. The inquiry that eventuated nearly TWO years after the incident focused on the information that McGrath drove improperly to give advantage to Sheriff. Now aside from the fact that Star Commander didn't have a shit show of beating Star Commander (unless he locked wheels with the said horse when in front with 10m to go!) Sheriff didn't actually take advantage of a the supposed benefit McGrath gave it by providing a gap to pass through. Sheriff found a better gap! Here is the Stipes report from that race written supposedly WITHOUT any other information - Aside from the final inquiry result it is my opinion that to uphold the integrity of racing the RIU should have filed an Information at that point. Why didn't they? I would suggest incompetence. Given the final inquiry report there was sufficient evidence available from the race alone to proceed with an improper driving charge or at the very least a fine! If the Stipes and RIU want respect and to encourage the following of the rules they would be bringing this charges more often. THAT sends a clear message. The Police will be reluctant to pursue these cases in the future given the fact they got burned. I imagine their relationship with their RIU ex-colleagues is now strained. You may recall that when the charges were first presented to a Judge he made it clear that the evidence did not make the threshold for a clear conviction (although the evidence never got to the point where it was formally filed in the Court). A deal then ensued between the Crown Prosecutor and McGrath whereby the charges were dropped if McGrath agreed to have the case heard by the industry professional conduct process i.e. the JCA. TWO charges ensued - one which was a Serious Racing Offence (which has some very extreme penalties) and the other Improper Driving. Another deal ensued whereby McGrath pleaded guilty to the Improper Driving charge. Given that the evidence the Police obtained was declared admissible in the JCA proceedings it would appear that once again the threshold for a Serious Charge was not met. So in a nutshell if the RIU WAS doing it's job the Improper Driving charge should have been laid on the 1st of April 2018.

Thomaas is under moderation. He isn't banned. However it seems he refuses to post unless given complete free reign. That is he wants to be treated "special" compared to everyone else. He was warned about certain posts and continued to post them repeatedly. Posts that most would find offensive. He then started to play a game biting the hand. As you know I'm more tolerant than other forums with what is allowed to be posted. I'm surprised that so many rely on one person to initiate debate when everyone is free to start whatever topic they wish. The irony is Rome burns and EVERYONE is playing the fiddle!

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The only injustice I believe happened is a result of the way the issue was handled. People's lives have been completely upended and some put under extreme financial distress. What for? A charge of "Improper Driving"? Other charges have failed to reach the threshold for court and are now back in the hands of the Industry Police - the RIU and Harness NZ. At what cost? Isn't it all an "injustice" to the industry? When viewing the McGrath charge and penalty under the laws of racing surely most would agree that the RIU have been incompetent in the way they have handled this. But isn't it what we have come to expect from them? Inconsistency from week to week from region to region. Really you think it is an exaggeration? Didn't you read the headlines - "Stables Raided by Police in Early Hours of Morning", "Charges of Race Fixing", "Harness employees charged with drug possession and intent to supply", "Police obtained warrants to secretly phone tap suspects," "Police and RIU secretly surveil harness identities", "Operation INCA" (I'd love to know who gave it that name!) and so on and so on. What do we have so far? Many charges dropped because they fail to reach the court threshold, some drug possession charges (only proves harness racing is not immune to societal ills) and an "improper driving charge" which was handled through the industry process NOT the courts! Even that charge barely got proven! The RIU have the power to test any licensed person for drugs at ANY time. They have to power to investigate any property where licensed activity occurs at ANY time. What did they do? Spun a yarn to their Police mates (many RIU are ex-Police) that there was some HUGE conspiracy going on who then investigated. I'd love to see the justification for the warrant - how broad was it? The drug charges were a by-product of the secret surveillance. Imagine if that process was extended to everyone in society? I haven't lost perspective although some forum posters have. What do you think Joe Public thought when they read all the headlines? I didn't say the RIU is corrupt - just incompetent. Although given the level of incompetence and inconsistency you have to wonder sometimes. THE RIU DID FAIL TO TAKE ACTION!!! They FAILED to do their job and use the industry rules and processes.

Where have I ever said McGrath's final outcome (the charge and penalty) was wrong or that I disagreed with it? The point you are failing to comprehend is that the RIU and other harness racing officials displayed extreme incompetence in the way they handled things. I repeat they cost the industry a great deal financially and in terms of integrity. FFS they facilitated the impression that it was the crime of the century and the industry is corrupt to the core. The RIU should be held accountable.

Why didn't the RIU and Harness Racing NZ use the powers that they had available to them to deal with the improper driving from the get go? Na - the RIU wasted millions of industry/tax payers money (not to mention the finances of those charged) by their inept handling of the issue(s) and abdicating to the Police. Who apart from the drug use cases found zilch. The RIU tainted the whole industry by their approach and the RIU individuals involved should be held accountable.

Rule Number(s): 642(1)Following the running of race 6, an Information was filed Instigating a Protest pursuant to Rule 642(1). The Informant, Mr Collett, Trainer of FLUOROBUS, alleged that AMANO or its rider placed 1st by the Judge interfered with the chances of FLUOROBUS placed 2nd by the Judge. The interference was alleged ... (Feed generated with FetchRSS)View the full article

Rule Number(s): 638(1)(d)Following the running of Race 8 (Head To Flamingo Joes After The Last 1600) Information No. A12316 was filed with the Judicial Committee. It was alleged by the Informant that Ms O’Beirne allowed her mount to shift in near the 900m when not clear of VROOM (H Andrew) and MONKEY SHOULDER (D Turner) which ... (Feed generated with FetchRSS)View the full article

Rule Number(s): 638(1)(d)Following the running of race 4, an Information was filed pursuant to Rule 638 (1)(d). The Informant, Mr Oatham, alleged that Ms Nicholas allowed JUSTA BOY BULLSEYE to shift in when not clear of WILLIAM TELL which was checked and steadied near the 100 metres. Ms Nicholas acknowledged that she understood ... (Feed generated with FetchRSS)View the full article

Rule Number(s): 638(1)(d)Following the running of race 10, an Information was filed pursuant to Rule 638 (1)(d). The Informant, Mr Oatham, alleged that Mr Weatherley allowed JAMES BARRIE to shift out near the 50 metres crowding and checking STARRING ROLE (S Collett). Rule 638(1) (d) provides: A Rider shall not ride a horse in ... (Feed generated with FetchRSS)View the full article

Rule Number(s): 330(3)(c)Mr McIntyre alleged that Mr Lowry had failed to make the contract weight for RAISE YA CARDS in race 1 and was replaced. Mr McIntyre stated that the respondent had come to the Stewards before race 1 and had indicated he would be unable to make the weight for RAISE YA CARDS. He was replaced by Ms T Comignaghi ... (Feed generated with FetchRSS)View the full article

I suggest you be careful what you say Major. As the matter is now in the legal system there are rules and processes that must be followed. I don't condone any trial by social media nor breaking of legal rules. From a personal opinion perspective I find it hypocritical when people draw a distinction between wider society and thoroughbred, harness or greyhound racing. Why is there especially "no place for this in Harness Racing" when it is a wider social issue. IF Harness Racing is a hotbed of these types of issues (I'm saying it isn't anymore than the rest of society) then why isn't the Harness industry (and racing in general) doing more in a positive fashion to address the issue? Instead we see draconian treatment above and beyond what the rest of society experiences. Looking at the farce that is INCA, the inept and at times bizarre activities of the RIU in that matter and the "hands-off" attitude of Harness Racing NZ and the lack of substance to the case(s) is there any wonder than some of those involved are under extreme stress?