Chief Stipe

Meeting News Wairarapa Meeting Abandoned after Race 1 Wairarapa Meeting Abandoned Sunday’s Wairarapa meeting at Tauherenikau has been abandoned after Race 1 due a track issue at around the 500m point. More information will follow.

The Trentham track yesterday was a disgrace. Did anyone see the lack of grass in the 1200m concrete chute? Seems they have reduced the width of the track to accommodate only 14 horses. But you wouldn't want to race more than 3 wide down the first 600m straight due to the condition of the turf which sort of defeats the purpose of having a chute. I'll post some photos soon - have asked a friend to download some shots off their race recordings. Keeping up with the trend - is the 1400m start no longer on the main course? The photo below is a picture of it. Seems they either have a porina problem or the sprinklers are toy ones or when irrigating during the summer it blew a gale every day! Notice the reduced width of the track? Will the field sizes be reduced if the rail is placed out from true?

Valley track cops criticism Andrew Eddy@fastisheddy 22 March, 2025 Racing Victoria’s chief steward Rob Montgomery said he was disappointed with the state of the track on Saturday at The Valley with an “exploding” surface leading to a pronounced leader bias. The Valley track was rated a Soft 5 at final scratching time of 7.30am on Saturday but, despite there being only clear skies, the track was later downgraded to a Soft 6 at 3.17pm following the running of the fifth race. “As it drying out, it’s deteriorating,” Montgomery explained. “It’s like there is no root system to it. “It actually raced better when it was a bit softer, but as its drying out, it just seems to be exploding. It’s not holding together. “For a Group 1 meeting, you’d certainly be hoping for better. It’s disappointing. “There is a bit of kickback. The top if coming off – there is no moisture underneath but it’s (surface) shearing off.” The shifting surface meant that horses out wider on the track were finding it hard to get a grip and unleash their sprints, resulting in a domination across the meeting of horses racing near the fence and on the speed. A number of jockeys that rode in the G1 William Reid Stakes were critical of the surface, with Rey Magnerio’s rider Jye McNeil describing the track as “terrible”, while Lachie Neindorf explained his mount Stretan Angel “dipped and dived” through the conditions. Harry Coffey said his filly Arabian Summer wasn’t happy and was “confused on the loose ground”. The Valley’s acting track manager Tony Salisbury said the track had traditionally struggled later in the season. “It’s this time of year – this meeting,” he said. “It’s (track) always looking for the end of the line. “We’ve got one more meeting on April 26 for the season, so we’ll do a heap of work on it. We haven’t been able to aerate the track for a long time as, if we do, the track loses surface tension. “The root system is not good, but it’s an old track.” Salisbury said he had no fears the ageing track will be a problem for its final spring carnival before the track is replaced. “It’ll be fine in the spring as always,” he said. “After we get through August and get some sun on the track, it will perform well, but it’s such a shame it’s come up as it has today.”

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EARS BACK (J Fawcett) - Declared a late scratching at 3:35pm after refusing to load. Connections were advised that EARS BACK must barrier trial to the satisfaction of a Stipendiary Steward prior to racing next.

The track isn't a Slow 6. They ran 2:28 in the Oaks!

That's nearly a NZ Record for 1200m!! Second fastest in NZ ever!!!

They just ran 1.06.63 in the Lightening - go figure!

Na. Surely they have measured the 1200m course numerous times. If you look at the shute it is rock hard.

I'd say irrigation issues. If it was grass grub there would be patches within the green bits. Again the shute must be concrete - break 1:08 on a Soft 6? Yeah na!

Yeah well the Champagne Turf looks more like the Moonshine Sod. What a fall from heady heights in a short space of time. It looks trashed.

@Transparency Ears Back - sacked or back to the barrier trials?

No doubt @Freda you'll get a rum out of him.

Congrats on the win in Race 1 with Malfy Rosa. https://loveracing.nz/RaceInfo/53337/1/Race-Detail.aspx

Correct. Both Thoroughbreds and Harness at the moment can expect to have their revenue reduce to a quarter of what it is now as it is heavily subsidised by ENTAIN to the tune of 100%. The horse codes can't expect the revenue to have improved 100% on what they were getting prior to ENTAIN therefore the revenue will drop back to what it was then which is half today's funding. However TABNZ signed a deal that gives ENTAIN 50% of the profits therefore the horse codes will get only 25% of what they have now. The only issue with ditching dogs is they are a bridgehead and a distraction. The anti-mob will regroup and target Harness now and if the revenue figures are correct Harness will fold very quickly.

Only confirms he was always a career bureacrat that had zero understanding of wagering and racing.

Your cynicism knows no bounds. There have been at least two positives in Australia. No excuse needed the cause has been found. Contamination of one of the products ingredients. I guess you didn't bother to read the information posted.

That hasn't been the case in previous environmental contaminationation cases.

https://poseidonanimalhealth.co.nz/products/metabolize A proprietary blend of natural plant based flavonoid extracts consisting of dihydromyricetin, quercetin and chlorogenic acid, plus Saccharomyces cerevisiae Pre and Postbiotics.

Meeting News Trainer Info re Positive Swab - Caffeine NZTR have been advised by the RIB that they are investigating a caffeine positive swab in relation to a thoroughbred racehorse. A product used by the trainer has been the subject of an advisory by the manufacturer in Australia. Please check the link below for more information. Important Information about MetaboLize – Poseidon Animal Health NZ Inquiries with a NZ supplier of MetaboLize revealed they also received an email notification from Poseidon yesterday. Important Information about MetaboLize Published 19 March 2025 We want to inform you about a recent quality control matter regarding MetaboLize. Routine testing by Racing Australia detected trace amounts of caffeine in three horses that had been given MetaboLize. Following this, we conducted extensive testing and a full investigation. The results confirmed that one of the raw materials used in MetaboLize was unknowingly contaminated with caffeine residue before arriving at our manufacturing facility. Since MetaboLize does not naturally contain caffeine, this was entirely unexpected. In response, we have strengthened our testing and quality control procedures—both at our manufacturing site and with our raw material suppliers—to ensure this does not occur in the future. This was an isolated incident, and no other products from our range have been affected. The full test results, received yesterday, showed an extremely low level of caffeine (less than 0.5%) in the November production batch which is what is in the marketplace today. While this trace amount poses no risk to a horse’s health or safety, it could possibly be detected in competition drug tests. Caffeine is water-soluble and, at this low dose, will be excreted quickly from the horse’s system. So, for precaution, our veterinary team recommends a 72-hour withholding period before racing or competing where drug testing may occur. Moving forward we have implemented strict protocols where all future batches of MetaboLize will be pre and post screened for caffeine prior to release to market. If you have any concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team via phone or email at info@poseidonanimalhealth.com. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your trust in us. Our commitment remains unwavering in providing the highest-quality supplements to support equine health and performance.

They don't really have any option but to install the technology especially when other gambling sites are doing it. They will no doubt install the backend technology to connect to the TAB betting pods if they haven't already done so. If they don't they are entirely reliant on staff recognising problem gamblers or money laundering types. In a busy location it is almost impossible for staff to do that job.

Yeah na! NZTR will just run an 8 race programme with 8 horses on the AWT's twice a week.

RV's jump-out enhancements | RACING.COM www.racing.com Racing Victoria CEO Aaron Morrison has announced an enhanced and industry standardized jump-out production and broadcast model. Racing Victoria says the move will deliver ‘important benefits to owners and punters’ with all jump-outs filmed consistently by Racing.com to ensure standardised professional vision. Race callers have also been introduced to each set which will aid viewers to identify horses. Process enhancements over recent months now mean that the colours worn by each horse in jump-outs are accurately reflected in results on Racing.com given they often differ from racing colours. As part of the upgrade, Racing.com has launched a dedicated online hub with vision available to view as replays shortly after jump-outs have been conducted. With jump-out entries, fields and results administered by the host Club and then communicated to RV, the expectation is that the formal results of each set are published on Racing.com before 5pm on the day of their conduct. WATCH: Big Victorian jump-out news “There are over 350 sets of jump-outs across Victoria annually. They are an important part of a horse’s training regime and provide valuable insight into how a horse is progressing in its preparation,” Racing Victoria boss Aaron Morrison said. “The jump-out model is a strong feature of Victorian racing, which is highly valued by participants and owners given the flexibility benefits and cost-efficiency as compared to more expensive official trials. “We have worked hard to deliver a cost-effective jump-outs service that minimises costs to owners, whilst maximising opportunities for punters and connections to engage with the progress of their favourite horses. “We’ve been working with our Clubs, Racing.com and TRP across the past year to enhance the presentation of jump-outs and reached an important milestone in building an enhanced, centralised industry model with the introduction of Flemington jump-outs last week. “We will continue to review our presentation to ensure it remains a value-add for owners and punters. This includes some upcoming enhancements to our web platforms which will allow us to feature new and more engaging content, new features, and personalisation, based on input from stakeholders and customers. I look forward to providing further updates in coming months.”

Aren't there some in the USofA?

Elite Jockey Programme changing the face of Kiwi apprentices loveracing.nz The future of New Zealand’s apprentice jockeys has received an exciting boost over the past fortnight, with the announcement of the Elite Jockey Programme (EJP), a comprehensive, high performance-focussed pathway designed to ensure the development, retention and success of our riders. While New Zealand has a long and esteemed legacy of producing some of the world’s elite jockeys, there has been a lack of evolution in the training programme for apprentices over the past three decades, from recruitment, to licensing and developing riders through their apprenticeship. A reflection of this has been demonstrated since 2018, with a low retention rate through to the end of the four-year apprenticeship, placing the industry in a position where a shortage of jockeys is impacting the quality and quantity of races throughout the calendar. Over the past two years, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing has made a commitment to giving the apprentice programme a complete revamp, researching global structures and working alongside High Performance Sport New Zealand to create the EJP. “We’ve been looking at this for the past 24 months, after consistent feedback over a long period of time that the apprentice programme wasn’t working,” Amy Johnson, NZTR’s Head of Education, Training and Recruitment said. “We weren’t getting the retention rate at the end of the apprenticeship for what we were putting in, so something had to change. “When Bruce Sharrock came on board, he was really keen to professionalise the pathway to becoming a jockey to reflect their skills as elite athletes, similar to the transition that was introduced in rugby union. We needed to make the pathway of an apprenticeship and the role of a jockey more attractive. “Young kids in school have one of nine different jobs that they want to do when they grow up, and being a professional sportsperson is commonly one of those. We wanted to ensure racing was categorised in that light and be considered as a professional sporting career. “We look at a number of reputable international models, those that were long-standing and could be applied to New Zealand. In saying that, we do have our own individual needs as a country, with a lot of landmass to cover and providing opportunities for people from right across both islands. We weren’t looking to create a centralised training model. “Bruce connected me with High Performance Sport New Zealand, and they were instrumental in guiding me through the needs of a professional athlete, not only the day to day training environment, but the pathways and support that has to be provided to get to the elite level and perform. “We put a pathway in place, broken down to talent identification and development, licenced apprentice year 1 and 2, 3rd year apprentice and a senior rider.” The EJP will introduce a number of changes to the current model, one of those being the shortening of an apprenticeship from four to three years, similar to that of a university degree or trade. In addition to this, an apprentice ‘mentor’ or employer will receive support from NZTR, covering 50% of the wages for the first year, while the employer will continue to receive 50% of the riding fees and stake money for the full duration of the apprenticeship. The motivation behind this investment is to promote time away from the workplace to attend jump-outs, trials and race-day, without the flow-on effect this can cause on a business. “We’ve brought the apprenticeship back to three years as well to create a more appealing career path for a young person, and one that aligns more closely with other apprenticeships and university degrees, by the time they do a probationary period which forms a huge part of the talent identification part of the program , we had a 5 year apprenticeship which was not attractive” Johnson said. “Our closest neighbour is Australia, and specifically the Racing Victoria programme is well-revered as shown with the results they are getting. We’ve aligned more to that, they don’t have a centralised academy and still have the on-job training, but they bring them together often and RV pays for that training. “We’ve gone a step further, because we understand the employers also need support in developing young apprentices. NZTR have put up half of the wages for the first year, to help get the apprentices out and making connections in the workplace. “We want to change the mindset of being a trackwork rider and apprentice, to being a race-day jockey, by prioritising race-day riding over stable duties. That isn’t to say they aren’t a part of the team, there is still an expectation that they contribute to the workplace, but it just means the focus is on racing and developing in that role. “Although they are doing on-job work with their trainers and employers, we needed to incorporate a level of consistency for them to see the fruits of their efforts.” The EJP encourages all prospective jockeys to enter the probationary (Class C) period following an assessment, and if a rider doesn’t get accepted into their first apprentice intake, the opportunity to go back to the trials and try again is on offer. “We would like to get as many people as possible to get up to the probationary standard, giving them the opportunity to develop their riding skills further than that of just trackwork and give them a taster of what it’s like to enter a jockey’s apprenticeship,” Johnson said. “They put in an application for the Class C licence, then we bring them in for an assessment/ induction course which includes the knowledge of the rules of racing, an assessment on the mechanical horse, a fitness test and they also riding at the jump-outs. If we’re satisfied with their level, then they are able to ride at the trials. “The aim of this is to get 30 trial rides in the probationary period, then work towards one of the intakes for the elite jockey program. We have two intakes per year, focussed around the best time for apprentices to get going, which is that autumn-winter period. “The assessment for an apprentice licence is in-depth and includes Dexa scans for body composition of muscle fat and bones, a session with our performance psychologist, fitness testing, review of races, riding trackwork to specific times and riding at the trials. If they are not successful in obtaining a licence then they can return to riding at the trials, with a performance plan to follow and will have the opportunity to try again at the next intake. “If it really is a no-go, we can support them into the jumping route, training, or remaining as a trackwork rider, which is great, as they have had more skill development opportunities to contribute to their stable. “Racing is probably one of the only sports that has professionals competing alongside amateurs in the same field. From a senior jockey’s point of view, we have a duty of care to them to ensure every apprentice is thoroughly assessed for competence, we don’t expect them to have the skill level of a senior as they will be inexperienced and will make mistakes, however we do need to ensure they are capable to be out there. While only two riders were inducted on this occasion, there will not be a consistent or set figure, with future numbers reliant on the capabilities of the riders being assessed, as well as industry demand. “We would look at an average of four apprentices per intake, that is based off licensing numbers in the past, but, it’s really not about numbers on the whole. If we have six capable people, we’ll put six capable people through. If we genuinely think they are ready to go, that’s what we’ll do.” Once in the program, apprentice jockeys will be supported throughout their three-year term, with industry-funded National Training sessions every eight weeks, as well as regional weekly support. The national training sessions ensure we have consistency in the delivery and outcomes. “We still have our regional riding coaches who will check in with them every week, and they have access to the high performance sport team via the phone. The EJP hopes to place an emphasis on the importance of developing the future of New Zealand’s jockey ranks, while also targeting those committed to the programme in its entirety. “We’ve really ramped up our recruitment drive, the mobile training unit has been attending equestrian events across the country this season. It’s been over the South Island over the latter half of December, January and early-February, and we’ll be continuing the national training days and engagement with the wider equestrian community. “We are looking for those with the engagement, credentials and intent on becoming a jockey. We want people with the love for the horses, the drive to succeed and develop their skills, and a want to be a part of this wonderful industry. We want to invest in those people”. As announced by NZTR, Hayley Hassman and Ashlee Strawbridge are the first two apprentices to be accepted into the programme. Each rider has undertaken a probationary period, culminating in consistent trial performances reflective of a jockey ready to enter the pressures of race-day riding. Hassman took her own route into an apprenticeship, riding successfully in the Amateur Series before plying her trade as a trackwork rider in Australia. Now back in New Zealand with Te Akau Racing, she is enjoying the professionalism of the new structure. “It’s great, it’s such an eye-opener to racing and I’ve learnt twice as much as I did in the entirety of last year at apprentice school in three days of this programme,” Hassman said. “It’s been pretty cool. Ashlee Strawbridge. Photo credit: Race Images “I had 35 trial rides and five amateur rides, as well as spending some time riding in Australia at Cranbourne riding for Griffiths and De Kock over there. I had 10 jump-outs there, so that was a great experience and brought me on a lot as a rider. “Te Akau have been really good, I get two afternoons off per week so I have plenty of time to go to the gym and prep for performance. They’re very supportive of me riding for other trainers as well, I go to Cambridge each Friday and ride trackwork there to further my connections within the industry. “They put me on heaps of gallops in the mornings and I get to ride with the senior jockeys that come in, riding with them teaches me a lot. There is plenty of opportunities and there are so many good horses that you learn to get a feel for a good horse.”