Chief Stipe

In your Account section there is a menu item named Ignore Users. Put in the posters name and choose what you want to ignore.

I'm not playing games. Just want to make sure everyone has all the information.

Yes there is.

Feel free Hesi to post your demands or do you want me to post them for you?

Speeding Spur and driver Joshua Dickie hold out the challenge of Sundees Sun and John Dunn in the New Zealand Trotting Championship. Photo: Race Images. Despite being in the twilight of his career, Speeding Spur’s future possibilities have been left wide open. The grand trotter willed his way back in to group 1 winning form with a determined effort to take out the New Zealand Trotting Championship at Addington on Friday. The race was widely expected to be the John and Josh Dickie trained squaregaiter’s Addington swansong and his third-last start. However, Speeding Spur’s future plans will not be cemented until an upcoming meeting of his shareholders is held. That leaves the possibility open that the Pegasus Spur entire could go around on the Australasian open class circuit again next season. Speeding Spur could also be sent overseas, possibly to North America, for a campaign there. Though there has been speculation that that is an option his owners are looking in to, they would not confirm anything until after the group meets in the coming weeks. Before that theory emerged as a possibility, Speeding Spur was expected to retire after next month’s Rowe Cup, ahead of him commencing his stud career. That also remains a possibility for the trotter’s owners. Speeding Spur wins the New Zealand Trotting Championship at Addington over Sundees Sun. Photo: Race Images. No matter how many group 1 wins Speeding Spur notches, it will not be enough for Joshua Dickie to stop marvelling at him. Dickie was left in awe of the brave squaregaiter after the horse fought his way back to group 1 winning form after suffering a pulmonary haemorrhage in Australia just two starts ago. “It was pretty cool tonight, to have the old horse back winning a group 1,” the trainer-driver said on Friday night. “It always amazes me he can still can get out there and run as good as the best in New Zealand.” “I take my hat off to the horse, he is an unbelievable horse, he has been through a lot in his life.” Speeding Spur was made to earn the ninth group 1 win of his career when he, Sundees Sun and Winterfell were in a three-horse war at the 500m. Sundees Sun drew half a length in front of Speeding Spur at the 400m. But, the veteran held the inside running, which was a key to his victory. “We were really clicking down the back straight.” “When they first started I was worried they might zip around him, but he did enough to hold them.” “Then, it was going to be a battle up the straight.” Speeding Spur tenaciously held off Sundees Sun, before the runner-up rolled in to a gallop on the line. It is that bravery that has become the signature strength of the seven-year-old’s career. “He loves winning and you don’t come across too many horses who have that real desire to win.” Speeding Spur will have his next start in the ANZAC Cup at Alexandra Park before attempting to defend his 2018 Rowe Cup title. View the full article

I had the same treatment from a fantastic horse called McShane. He was an Open Class Trotter of some talent. I used to work him early in the morning. He wasn't a particularly great morning person and was always a bit grumpy. Always would give a couple of kicks to the sulky just placed to frighten you not to hit you. This particular morning there was a minus 7 degree frost on a crystal clear Nelson day. By the time we had done our 40 mins work the hands and feet were frozen and an icicle was developing on the end of the nose. The horse was nice and warm. We had heated water in the inside horse wash but still it took an age for the hands to get feeling back. The feet were always some time behind. Anyway McShane always liked a roll in the sawdust roll which he needed to step down into. He'd roll then you would ask him if he had finished. Invariably he would shake his head and have another roll. About the fourth time he would nod and you would put the lead on him. So when stepping up out of the roll he very accurately put one of his front hooves on my frozen foot!!!! I'm sure he had a grin on his face!

Robbie Close scores his first training win with Majestic Mannequin at Rangiora. Photo: Race Images. His first training winner was memorable on more than one level for Robbie Close at Rangiora on Sunday. The diminutive horseman, noted as an accomplished freelance driver to this point in his career, recorded win number one as a trainer when Majestic Mannequin streeted her opponents by eight lengths in the maiden trot. And while chalking up what will no doubt be the first of many was satisfying, the presence of those closest to him made it all that more notable. “My parents came down for the day and were on course for the win, as was my girlfriend. “We all own the horse together so that made it a bit more special for me.” Close purchased the now four-year-old daughter of Majestic Son as a yearling and drafted his Waiuku-based parents, Michael and Shelley, and girlfriend Brooke McHardy in to the ownership. “I bought her at the Auckland yearling sales for $8,000 and immediately rung my father to see if they would take a half-share. “Brooke came in for 10 percent too and I kept the rest.” Majestic Mannequin has always shown ability but has benefitted from patience on her trainer’s part. “She’s always been quite weak-minded so it was by design that she didn’t race until she was four. “But she’s been slowly coming to it, getting better and better and has really turned the corner.” While you’d think a comprehensive eight-length winner would be favourite, that wasn’t the case. Punters had bought in to the hype of champion trotter Tornado Valley’s half-brother, Steel Dust, who was on debut after trialing up a storm recently. So had Close. “She felt pretty good throughout, especially on the last bend, but I was worried about Steel Dust. “I didn’t realise he had broken earlier though. “Once my mare was around the last bend, I was happy because she was always travelling good.” If a sale deal doesn’t eventuate in the interim, Close will chase a penalty-free win in a junior drivers’ race next. “There are a few options coming up for her, but it all depends if the right offer comes through to buy her. “We will look at selling her.” Close, who did his formative years in the game with Michelle Wallis and Bernie Hackett in Waiuku, is now employed by Regan Todd on the beach at Woodend. He trains just the one horse, but is open to adding to that while learning from a slew of experienced trainers. “Regan is a very good trainer and one I enjoy learning off. “Then I’ve also got the influence of Davey Butt there too, and Mark Jones as well; they all look after me. “Eventually I’d like to train a lot more on my own, but I’m pretty happy working for Regan right now.” View the full article

The Times, They Are A Changing. There is no hiding from this subject. Last week’s announcement that The Informant would stop being printed was a shock to those in both horse racing codes. And, deservedly so. The paper provides the only consistent form of independent news reporting in the thoroughbred and harness racing codes. There are a lot of other articles out there, but they are not real news. They’re mostly fluff, marketing fodder and puff pieces. They have their place. But their importance pales in significance to the news The Informant produces. Strong, independent, objective, fair and balanced reporting that I am proud to be a part of. Readers of this column may be surprised to see this week’s edition of this column appear. I am sure you have many, many more pressing questions about The Informant, too. Last week’s announcement was the staring point of a business process. It would be totally inappropriate for me to comment on that or wade in with other opinions. Those announcements will be made by the company’s management when the necessary procedures have been completed. Me – I am committed to the job in front of me. To continue to report the news and uphold the pillars of journalism. Why? Because I bloody love doing it. Slip, Sliding Away Starting procedures have been a hot and contentious topic this season. Have the start of races ever been such a shambles and a sore point for punters? I say no, never before. Winter conditions have arrived, but they did not need to for harness racing to be stuck in the dark. Consecutive meetings in the South Island saw traction issues with mobile vehicles. Forbury Park was badly affected, with a number of races having to be started by walk-up. Some may say bad weather happens, this is part of the being outdoors in the South Island in late autumn and winter. I could cop that if the industry’s starting technology was up to scratch. But, it is clearly not. New Zealand’s fleet of mobile vehicles appear to be out-dated and totally unfit for purpose. These appear to be dated utes that – and I stand to be corrected – have no four wheel drive capability. Traction control technology has improved markedly since these old heaps of junk were built. So, can we get with the times and get a few modern four-wheel drive vehicles. Sure, they would be expensive, but I am also sure additional turnover from avoiding walk-up starts would offset some of that cost. And, while we are on this subject. Can we get these vehicles a set of tyres that have the appropriate grip for winter conditions. It would be a ten-minute job with an impact wrench to change road tyres to track appropriate tyres when the mobile vehicle got to the course before the meeting. A Little Rain Never Hurt Anybody Despite the sloppy track and the wet and cold night, Addington’s huge Easter Cup night produced some brilliant racing. There were three standout performances for me. Turn It Up was the equine version of grit and determination when sticking his neck out to win the Easter Cup. U May Cullect was simply explosive when bursting out of the trail to announce his arrival on the premier scene with a brilliant win. Like Turn It Up, Speeding Spur dug deep for a brave group 1 victory. The win should serve as the ultimate redemption after things went wrong for him in Melbourne, earlier this year. With the end of the horse’s career in sight, it is natural to contemplate where Speeding Spur ranks in trotting history. Despite his glittering career, he may not crack the list of top-5 all-time greats in terms of accomplishments for many. But, in terms of braveness and determination, he is the top of the list, as far as I am concerned. Has there ever been a trotter that has overcome such adversity and still tried so hard? It would take an awfully courageous horse to top Speeding Spur. View the full article

My first hands on experience racing was harness. Apparently this forum has dived into oblivion! Won't say who said that.

He has stopped posting. I note however that no one has rushed in to fill the void. Pete do you have anything news worthy to post?

Rule Number(s): 638 (3) (b) (ii)Following the running of Race 5, the Willow Glen Stud Mile Maiden 1600, an information was filed by Stipendiary Steward, Mr M Davidson, against Licensed Apprentice Jockey (Class B), Mr C Campbell, alleging that, as the rider of TOO FERLAXED in the race, “used his whip in an excessive manner prior to ...View the full article

Rule Number(s): 638(1)(d)Following the running of Race 7, the Inglewood Stud Maiden 1600, an Information was filed by Stipendiary Steward, Mr M Davidson, against Class B Rider, Mr S Toolooa alleging careless riding in that he permitted his mount, ELIZA LONG, to shift inward near the 1000m causing ROCKWITHME, ridden by Mr K Mudhoo ...View the full article

Rule Number(s): 638(1)(d)Following the running of Race 10, the Clareview Park Stud Stayers 2100, an Information was filed by Stipendiary Steward, Mr M Davidson, against Class B Rider, Mr C Campbell alleging careless riding in that he permitted his mount, SITARIST, to shift inward near the 50m crowding LADY EM, ridden by Miss ...View the full article

Rule Number(s): 869(2) and Use of the Whip RegulationsFollowing the running of Race 10, the NEXT RACE MEETING 18TH APRIL MOBILE PACE, an information was filed by Stipendiary Steward, Mr Renault, alleging that Mr Chmiel, the driver of CANSTAR used his whip on more occasions than is permitted by the Use of the Whip regulations. Mr Chmiel signed the information ...View the full article

Rule Number(s): 862Following the running of Race 3, the PRESIDENT’S MOBILE PACE, an information was filed by Stipendiary Steward, Mr Renault, alleging that Mr Close, the driver of JAMIES BAD BOY started from the incorrect barrier position. Mr Close admitted the breach and was present at the hearing of the information. ...View the full article

Thomaas is free to post. He hasn't been banned. "Calling him out" as you call it was an attempt to have a comparison between his tipping "blueprint" and others on the site. Thomaas is very quick to pull to bits others tipping strategies but never posts his selections BEFORE a race. I agree I find the majority of his posts are news worthy.

Rule Number(s): Rule 870(3) and Breaking Horses RegulationsThis is an uncontested protest arising from the running of Race 10, The Next 2YO Trot Here on April 12 (Non-Tote) 2YO Mobile Trot 1700m. Pursuant to Rule 870(3) Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr S Mulcay lodged an Information instigating a protest alleging that LIAISON (placed 4th) broke and galloped in ...View the full article

Rule Number(s): Rule 870(3) and Breaking Horses RegulationsThis is an uncontested protest arising from the running of Race 10, The Next 2YO Trot Here on April 12 (Non-Tote) 2YO Mobile Trot 1700m. Pursuant to Rule 870(3) Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr S Mulcay lodged an Information instigating a protest alleging that ERNIE CASTLETON (placed 3rd) broke and galloped ...View the full article

Rule Number(s): 642(1)Following the running of race 6, Te Aroha Plumbing & Drainage Ltd 1600, an Information was filed Instigating a Protest pursuant to Rule 642(1). The Informant, Mr Richardson, Trainer of INCANTESIMO, alleged that HASABRO or its rider placed 2nd by the Judge interfered with the chances of INCANTESIMO placed ...View the full article

Rule Number(s): 638(1)(d)Following the running of race 8, Fibre Fresh NZ Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes (Group1), an Information was filed pursuant to Rule 638 (1)(d). The Informant, Mr Oatham, alleged that Mr Coleman allowed his mount SUPERA to shift out when not sufficiently clear of LE CASTILE which was dictated out crowding ...View the full article

Rule Number(s): 638(2)Following the running of race 3, Ssangyong 1200, an Information was filed pursuant to Rule 638(2). The Informant, Mr Coles, alleged that Mr Coleman made a celebratory gesture prior to the winning post. Mr Coleman endorsed the Information that he admitted the breach and did not wish to be present at the ...View the full article

Rule Number(s): 869(3)(b)Following the running of Race 9, the NEXT RACE MEETING 4TH APRIL MOBILE PACE, an information was filed by Stipendiary Steward, Mr Renault, alleging that Mr Campbell drove carelessly, by allowing NO MORE CHANGE to shift down and make contact with VIGOROSO causing the horse to break. Mr Munro, Stipendiary ...View the full article

Rule Number(s): 869(2) and Use of the Whip RegulationsFollowing the running of Race 5, the NORWOODS FARM MACHINERY MOBILE PACE, an information was filed by Stipendiary Steward, Mr Renault, alleging that Mr Dunn, the driver of DONEGAL CARRICKFIN used his whip on more occasions than is permitted by the Use of the Whip regulations. Mr Dunn signed the information ...View the full article

Rule Number(s): 869(2) and Use of the Whip RegulationsFollowing the running of Race 9, the NEXT RACE MEETING 4TH APRIL MOBILE PACE, an information was filed by Stipendiary Steward, Mr Renault, alleging that Mr Campbell, the driver of NO MORE CHANGE used his whip on more occasions than is permitted by the Use of the Whip regulations. Rule 869 provides as ...View the full article

Rule Number(s): NoneOne hour prior to Race 1, the Stirling Auto Repairs/ Clean-Biz Junior Drivers Trot, Mr Munro, Stipendiary Steward, requested a ruling pursuant to the Horseman’s Licences Regulations as due to weather conditions and transport difficulties, two horses in Race 1 did not have drivers. There were no other ...View the full article