Happy Sunrise

Suspended for winning that much of a quaddie? You sure you weren't suspended AFTER ringing the helpdesk? 😂

It is fair enough the TAB are wary of Dolan or Anderson etc horses with not much exposed form and keep their odds really tight. I get that but most horses ability can be seen at trials or the workouts so they should back themselves and set odds accordingly. Whether it is the bean counters or the actual people who set initial odds they need to back themselves with slightly enticing options for some runners who they don't think can win. Otherwise, harness turnover is screwed which means the game is screwed because there will be no turnover whatsoever.

One doesn't even have to be a big or good punter to get 'restricted'

The musical chairs continues in harness. Darrin Williams to return to Addington 20 August 2020 , News After 26 years at Harness Racing New Zealand, Darrin Williams has resigned to take up a new job at Addington Raceway, as their Racing Industry Manager. "For me it's going full circle, having spent 10 years at Addington all those years ago, I left to join HRNZ and now I'm going back," said Williams. During his time at HRNZ Williams has held a number of positions. He was Customer Services/Promotions Officer, then Handicapper for 16 years, before being Racing Manager. He then took on the Racing and Marketing Manager's position in 2017. “Racing has been a huge part of my life and will continue to be. I couldn’t imagine not being involved in things like Cup week etc, though from now on it will be from a different perspective,” said Williams. “He has a wealth of experience and knowledge and we will miss him,” says HRNZ Chief Executive Phil Holden, “but he is not being lost to the industry that he has been involved in for so long. We wish him all the best.” Williams will officially change stables in a month.

I can't even get $20 each way on a horse like Ali Lindenny last week. If I get money on to a degree then any multi bets get shut down. The art of punting (for me) is finding odds that are set wrong in my opinion but if I ring the TAB and ask for a bet and they bring the odds down what the hell is the point of doing that! They are weak even beyond the point of reasonable protectionism.

I can't follow what you are saying. That is still a restriction isn't it?

Good on you. Well done. This stuff needs to be addressed. Not just a 6 minute chatting with the Chief propaganda message. You will most likely not get a reply but if you did it would be an 'all concerns need to be addressed through the proper channels' and a 'these are very difficult times and unity from all participants is needed to progress forward towards a sustainable model in the future' response.

I just can't believe they announced the CEO in an update that had the Board nowhere to be seen. If they can't get the simple stuff right then how are they going to turn things around below them? Harness racing has an opportunity to position itself in a good place I believe but I don't see any evidence of a plan. It is chaos, look at the way the clubs were treated in such an off handed manner with the licences. As an outsider, a punter who just likes harness racing, I can see no rhyme or reason to the harness racing decisions being made. I get the super big picture stuff of TAB and how they are trying to claw back money and that may be a saving grace of the whole game but below that the harness racing stuff is beyond me including this fixation on social media and the younger generation being the saviour. Every generation can be involved in harness racing surely and the backbone is the 50+ age (these people have years ahead of them) who actually have money to spend on ownership and betting but they are treated like lepers for some reason. Holden can't do the job himself as it too big for one person. Who are his visible assistants taking some of the strain? Where is the plan at every level of the game? Show me that I will shut up but I bet no one in harness racing knows what the hell is going on or where they stand. Harness racing is pissing into the wind with the way it is going about things. Someone can prove me wrong and give evidence otherwise. I would be more than happy for that to happen.

Harness people don't seem to have much of a voice. They seemingly just take what they are served up from my distant observations. Is there an effective body representing anyone to challenge the Board and their decisions or is it all too incestuous?

"I’m very keen to improve communication, transparency and accountability to everyone in the industry.” Communication of what? Transparency of what? Accountability of what? The transparency is a good one considering how one just got appointed.

He got retired lol

As already said on here, must be great getting appointed by your mates and not having it advertised. But what gets me is this update included #4 yet it is not signed by anyone! Surely Phil Holden didn't write this update because that would be off the charts bizarre having a person who is appointed without seemingly a proper process announcing it himself The announcement of a CEO should be official and properly notified. Not in an update with other information.

17 August 2020 INDUSTRY UPDATE 1. Changes to Voting Model Harness Racing New Zealand is investigating a new voting model to reflect changes in the racing calendar. Work on the model started as soon as the 2020/21 meeting dates were finalised as HRNZ recognised that a review was needed to protect the voting position of some clubs who had no racing licences in the new season. As a result, a new voting model will need to be developed to take account of the needs of all clubs. Given the importance of getting a new voting structure right and the lack of time until the AGM in November, it is proposed that the voting at the 2020 AGM will be based on the betting licences allocated to a club for the 2019/20 season as a transitional measure. To effect this change, it is proposed that the first item of business at the AGM in November is for the current voting model to be based on the 2019/20 allocated licences, instead of being based on the 2020/21 allocated licences. If adopted this means that clubs will have the same voting power at the 2020 AGM as they did for the 2019 AGM. 2. AGM and Industry Day The AGM on Wednesday 18th November 2020 is being held later than normal because of the significant increase in our auditor’s workload due to the impact of Covid19. They needed extra time to catch up and complete all their clients' work including HRNZ, so we can present appropriately audited financial results. The AGM will be held digitally - essentially a Zoom call. The Industry Day has been set for Friday 2nd October 2020. Originally the Board decided not to hold it to minimise the expense and cost to the industry but changed its mind following some feedback. This day will not follow the normal conference format. There will be some presentations, and some rule and constitutional amendments to review, with the balance of the day being a workshop format. Once we have confirmed the structure of the day, we will let you know. 3. Harness Jewels 2021 The Board of Harness Racing New Zealand has confirmed that they have a desire to run the Jewels in the Waikato next year, with a provisional 9-race card set down for Sunday, June 6, 2021. The Board wants to continue to provide some aspirational events for the industry, however, the ability to run the Jewels hinges on there being enough capacity in both Code and Club funding to support the proposed event. We hope to resolve this in the next five to six weeks. If the event does go ahead it will be on a reduced stakes basis than previously. 4. Appointment of CEO Following this month’s HRNZ Board meeting, Chair Ken Spicer has also announced that the contract of Interim Chief Executive Phil Holden has been extended and becomes permanent. “We are very confident in Phil and with all the changes going on it was felt that it was important to have consistency and stability”. Holden, who was an Independent Director on the Board before stepping down and taking over from Peter Jensen earlier this year, is delighted to have the Board’s backing. “So much has happened since May when Peter left. It is a complex business in complex times but it’s a challenge I am enjoying and look forward to building on in the future,” said Holden. Holden will continue to live in the Wairarapa but will commute regularly to Christchurch. “I don’t see any problems with that. I am there every week and liaise many times every day with the other members of the management team. It also provides me with the ability to base myself in Petone at the TAB NZ office which I do now and will continue to do on a weekly basis. I see strengthening that relationship and building our visibility there as very important at this time”. One of his goals is to improve HRNZ’s relationship with all stakeholders. "I’m very keen to improve communication, transparency and accountability to everyone in the industry.” 5. Board Nominations As a result of governance changes introduced in 2019 one of last year’s elected Board members is required to retire from the Board at this year’s Annual General Meeting. A ballot was conducted which resulted in the retirement of Kevin McNaught. Nominations will be called to fill this vacancy, and the process for appointment of the Independent Director position, will begin shortly. For more information please contact: Phil Holden Chief Executive | Harness Racing New Zealand Inc phil.holden@hrnz.co.nz PO Box 459 |Christchurch 8140 Web www.hrnz.co.nz

Stipes seem to have got very particular about certain drives so I will imagine the question will be asked. A pleasing day. I am not greedy, not what ifs, so I take whatever I am given.

I thought Nathan on Chinese Whisper out drove the field when he took the initiative early on, especially in comparison to Midnight Dash being a bit slower away. Race was over from then on. I rate Midnight Dash so Chinese Whisper looks headed to the big races. I thought Missalyssa ran a big race too. Matty drove a good one on Fanny Hill but not sure why Rydgemont Son was not let down earlier.

It was a good day's watching. A bonus for the brain not to see Addington on repeat.

If Mrs Rusty's favourite horse was Takenoprisoners our Rusty is in big trouble.

That is a ridiculous amount but beautiful for you!

😂 You know the rule Rusty, no hitting of thigh more than 10 times! I am doing nicely and if Midnight Dash or Crackerbrie can come home and finish off some more multis for me I will be a happy Happy.

The hypocrisy is bullshit isn't it.

2.90 on opening so I took that and led some of my multis.

And people can't go to the Kurow races yet this can occur. More than a thousand! No wonder Aucklanders can't be bothered with Level 3.

Who is Colin Hair?

You would have to be brave. I am really keen to see how it goes but even if it won at those odds there is no value in it.

Mossdale Mac must be a chance at 9s. John James Preston good place money from the draw. Matt Markham rated it awhile back after its trial at Vegas. I am still keen on Ali Lindenny...I must be missing a piece of the puzzle since it is at those odds. Was very close up in a workout to BD Yasothon and Medusa. Goes well fresh and likes Timaru so should like Oamaru!