Happy Sunrise

For the same reason that happens in jumps racing when a horse dies. They don't want you to see what is really happening. In this case, the handlers breaking all sorts of social distancing rules by getting there dogs. Would they be wearing masks etc? If they are just doing what they did before and getting there dogs then it just shows the greyhound leaders are putting themselves first and trying to get some gambling money. Unless, of course, someone has seen what was happening and can speak against this. Not long to go.

Stupid. Still awaiting what you would have done differently. But then, to actually run a country faced with an unquantifiable threat to life takes a bit of courage and strength that is not found behind a keyboard armed with hindsight. Enjoy your conversation.

Admire his mastery of political art? You mean the art of being able to get away with doing sweet f**k all for a long time? He basically has no profile for racing during coronavirus, and hadn't done much previously for an industry that is struggling. Yet, whether you like Jacinda Ardern and her decisions or not, she has been decisive, calm and shown authority in her leadership during this crisis. At least she has the strength to plot a course in a difficult time and stick to it. This is unlike the MIA Peters, RITA and other racing bodies who never anywhere to be found. How does someone appease the likes of you and Brodie? Put Simon Bridges in power?

Exactly. So you are creating something out of nothing. Do you look favourably upon Winston Peters as a politician?

That article is a nothing. Every political would do the same. You can't have people going off message in an extreme time like this.

I will ask you again, what would you have done as PM?

You are off the mark there.

Really?

It is good someone takes the time to read it properly. That is good news.

Only 5 races programmed at Addington on the resumption which is good as I won't lose too much money. Invercargill has 4 on the Saturday and then Cambridge has 9! Trials next Thursday. Won't be too long before it is back to 'normal' ?

So you are saying NZ didn't need to go into lockdown?

That is like saying the new TAB website will generate millions of dollars in extra revenue. The really have no idea. Maybe he wants more funding.

So lockdown was a waste of time in your opinion?

After seeing this in the news my wife's headache went away.

So the virus is in the community waiting to be shared again?

Solving the World instead. Easier than getting stakes up again.

What would you have done if you were PM?

Speculation? So if people are catching the virus anywhere and everywhere you still think people are going to go on holiday to Queenstown or Auckland with the kids in the back seat? Or Gramps and Gran are going to away to Taupo for a weekend?

International or domestic doesn't matter. Nobody would have been travelling domestically anyway. And if they were, the virus would have exploded across the country, destroying the domestic tourism industry. It is all screwed either way.

I get where Mardigras is coming from. If the virus was left free to run its course in NZ the economy was going to get hammered. If the virus was contained by a harsh Level 4 lockdown in NZ the economy was going to get hammered. I suppose the only debatable point is if there was a middle ground that could have been taken by the government to minimize the impact of the virus and the damage to the economy. Could racing have continued in NZ like it did in Australia? I think Level 2 is a shame and won't do anything to stop the spread of the virus if it is out there waiting to be spread. We have tried the lockdown method and if the virus returns I think we will find out the impacts of the virus 'left to run its course' scenario.

If the government allows the lolly scramble for money to continue for too long they will screw the country. They better start showing some fiscal moderation quickly. Imagine if RITA got shut out and was the only pauper in the country not to get a handout!

Is Lollipops the head office of the ATC?

ATC makes the hard calls by cutting staff and its functions business to ‘preserve the club’ By Barry Lichter • 6 May 2020 The Auckland Trotting Club is the latest organisation to cut its costs, outlining a major restructuring in a letter to its members. The ATC’s plans come as the twittersphere lights up today with news that the TAB is to reportedly shed 30% of its workforce, with 160 of those on salaries and 70 contractors to be made redundant. The ATC, already $70 million in debt through its beleaguered building project, is making savings by cutting staff in its HR, finance and IT departments and is to close down its food and beverage and functions business. ATC CEO Mauro Barsi says in the letter that with the post COVID-19 landscape hard to predict “the club is making a series of decisions to best preserve the organisation.” “We do not know when we will be able to return to large scale events and activities on site – or even if we will be able to do so,” says Barsi of the functions operation. Mauro Barsi … “the club is making a series of decisions to best preserve the organisation.”A lot of people were involved in the running of non race night functions and the club believes it cannot afford to wait until Christmas to see if there is still an appetite for the buffet style meals it has traditionally provided. If, and when, large scale gatherings are allowed, the club would assess whether it would rekindle the events. The Alex, the ATC’s popular sports bar and cafe will continue, it being seen as the hub of the club, but any additional race night dining might be done by caterers. “We are sad to see some talented and committed team members leave us. But our objective has been to ensure the remaining team (and funding) supports and focuses on those parts of the business that have a high chance of recovering from the impacts of COVID-19.” With the ATC believed to be groaning under the weight of $1 million-a-month repayments to its banks, it is actively working to find buyers for its Manukau Rd frontage, which is presently under lease to Caltex and Burger King. It is understood the ATC’s earlier attempts to realise between $18 million and $20 million for the property failed. “We are still working with the same prospective purchaser but the Burger King receivership negotiations are adding further delays,” says Barsi. When the club has an unconditional offer it would refer it to its members for feedback, he says. Alexandra Park has been a popular gathering place for corporate functions at its Top of the Park and Tasman rooms.The club is also trying to resell 26 of its apartments whose owners opted out through the continuing delays. “Unfortunately four conditional contracts were cancelled once the lockdown came into effect.” Barsi says while work on both developments had to stop during the alert level 4 lockdown, 180 to 190 workers are back on the job on each building. The club was working with both contractors to agree on new completion dates - previously they had been late April, 2020 and late July, 2020. “Apart from some minor costs, the main financial impacts are the bank interest costs for the completion delay.” The ATC is said to have the support of its banks, ANZ and Westpac, because it still has assets it can lease or sell - the Auckland Blues building, which brings in revenue of around $500,000 a year, has not been listed for sale yet. And other sites fronting Greenlane Rd, like Lollipops and the one adjacent to the buildings under construction could also be offered. As a last resort, the old Epsom stand could even be demolished and the site utilised. The ATC is keen to progress the leasing of its business sites under the apartments which, when fully occupied, are projected to earn between $2 million and $2.5 million a year. Barsi says in the letter that the court case between the club and the builder it dismissed, Canam, which is suing for $50 million, has been deferred until July and a decision should be known by September. The club plans to hold a special general meeting later in the year to inform members of its progress on key matters.

How bloated were they? Be nice to know what the top dogs are giving up among all of this. One could pull them apart but it is not worth it. At least the TAB is profitable lol RITA boss: 30% of TAB staff must go to make leaner, more efficient business By Barry Lichter • 6 May 2020 Racing Industry Transition Agency executive chair Dean McKenzie has confirmed today that 30% of its staff will be made redundant. Staff were told at a meeting this afternoon that roles across all areas of the organisation would be affected as well as other cost saving measures made to reduce total expenditure. Consultation with staff will be started this week and details of the changes will be released on Monday, he said. It is believed 160 full time staff and 70 contractors will lose their jobs. McKenzie said the scale of change was required to ensure the business was sustainable for the future and best placed to meet the needs of New Zealand racing and sport. “The TAB is a profitable business, however it has taken a major hit from COVID-19 with revenue last month 47 percent below forecast and customer numbers down more than 35 percent. “Despite far reaching efforts to reduce costs across the TAB, including salary reductions, staff taking leave and reducing all non-essential expenses, it simply was not enough to offset the blow COVID-19 has had, and will have, on our industry. “The implication of the pandemic extends beyond the immediate impact to the TAB, with racing and sport looking very unpredictable over the next year. “The reality is the TAB will need to be a leaner, more efficient business with fewer roles, and focused on driving our core wagering and gaming business. “Our focus now is to discuss this proposal with our people and to listen to their feedback before a final decision is made in late May.” * The TAB was effectively insolvent even before COVID-19, owing $45 million to the bank after borrowing heavily to finance its fixed odds betting platform.

It is the norm isn't it? Same in any industry. With the price of things these days if one can look after themselves they will. At least the RIU have a functioning and important role. What a lot of RITA do I would have no idea.