Huey

Only JJ "Fairy" Flash could put a positive spin on it. It's all become such a joke of an industry!

This is hilarious!!

Agree they are totally incapable of even getting the basics right.

Got to agree , it's an absolute farce. Great track in the summer , but its comedy in the winter. If they are happy to race on that what is the point of the AWT?

Amazing all these positives that are just idle mistakes all of a sudden isn't it?

I was particularly impressed with the win of LOVE, the way she pushed herself out to the line and the trainer expects further improvement in her was impressive. Tonights racing looks interesting with a Carravagio going around in the Albany Stakes, a Belardo in the King Edward, the Commonwealth Cup looks a great race, as does the Coronation.

Anyone seen any betting figures for the Cambridge meetings? Be interesting to see how AWT compares to say the Wanganui meeting yesterday or Oamaru today for example. I think we have had 3 or 4 meetings so far , so surely we are starting to see some improvement in wagering on this new surface, particularly comparing it to Winter gallops ?

That is most certainly the case, couple that with racings desire to look for quick fixes in this country and you have a recipe for decline.

Mikey , that occurs throughout the industry not just in the SI. One of the reason we are in such a mess imh "negative" opinion!

I also enjoy the jumps caper. But I don't think there is anyway back for it in this country. Most practitioners of the sport are closer to the end than the start & the costs / time involved in preparing animals for this can be challenging in these times, particularly with the new bred of owner becoming the norm in the sport. It's a pity as its an integral part of building horsemanship within the industry and probably a good starting point for giving horses another career. You mention CD specifically, well I'd venture to say the Northern jumps scene would look pretty sick without the CD propping up races there. Ellerslie Queens BD : R1 7/12 from CD R3 4/10 from CD R4 3/8 from CD R6 6/7 from CD Without the CD I think you're looking at the end of jumps racing in this country.

Decent sort of fine also at $4k!

Whats this one all about? SHADOWS CAST | Manawatu 3 April; raced with prohibited substance in system; disqualified from 1st.

Understand where you're coming from, but then that's the jumps racing (at Trentham)largely stuffed. I dont think there is the depth in the jumps ranks to really justify a whole card of jumps racing either. But it does look ridiculous 4 & 6 horse fields running around for $30k+ & some people see a $200 starters fee as an issue - go figure. There is a total lack of logic in any of it, a criminal under use of certain tracks and self interest at stake at every corner that is holding the industry back.

Hope youre right, we certainly need it!

It just sounds straight out to me like they aren't interested in anything that performs on AWT, you'd have to think this is certainly the case for NSW as they don't have one I understand? Will the sales to Aus dry up based on this? If so will trainers cry out for more grass track trials &/or racing? I see the installation and enthusiasm for the AWT as being a convenience thing for many trainers , but as per Waterhouse comments and as per many matters in NZ racing the true cost/impacts are never really thought through until its too late. Thats what detailed discussions and analysis are for , something sadly lacking in our industry. On one hand we are willing to listen receptively to an Australian who wrote a report about the state of our industry, but on the other dismiss the thoughts of another very well credentialed Australian because it doesn't suit our agenda...hmmm

Er... thats exactly how it works!

Exactly right NM , they do not listen , especially since Saundry took the reins NZTR has gone down hill at an accelerating rate.

More than likely they'll plough it all in to the few tracks that are left ,for the few trainers and owners that are left and pump up stakes then tell everyone what a wonderful job they did. A bit like those CEOs that get hold of companies and sack thousands and make the bottom line look good over a short period of time, only for the chickens to eventually come home to roost.

It will be interesting to see if trackside presenters call Rob Waterhouse out as a nay sayer like they did anyone else the first week of races.

You can only but laugh a the fools we have running the show here, how many of us on this site have been saying the similar . But hey what do the Aussies know, especially the ones left there they have contributed to making it probably the greatest racing jurisdiction in the world!

Lol - 2 of the 4 sires represented are.

Saw this and thought the same , clutching at straws with the latest one, especially given by what looks like a very good sire.

I watched a couple & to me its not an enjoyable watch, the jocks look like they are up them from start to finish & the horses just dont look like the get to settle & find their stride .

Agree! Just because 2 of the best 3 jockeys in the CD are silly enough to let them manage them doesn't mean they know what they are doing.

Incredible talent & that was some run by horse as well.