the galah

If you don't get a disqualification for 3 times in 2 months then when would you?. These people on the jca have no idea of how their bend over backwards approach is perceived by so many. Reading their excuse for the penalty just highlights their ineptitude.

A pathetic sentence and just confirms what so many say. One rule for some and another for others. No wonder the small timers dont bother anymore.

In my opinion the disappointing thing about the story published was that it painted a false picture of the reality of what actually happens out on the racetrack. Portraying this incident with the inference that it reflects what happens regularly is misleading at best,and appears just another one of those articles written and published to push the message of the pc brigade. That is paint a picture of what is wrong with our society. Journalists pushing this line seize on any story, no matter how factual, to push a message indoctrinated in them . These are the people who take great offence on the victims behalf,even though the actual victim often does not have any issue with the events that occurred . The response of mr rennell was good, it showed that HRNZ is aware of the need to have processes in place to be seen to be doing the right thing, irrespective of whether there is an actual problem. Mr munro is the author of his own problem here, but the spotlight being put on this story is way over the top. However,It is the world we live in and should be taken as a learning experience by all within the industry. Finally,it is my opinion based on what I have observed, this is most unusual behavior and the reason for that is that those who drive in races,especially those at the top end,do not practice or condone such behavior,and when they are unhappy with a rivals tactics they do not resort to personal abuse. They lead by example. The person writing this article of course was not interested in the tuth,simply interested in publishing a story that will get a lot of clicks.

An interesting story. I think it best we put to one side the individuals involved in this incident and instead do some analysis on how to help deal with and counter abuse should female drivers receive it in the future. here are some suggestions for the ladies. 1.calmly explain to the abusive driver how using negative labels to define her, is an ineffective means of communication. 2.Calmly suggest to the offending driver that he should next time use a non confrontational approach to resolve the difference of opinion on tactics ,perhaps pointing out more effective strategies for resolving future conflict. 3.if the first 2 do not resolve the issue I would suggest the female driver refuse to engage with her male counterpart. I'm sure most female drivers have effectively used the silent treatment on males before. we've heard of the Blair glare,why not have mr mcnamararara refer to the sheree stare during his commentaries. Finally to be fair to what is often the misunderstood male driver ,may I suggest ,should he be unhappy with a female driver,that he develop a more strategic non verbal form of abuse in the future. One that is harder to spot and will not land him in hot water with officialdom.

Basil,you criticize the use of taxpayer money. Would you rather this government continue to fund large scale private irrigation schemes to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars like the previous National government? Mr Peters is a friend of the racing industry and obviously sees value in the announced investments.

I see the stipes report has since been updated to include an explanation from miss ottley. A bit odd. Back to my original point,She often gets deserved praise from the presenters,surely they can make informed comments about each race without having to filter their comments.,do they really think drivers are that precious that they cant say anything negative.

Well done to you brodie. Just read the stipes report. Notes the horse was held up in the straight but fails to note it was driven away from a clear run. Did not even ask why. In my opinion the stipes have let themselves and punters down. Hard not to think they apply the rules differently to some drivers when you see things like that. I thought they had moved past the double standards.

Brodie I think you must have been watching a different race. The one I watched had the driver on the $2 favourite switch from a position where it had the chance to improve without any chance of being blocked in,to take up a position behind 3 and four walls of horses in front of her. carrying the whip has no relevance to whether you take the option of a clear run,or take the option of putting your horse where it cant win. Remember this was only with 400m to run. It will be interesting to read how the stipes deal with this,as in my opinion the drive was as bad as it gets. As far as that side of things go,they really have no option but to open an inquiry as they set a precedent when they,quite rightly,looked into the drive of john morrison on mr midnight at ashburton a month or so ago. Im not of the opinion either cases were not trying,just both drives did not come anywhere near a reasonable standard. As for mr O'Connor,he does a great job,but really in what other sports do broadcasters fail to give an opinion for fear of upsetting someone. The irony of this case is that the first to admit it was a shocker drive would be the driver.

why is it our trackside presenters are so p.c. and unwilling to upset any participants. Take the race just run at ashburton. Greg o"oconnor tips Majestic Moment as his bet of the day and as the race unfolded in the last 400m I was so plain to see for anyone watching that the drive was as bad as it gets,probably deserving a holiday. Yet greg oconnor simply brushed it off as bad luck. Come on Mr O'Connor, grow some balls.