Taku Umanga

I doubt many owners travelled their horses to Blenheim (or any of the other holiday venue) "to keep regions with very few local horse populations going" .... I reckon they did so because they enjoy the trip away and having a horse running around is a bonus

Once HRNZ comes up with the paperwork for claiming the subsidy - I'm told it's still in the pipeline

Yep - I know a few trainers that aren't travelling due to costs and the fact there is plenty of racing closer to home

Four starters and the race gets off the ground - embarrassing really.

Perhaps the plug should be pulled on Auckland judging by this week's fields - Manawatu will get more participants next week?

Yep I recall a number of the All Stars team racing with hogged manes

Most of the trainers from that region that used to regularly travel to Manawatu have either moved further South to Canterbury, retired or passed away unfortunately.

Formerly employed by HRNZ - now with Harnesslink I believe

Apathy and tolerance is killing our industry - Harnesslink

Email received from HRNZ late May 2022 - related perhaps? ------------------------------------------------------------------- The SPCA has contacted HRNZ as they are looking to find good foster homes for Standardbred horses to be cared for while they are rehabilitating.Currently the SPCA have 11 standardbreds of varying ages that require fostering for a number of months, these horses would ideally go in two groups but can be split into smaller groups if needed.HRNZ will pay for the hay and hard feed. The SPCA will cover the costs of farrier, worming, vet and a rug.If you are interested in helping foster for the SPCA and have your own place that is horse safe and have time to look after these horses please get in touch with me.RegardsNatalie Gameson -------------------------------------------------------------------- And another from early June 2022 - clearly related -------------------------------------------------------------------- Good Afternoon, On behalf of Murray Boyd- 7 Unbroken 2YO’s available to giveaway. These horses are located in Kaikoura and to minimise the cost of taking over any of these horses HRNZ have agreed to waiver the transfer and registration fee on all of these horses. Name Brand Identity Unregistered 191302 2019 2 B f Bettors Creek-Donegal Glenties Unregistered 190571 2019 2 Br c He's Watching-Donegal Ideal Chokin Unregistered 190676 2019 2 Br f He's Watching-Unregistered Unregistered 191303 2019 2 Br f Bettors Creek-Donegal Lucy Anne Unregistered 191297 2019 2 B f He's Watching-Donegal Delight Unregistered 191304 2019 2 B f Bettors Creek-Donegal Lucys Chokin Unregistered 191300 2019 2 Br c Bettors Creek-Donegal Lucy If you are interested please respond directly to this email for more information. Kind Regards Georgie Bolton Education & Training Co-Ordinator | Harness Racing NZ

To be fair - the Stipes sought the disqualification, but it was the JCA that dismissed it.

Were autopsies ever carried out - stipes reports said they would be?

Imagine if it was in comparison to rivals - last year the rating spread was between 74 and 120 ..... Self Assured would've been off 50m (at least)!

Didn't realise he'd passed - RIP Hemi

2022.23 Final Racing Calendar - TAB NZ.pdf

Can you provide a link to this calendar?

Have been told she's copped a 2 year ban, though nothing published as far as I can see. Was supposed to be driving in amateur race at Rangiora on Saturday but was replaced. Again, nothing in stipes report about that.

Where did you read that?

Addington racing on a Friday night - Rangiora on the grass, during the day on a Sunday - that's probably why.

Because I have no idea what's going on - hence the question mark(s).

5 scratchings already at Cambridge - race 3 is now a 4 horse field All C Wigg and Hughes horses are scratched and in the nominations for Auckland. I'd lay money on an "administrative error" resulting in them being able to start at Auckland.

How economic is it to pay a commercial transporter to bring horses from out of the Waikato region to race? Manawatu (x7), Thames (x1), Auckland (x23). Will there be enough drivers in the Waikato region?

Can race at level 3, but only essential staff on course - no owners allowed. At level 2 owners are allowed back, but not punters etc.

Another issue up North is staff. Josh was adverting for months for a stablehand/junior driver but apparently couldn't attract any interest.