Taku Umanga

Similar thing happened in harness racing a while back - trainers nominating multiple horses to make sure a Junior Driver race (penalty free for the winner) got off the ground ..... when it was known that at least one of the horses nominated wasn't even in work or had only just come back into work (memory fading with age). Horse(s) were scratched once fields were declared.

What's the handicapping system got to do with it - he's an "open class" trotter - how could he be handicapped any other way?

The RIU exist to enforce the rules of the codes. I've been told previously (by the RIU) that HRNZ rules only apply to Races and Race Meetings per the extract below: 102 (1) These Rules shall apply to all Races and Race Meetings ..... Surely therefore, according to their own advice, RIU don't have any jurisdiction over Facebook comments anyway?

I think a well known trainer/driver said in an interview once that the happiest connections are those whose horse runs second in a maiden trot - most likely true. I'm no punter, but simply wouldn't bet on maiden only trot races for that very reason.

No doubt they'll fix this up, but not sure if it was Frank that got fined or the actual driver of Banner of Art ...... ace 1 FAULTY TOWERS AT THE RACES-OCTOBER 3RD MOBILE PACE Show Video ROMANITE - no claims lodged. VANHALEM - over-raced in the score up and shortly after the start when being restrained. HIGHVIEW JUSTICE - over-raced in the score up and shortly after the start when being restrained. BANNER OF ART - held up rounding the final turn. Amateur Driver F Phelan admitted a breach under Rule 869(2) and Clause (b) of the 'Use of Whip Regulations' in that he used his whip on more occasions than permitted over the final 400m. The JCA imposed a fine of $200.00

He clearly had not had enough trials experience before being granted a licence - perhaps the senior horsemen and stipe that signed him off should be "downgraded" also?

.... and the owners who pay the drivers to "drive" them - not steer them around!

He came back after only a couple of months in Oz - is training from Luk Chin's property in Tamahere I think.

I think it is - he "speaks" the same way on Facebook.

Absolutely!

They have their own handicapping system within the Monte's so yes - pretty much penalty free

Have heard he's resigned - travel was the killer!

Barks like a dog!

Because the clowns running the show are just that! Three weeks between the last couple Cambridge meetings and the next not until 30 June ...... AND nothing at all in July!

Garrick Knight‏ @GarrickRKnight 21h21 hours ago More Hearing Greyhound Racing NZ CEO Mauro Barsi has been appointed as the new CEO at @AlexandraPark and the Auckland TC. He’s also the Greyhound rep on the (soon-to-be-disbanded ?) NZ Racing Board. Top appointment but walking in to a volatile situation.

Good on ya Marsha

Good on ya Marsha

That's how I interpreted it as well .....

TWO FIFTYEIGHT - held up rounding the final turn and throughout the run home. Driver Z Butcher advised that he was unable to activate the removable deafeners as a result. Stewards questioned Mr Butcher as to why he had elected not to improve earlier than the 550 metres after which point he became covered up. He advised that his driving instructions were to save the gelding for one run as it had not coped with working in its previous starts and that he felt shifting at this point would not have been to the gelding's advantage. His explanation was noted.

Yep - there are a few owner/trainers out there with only a couple of young ones left that they hope to get going good enough to sell. Then they'll be leaving the game for good.

I'm hoping one we qualified recently will prove to be a good horse ....... and we can sell it to the All Stars.

The appeals panel were clearly not impressed: http://www.jca.org.nz/non-race-day-hearings/appeal-riu-v-s-lawson-reserved-decision-reasons-for-decision-of-appeal-tribunal-dated-13-may-2019-chair-hon-j-w-gendall-qc

https://twitter.com/GarrickRKnig…/status/1127835549782294529

Very poorly written article. JCA decision not on line yet but have been reliably informed that he has now been disqualified rather than suspended - taking effect as of Saturday 11 May.

http://www.harnesslink.com/New-Zealand/Simon-Lawson-banned-for-two-years