Rusty

I hope they use Ladbrokes Australia next week, and for the remaining 7 weeks after that.... just to give the NZ TAB something to think about and not take the lads for granted.

During the live Facebook stream during Karaka night, at least one attempted bet was turned down and not accepted by the TAB. And they call themselves "bookies".

The BGP movement is great, and is a well needed shot in the arse the NZ racing scene required. It appears there may be some critics regarding the betting strategy employed on Saturday, but I highly doubt that any member that threw down a lazy Rutherford per share would share this opinion.

Leave me outta Great Things Happen at $1.45 FF

Top 5 place getters received a phone call from Courtney at HRNZ two weeks ago and the pressie cards have been delivered. The final standings were published on the website, but only for a few days I think. Great comp that adds a bit of interest. Double points on the 31st and the leader at end of December (which automatically is the winner of the overall comp) getting a prize, are the only two negatives for mine. Can't complain too much as it's free to enter and I scored two pressy cards.

If it wasn't to be Clint in the cart, then who? Aussie drivers tend to try and go quicker than last weeks pay at the start of most races, especially when the big coin is up. Huge emphasis on gate speed and finding the lead, can often be detrimental to their chances at the end of the race.

I'm a dollar each way man. For want of a better term.

Starting pay is $40k p.a.

The Kumara meeting is my highlight of the racing calendar every year (when it's not washed out). It is the best raceday experience with good food on offer (reasonably priced), plenty of tote staff on, good views of the track and birdcage area and it just has a good vibe in general. Saturday's racing was very competitive and another great day out. IMO it beats Flemington's Cup and Derby days, the Valley's Cox plate day and Royal Ascot's carnival. Keep them all, give me the nuggets at Kumara over the others any day. I've witnessed Black Caviar meeting the Queen, Winx making history in the Cox plate, the Diva winning 3 cups, I enjoyed watching racing history unfold, but the nuggets is where it is at for me. Big congratulations and thank you to the hard working staff behind the scenes at Kumara. Also I thought the Trackside TV coverage with their differing camera angles on the coast circuit made for great viewing. Especially at Hokitika today, with a camera down the back straight.