Murray Fish

just so you know! I have nothing to grind with you! sigh, I actually don't go to many meetings nowadays (once 150!) and almost never for any meeting when a drunken crowd turns up! all that out the window for this meeting! Keen for noms to come out! as I have been to two of the important lead up meetings I actually have some horse who could be interested in betting on!! The OP comment is based around, I have photos of a Large number of NZ riders. 80's onwards! at a guess? 95% of them! some have never ridden a winner! but I have never been at a meeting that he has ridden at!! Once, there as a Punter and he rode the G1 that day! the one day in a 1000 I never had a camera

Meeting News NZB Kiwi Conditions and Indicative Weights NZB Kiwi Conditions and Indicative weights New Zealand’s richest race the NZB Kiwi is now only two weeks away and forms an integral part of the Champions Raceday programme. For clarity, the race is run under 3yo Set Weights and Penalties conditions. The base weights are – 57.0kgs Colts/geldings and 55.0kgs Fillies Penalties (not cumulative): Group 1 winner – 3.0kgs Group 2 winner – 2.0kgs Group 3 winner, or winner of 3 or more races – 1.5kgs Listed winner, or winner of 2 races – 1.0kg Maiden allowance of -1.0kg Indicative weights, as at Friday 20 February: Well Written (S) 58.0 92 La Dorada (S) 58.0 82 Lollapalooza (S) 56.5 82 Romanoff (S) 60.0 81 He Who Dares (S) 57.0 80 War Princess 56.5 79 Affirmative Action (S) 58.0 78 Belle Cheval (S) 56.5 78 Asakura (S) 58.0 75 To Bravery Born 58.5 74 Bulgari 57.0 71 Landlock 57.0 70 Fairy Dream 56.5 70 Argo 58.0 69 Zivou 58.0 68 L'Aigle Noir 57.0 67 Tale Of the Gipsy 56.0 67 Panther 57.0 64 Battle Tycoon 57.0 63 Convinced 55.0 63 O'Sweet Darling 55.0 63 Unbeaten filly Well Written obviously dominates headlines, markets and discussion ahead of the race. Her performances have been given deserved credit in preliminary international ratings. She has been assigned an international rating of 115 for her TAB Karaka Million 3yo display. This would be the highest 3yo rating in recent memory (when factoring in 4-point fillies’ allowance). The challenge though for the Pattern race ratings is for the opposition to keep with Well Written, with the race rating being based on the first 4 placings. Her dominance places a ceiling on the ratings for placegetters. For example, in her most recent win by 6.05L, He Who Dares (2nd) cannot be higher than 106 – 2.1points/L at 1600m (-12.7), plus 4 points for 2kgs extra carried. On the positive side Well Written’s 115 season peak rating will be applied to the race rating of any race she has contested this season.

Looking at the weather, could be challenging wind and rain the the lead! tough putting up all the Tents? Showers on the Day. Any chance that Opie could be riding? a G3 and two L black type races. plus a $200k Final.

x

(from the slowlearnersclub)pray tell, explain better?

lol,, I might have been a tad forward and allowed myself to have a good look around! some photos might have been deep in the members (though it functions very different that many years ago) bar.. I actually took a lot of photos 99% not yet shown.. could be if I mature a photo project I am working..

hence! making her a valuable Mare in the current Market!

opps.. sorry for changing tack on your post!!! A full member of the 1000+ W Club as a jockey! ! Often only after a serious effort to make that weight! Now a Trainer! Hard not to tip ones hat!

I did take photos of some,.. Did you see the collection of Horse Shoes from Famous Race Horses also, the 'infamous' slope into one of the toilets!!! @Chief Stipe by chance, have you been to Riverton? Well worth doing so! even with only a couple of 100 on course it has glamour and history! as the sunsets... <--- For most courses that I have taken photos of Grandstands and Out Buildings, most I do try and use that nice pre-sunset sun! That Golden hour...

same, looked tight there down on the rail, looks like a mare with plenty of fight still in her!

I know that sort of thing... convince that time does speed up when one reaches a certain age!

Beast mode

one of hers that I took that got the front cover of that years Racing Annual

thanks, back when that camera was manual and you got one chance to 'pan, left the horse Run Into Focus' continuing the pan after the shat has happen! as in cricket Follow through.. lol, this race was the Captain Cook Stakes, I had the rent money that day on the nose of CWJ and Rough Habit, I recall that Modena's prelim was So Nice I popped of and had nice Q bet with RH. One of those days when it seemed almost easy! ps. the Big Miles that Year at Trentham produced some strong results for The South! M Pitman winning his first G1, also with CWJ on board Just Tommy! Modena with D Walsh on board had beaten JT into 2nd in the lead up G1 mile... I was close friends with both Michael and Chris back then!

Sigh, did you get to see the great black and white photos from meetings back in the 1920's... the curse was packed!! this photo does not quite the grandeur of the stands!

By chance when we did a trip to the deep south for a Riverton and then a meeting at Ascot Park last year, in a 6 way chat, all Life Member types!!! His name came up! heads dropped, what happen, or perhaps the way it all played out was not the Southern way..

won a nice mile race at Trentham, D Browne on? then backed up for a place in the G1? a nice grey did he get to 20 wins! I have some nice shots of him winning at Riccarton!

John O'Shea is the guest! Personally, I didn't really 'know' much about him! An interesting story to be heard!

Personally, I was keen to have a go at beating some of the games when the carnival came to town! Especially those ones with the Arms Moving across.. later, the local Catholic School would run a massive Gambling Event, Crown and Anchor... Gambling for children? Why Australia should consider regulating blind box toys like Labubu If you walk through any major shopping mall in Australia, chances are you’ll encounter products and experiences that are uncomfortably similar to gambling – yet they are available to anyone, including children. Our soon-to-be-published research has found claw machines, blind boxes and toy capsule machines have become pervasive in the spaces families frequent – from the shops, to the movies, to the pub. A claw machine in a major shopping precinct in Melbourne. Author provided We call these products and experiences gamble-play media. They rely on and profit from risk-taking, and encourage intense, continuous playful consumption in the quest to “win” a desired item. While claw machines have been a part of Australia’s consumer culture for a long time, blind boxes are the most recent gamble-play media to become mainstream. In Singapore, lawmakers and consumer advocates are pushing to regulate blind boxes due to the gambling inducement risks they carry, according to a written address to parliament from Home Affairs Minister Kasiviswanathan Shanmugam. It may be time for Australia to contemplate a similar move, given our nation’s insidious gambling culture and tendency towards problem gambling. Our mission is to share knowledge and inform decisions. About us Indeed, gambling among children has become a national crisis, with a report from the Australia Institute highlighting 30% of 12–17 year-olds gamble at least once per year. The blind box phenomenon Blind boxes are products (usually toys) sealed in opaque packaging. The contents can’t be revealed until after a box is purchased. Most are sold as part of larger collections, many of which contain coveted “rare” items. Buyers are enticed to pay for the chance to obtain these “high-value” items. Blind boxes at a major retailer in Melbourne. Authors provided Globally, blind boxes are projected to reach annual profits of US$24.2 billion (about A$34 billion) by 2033. Anyone who visits a major shopping precinct will likely see rows upon rows of boxes displaying Labubus (a multi billion-dollar obsession), Sanrio characters, and other collectibles from children’s or family franchises such as Sesame Street, Harry Potter, Toy Story and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Japanese characters such as Mofusand and Sonny Angels are particularly appealing to Gen Z and Gen Alpha buyers. Online, content creators use these products in “toy unboxing” videos, which have long been popular on platforms such as YouTube and TikTok. This content focuses on the tactile pleasures of unwrapping toys, particularly “surprise” toys – the crinkling of paper, the tapping of nails on boxes, and the caressing of the treasured item once it’s finally unveiled. There are hundreds of thousands of videos of influencers unboxing blind box toys across YouTube, TikTok and Instagram, many of which help to generate hype around new products or high-profile collaborations. Apart from major retailers such as Pop Mart and Miniso, blind boxes are also available in vending machines, and pop-up and bargain variety stores (which may stock knock-off versions). Gambling for children? The emotional states triggered by blind boxes are not dissimilar to those experienced by people who gamble on slot machines or pokies: anticipation, randomness, occasional joy and frequent disappointment. These experiences can become addictive. Blind boxes are designed to offer a rush over the possibility of an (unlikely) big win, and the subsequent chasing of this feeling. As our research highlights, these are the dynamics of gamble-play. There are preliminary indications that using gamble-play devices such as claw machines and coin pushers in the formative years can lead to problems with gambling in adulthood. However, more research is needed to understand how children experience risk, randomness, and loss and reward mechanisms in the context of seemingly innocuous gamble-play products. Our ongoing research explores if and how gamble-play can be a gateway to adult gambling. Some manufacturers list the odds of winning and age guidelines in small print on the boxes. For instance, they may include a label suggesting the product is not for children under 8, or under 12. But these labelling practices are inconsistent, unclear and unregulated. The reason some blind boxes are labelled this way is because of industry guidelines in China, from where many of these products are imported. Since 2023, China has restricted the sale of blind boxes to children under 8. Nonetheless, concerns around blind box addiction among China’s children persist. Singapore sets an example Singaporean legislators and consumer advocates are moving to regulate blind boxes, arguing they are too similar to gambling. The proposed laws are still being devised. It’s unclear whether they will fall under existing gambling laws or require new legislation – but they could include mandating that manufacturers clearly disclose the odds of getting each product, and apply and enforce age restrictions. Blind boxes have even started making small waves in Australian politics. In June of last year, Victorian Legislative Council member Aiv Puglielli said: instead of buying one, maybe you buy two or three, increasing your chances of securing the design that you want. It kind of sounds like gambling, because it is gambling. Randomised rewards are not exclusive to the blind box market: they are also used as incentives by fast food chains and supermarkets. In some cases, items such as rare Woolworths’ Disney Ooshies can be resold for thousands. Australian legislators have already moved to regulate and classify gambling-like content in video games, such as loot boxes and simulated gambling. Blind boxes and other gamble-play media rely on the same mechanisms of seduction – and therefore also demand scrutiny. Published: February 19, 2026 8.09am NZDT Authors César Albarrán-Torres Associate professor, Swinburne University of Technology Jessica Balanzategui Associate Professor in Media, RMIT University Disclosure statement César Albarrán-Torres receives funding from the Australian Research Council. Jessica Balanzategui receives funding from the Australian Research Council and the Australian Children's Television Foundation. Partners RMIT University and Swinburne University of Technology provide funding as members of The Conversation AU. View all partners DOI https://doi.org/10.64628/AA.hyc6ktxrp We believe in the free flow of information Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under Creative Commons licence. Republish this article Share article Print article https://theconversation.com/gambling-for-children-why-australia-should-consider-regulating-blind-box-toys-like-labubu-276163?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Latest from The Conversation for February 19 2026 - 3679337609&utm_content=Latest from The Conversation for February 19 2026 - 3679337609+CID_165c0e40c73ec21f80c4d602e0f3e095&utm_source=campaign_monitor&utm_term=Gambling for children Why Australia should consider regulating blind box toys like Labubu

This photo popped up in a feed. with a poem attacthed! Two things re the Photo.. 1) The Barbed wire looks interesting!! 2) has the photo be presented facing the wrong way??? An old poem from the late Slim Gillman (A racing stalwart who trained at Omoto) "It was a lovely day as they started away with a smile of content on their faces .. the money they spent was meant for the rent, but they had a lovely day at the races.

https://www.dia.govt.nz/diawebsite.nsf/Files/Proactive-releases/$file/Cabinet-material-about-the-Betting-Duty-Savings-and-the-Point-of-Consumption-Charge-Distribution-Regulations.pdf

CW 47TAB NZ and racing clubs Exempt income: racing organisations (1) An amount of income derived by any of the following bodies is exempt income: (a) TAB NZ: (b) New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing: (c) Harness Racing New Zealand: (d) the New Zealand Greyhound Racing Association (Incorporated): (e) the Racing Integrity Board: (f) Racing New Zealand. Exempt income: racing clubs (2) An amount of income derived by a racing club, as defined in section 5(1) of the Racing Industry Act 2020, is exempt income, if none of the club’s funds is used or is available to be used for the private pecuniary profit of a member of the club or an associate of a member. Defined in this Act: amount, associated person, exempt income, income Compare: 2004 No 35 s CW 40 Section CW 47 heading: amended, on 1 August 2020, by section 129 of the Racing Industry Act 2020 (2020 No 28). Section CW 47(1)(a): amended, on 1 August 2020, by section 129 of the Racing Industry Act 2020 (2020 No 28). Section CW 47(1)(e): inserted (with effect on 1 August 2020) on 30 March 2022, by section 58 of the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2021–22, GST, and Remedial Matters) Act 2022 (2022 No 10). Section CW 47(1)(f): inserted (with effect on 1 August 2020) on 30 March 2022, by section 58 of the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2021–22, GST, and Remedial Matters) Act 2022 (2022 No 10). Section CW 47(2): amended, on 1 August 2020, by section 129 of the Racing Industry Act 2020 (2020 No 28).

He is a link to the article, in there are various hyperlinks leading to different reports mentioned in the article! https://theconversation.com/racing-enjoys-special-treatment-under-nz-gambling-laws-why-275778?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Latest from The Conversation for February 19 2026 - 3679337609&utm_content=Latest from The Conversation for February 19 2026 - 3679337609+CID_165c0e40c73ec21f80c4d602e0f3e095&utm_source=campaign_monitor&utm_term=Racing enjoys special treatment under NZ gambling laws Why

Published: February 19, 2026 8.10am NZDT Despite the harm it is known to cause to a significant number of New Zealanders, the gambling industry as a whole is commonly defended for its contribution back to the community. Lotto NZ, for example, must redistribute all profits from Lotto in this way. Other forms of gambling are taxed or regulated differently, but most pay back a share of their profits in some form. Critics counter that such redistribution of gambling revenue does not fully address the harmful effects of problem gambling, or the fact that gambling itself isn’t distributed evenly across society. So, while 63% of electronic gambling machines – colloquially known as “pokies” – are located in areas of relatively high deprivation, just 12% of the proceeds from those machines go to those areas. But the racing industry is permitted to return almost all its profits back to the industry itself. In fact, the sector – covering horse racing and, until recently, greyhound racing – benefits from unique treatment. For in depth knowledge delivered free to your inbox. Get free newsletter This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Largely self-regulating The Gambling Act 2003 requires some minimum percentage of gambling proceeds to be returned to community organisations or other “authorised purposes”. But it also states that one of those “authorised purposes” is “promoting, controlling, and conducting race meetings under the Racing Industry Act 2020, including the payment of stakes”. The racing industry is the only sector with a specific provision in the act allowing it to return gambling proceeds to its own industry. This extends to most profits from electronic gaming machines located in TAB premises. Of all the forms of gambling, electronic gaming machines are generally recognised as generating the most harm. In 2025, the TAB’s monopoly on domestic, in-person betting on racing and sports was extended to cover online betting. This was intended to “maximise the financial returns to New Zealand’s racing industry and sports”. Typically, industries that cause harm are regulated in an attempt to minimise that harm. But the racing sector, via the TAB, is now largely self-regulating. Although a Racing Integrity Board regulates issues such as animal welfare, recent changes to the Racing Industry Act empowered horse and greyhound racers “to effectively govern their respective industries” and is “intended to provide the industry with independence from the Government”. Tax and levy exemptions The racing industry also does not pay income tax. Like other gambling entities, it does pay a problem gambling levy – in its case, 0.74% of betting profits or 1.24% of profits from gaming machines located in TAB outlets. Other gaming attracts additional levies: Lotto faces a 5.5% lotteries duty, casino operators pay a duty worth 4% of casino wins, and the levy on gaming machine profits is 20% (also paid by the TAB on machines in TAB premises). But the racing sector no longer has to pay such additional levies on racing. Until recently, a 4% “totalisator duty” was payable on all racing and sports betting, but this was repealed progressively to reach zero in 2021. The savings to the two betting categories from repealing the duty was NZ$14.5 million in 2024, of which $11.5 million went to racing. This saving for the industry is, of course, a direct cost to the Crown in the form of foregone tax revenues. The justification for the repeal was to help the racing industry become more financially self-sufficient. But levies and taxes are usually based on the nature of an activity – in particular, the harms it causes – and not the level of profit (or loss) it makes. Under the Racing Industry (Distribution from Betting Profits) Regulations 2021, the TAB must retain just 2.5% of betting profits for harm prevention and minimisation. The remainder is distributed to Racing New Zealand and Sports and Recreation New Zealand, in proportion to the revenues generated by racing or sports betting. In practice, this means most distributions accrue to the racing sector. For example, total distributions of racing and sports betting profits in 2024 were around $199 million, of which $195 million (98%) went to racing and $3.5 million (2%) went to community sports organisations. Time for a rethink of the rules For decades, ministers of racing have gone to great lengths to protect the industry. In the runup to the TAB getting its monopoly over online betting in 2025, official documents noted that “Ministerial expectations” were one of the reasons the changes must be “implemented as quickly as possible”. Government support for the racing sector is often justified by claims of improved employment opportunities, benefits to provincial communities and increases in the industry’s overall economic contribution. But these arguments could be made for most industries in New Zealand – industries that do not generate the harms gambling does. State support for the racing sector generally means there will be more gambling on racing. That in turn implies increased harm from gambling. We argue it’s time for a wholesale review of the tax and regulatory privileges that have accrued to this industry without any convincing rationale. Authors Lisa Marriott Professor of Taxation, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Max Rashbrooke Research Associate, Institute for Governance and Policy Studies, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Disclosure statement Lisa Marriott receives funding from the Gama Foundation Fund. Max Rashbrooke receives funding from the Gama Foundation Fund. Partners Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington provides funding as a member of The Conversation NZ. View all partners DOI https://doi.org/10.64628/AA.q4mktgsmx