Murray Fish

wow, I wonder how that will play out for the trainers that own properties in and around those places???

are there any precise handicaps in nz? if its not a precise handicap then is it a non-precise handicap?

what a progressive little club they are! deserve more respect!

lol! we do have a lot of naïve enthusiasm though! sigh! and plenty of sycophantic brown nosing as well! wow behold any '' realpolitik!

Using ChatGP, started with: "how many winners has Michael Pitman trained in NZ?" ChatGPT said: ChatGPT Searched 5 sites “Michael Pitman total winners trained New Zealand” bing.com Racing News NZ — Pitman chuffed with latest milestone | NZ Racing News racingnews.co.nz Racing News NZ — Michael Pitman on training his 2000th NZ winner loveracing.nz Loveracing — Miss Tycoon Rose sets special mark for Pitman | NZ Racing News racingnews.co.nz Loveracing — Pitman eyes landmark Saturday at Riccarton loveracing.nz Loveracing — Epee Beel brings up special milestone for Pitman loveracing.nz Michael Pitman, a renowned horse trainer in New Zealand, recently celebrated training his 2,000th winner in New Zealand with the victory of Epee Beel in April 2024. This milestone adds to his illustrious career spanning over four decades, primarily based at Riccarton. Michael Pitman and his son Matthew operate as a team and are well-known figures in South Island racing Racing News NZ Loveracing Loveracing . Let me know if you'd like more details about his career or significant achievements! 4o You said: more details plesae ChatGPT said: ChatGPT Michael Pitman is a legendary figure in New Zealand horse racing, recognized for his outstanding achievements over a career spanning four decades. Based at Riccarton, Pitman operates in partnership with his son, Matthew, and together they have created one of the most successful training operations in the country. Career Highlights: 2,000 Career Wins in New Zealand: Achieved in April 2024, marking him as one of the most prolific trainers in the nation's history. This milestone reflects his consistent success and deep involvement in the industry Racing News NZ Loveracing . South Island Icon: Known for dominating the South Island racing scene, Pitman has been a key player at Riccarton Park, where many of his top wins have been achieved Loveracing . Cancer Survivor: Despite battling bowel cancer in 2018, he has continued to achieve at the highest level, demonstrating remarkable resilience Loveracing Loveracing . Group 1 Success: Pitman has won numerous high-profile races, including prestigious Group 1 events, which are the pinnacle of the sport. His horses are known for their competitive spirit and versatility Loveracing Loveracing . Training Style: Pitman is admired for his hands-on approach to training and his ability to maximize the potential of his horses. He is also known for spotting value in underappreciated thoroughbreds, turning them into winners, such as Epee Beel, purchased for just $5,000 Loveracing . Contribution to the Racing Community: Beyond his personal successes, Pitman has been a vocal advocate for the racing industry in New Zealand, helping to promote and improve the sport in the South Island. Would you like details about specific horses he's trained or key races he has won? 4o You said: yes please ChatGPT said: ChatGPT Searched 5 sites Michael Pitman, a prominent New Zealand horse trainer, has achieved remarkable milestones in his career. He surpassed 2,000 total career wins, making him one of only a few trainers in New Zealand to reach this level. His success includes notable horses like Enzo’s Lad, a two-time winner of the Group 1 Telegraph Handicap, who also represented New Zealand at prestigious international events like Royal Ascot and the Hong Kong Sprint Racing News NZ Racing News NZ . Pitman is known for his resilience, battling life-threatening bowel cancer while continuing to train successfully. He and his son, Matthew Pitman, have forged a strong training partnership, securing over 400 wins together as a team Loveracing . Their stable has a reputation for longevity and success, even with older horses like El Chico, who won major races at an advanced age Racing News NZ . Would you like to know more about his significant wins or horses? 4o You said: yes ChatGPT said: ChatGPT Notable Horses Trained by Michael Pitman Enzo’s Lad: Achieved back-to-back victories in the prestigious Group 1 Telegraph Handicap in 2018 and 2019 at Trentham. Represented New Zealand internationally at Royal Ascot in the UK and the Hong Kong Sprint, showcasing Pitman's skill in preparing horses for global competition. Enzo’s Lad provided significant inspiration for Pitman during his battle with bowel cancer Loveracing Racing News NZ . El Chico: A veteran galloper trained by Pitman, El Chico demonstrated the Pitman stable's expertise with older horses, winning major races like the Pegasus Stakes and the Group 3 Stewards' Stakes at Riccarton as an 11-year-old Racing News NZ . Sensei: Another standout from Pitman’s stable, Sensei captured notable wins, including stakes races, further adding to the trainer's accolades. Significant Achievements: Group 1 Victories: The Group 1 Telegraph Handicap is one of the highlights of Pitman's career, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier trainer in New Zealand. 400 Wins with Son Matthew: In partnership with his son, Matthew, the Pitman stable has flourished, reflecting the strength of their collaboration Loveracing . International Representation: Preparing horses like Enzo’s Lad for races at Royal Ascot and Hong Kong has placed Pitman among the ranks of trainers capable of competing on the world stage Racing News NZ . Pitman’s success is a testament to his adaptability, skill, and dedication to the sport. Let me know if you'd like details on additional races or other achievements! 4o You said: yes ChatGPT said: ChatGPT Here are additional details about Michael Pitman’s career and achievements: Other Significant Horses and Wins Our Boy Ritchie: Achieved multiple wins under Pitman’s guidance, including stakes-level races, showcasing Pitman’s ability to develop and maintain consistent performers. Savvy Coup: While not exclusively Pitman-trained, this high-performing mare was part of Riccarton’s success stories and a testament to the South Island’s contribution to national racing Loveracing . Career Highlights: Historical Wins: Pitman’s first major breakthrough came with his first Group 1 victory early in his career, setting the tone for his subsequent success. South Island Dominance: Riccarton Park has been the site of many of Pitman’s wins, and he has been instrumental in the South Island racing circuit's prominence. 2,000 Wins Club: Joining a rare league of trainers in New Zealand who have trained 2,000 winners is a significant achievement, with Pitman consistently ranking among the top trainers nationally Racing News NZ Loveracing . Recognition and Legacy Cancer Battle and Resilience: His recovery from bowel cancer and immediate return to success is widely admired. His openness about his health journey has made him a respected figure beyond racing circles. Development of Talent: The Pitman stable is known for spotting and nurturing horses from various backgrounds, often taking underappreciated or low-cost horses to Group 1 success Racing News NZ Loveracing . Would you like more on his notable horses, racing philosophy, or a specific part of his legacy? 4o You’ve hit the Free plan limit for GPT-4o. Responses will use another model until your limit resets after 10:05 PM. Get Plus

bollocks!

some interesting comments on prize money.

perhaps for that race??? but very much doubt so for the horses career going forward! I wonder how he would be handicapped if he is taken over to Au?

The Stewards’ Stakes was Mystic Park’s first shot at black-type level, and he had to carry a 59kg topweight against a 16-horse field that was mostly on 53kg.

INANE comes to mind! mrs said "do they get paid to do that!"

going the other way... "“He probably just over-raced a little bit on the first day,” Marsh said. “This time in, he’s feeling better and going better than he ever has before. He might have just got a bit too keen in the blinkers. The blinkers will come off for the Cup."

you can also scroll thought their each start where you can see what gear they had on for each start. I note that it seems all horses seem to have 'approved plates', does that mean there are other sorts???

https://loveracing.nz/raceinfo/53169/meeting-overview.aspx this is for Riccarton, at the bottom of the each race there is a list of 'gear changes' lets say perhaps??? Tokyo Tycoon: Blinkers on then, if you click on that horse you find that.. Current Gear: Approved Plates Blinkers Lugging Bit Nose Band Tongue Tie all that suggesting perhaps??? he has his ongoing problems???

in the 70's 'we' watched every race from the top level of the public stand! I use to run up and down the stairs for every race! Often pretending to be a horse!!!! two of those 'we's', neither from horse backgrounds, went on to win Training premierships, one in harness the other in thoroughbreds! where have those years gone!

perhaps the trainer and track rider might if they have been trying them in private? but then, will that then transfer over into a actual race!

If one asks Prof ChatGPT "statistics on race horses wearing blinkers in a race?" ChatGPT said: ChatGPT Blinkers are a common piece of equipment used in horse racing to help a horse focus and reduce distractions. They are a type of hood or cup that limits the horse's peripheral vision, preventing it from seeing other horses or distractions to the sides, which can sometimes cause anxiety or loss of focus. While detailed statistics on the exact impact of blinkers on a horse's performance in races may vary by location, trainer, and horse, here are some key insights and trends from the racing industry: 1. Blinkers and Performance Positive Impact: For many horses, blinkers help improve focus and can prevent them from shying away from other horses or becoming distracted by their surroundings. This is especially true for horses that tend to "wander" or lose their focus during a race. Negative Impact: On the other hand, some horses can become overly aggressive or excitable when blinkers are applied, which might hinder their performance. Additionally, horses that are naturally calm or focused may not benefit as much from blinkers. 2. Statistical Studies Win Rates: Various studies and analyses suggest that horses wearing blinkers sometimes show a slight improvement in their win rate, but the effect is not always significant across all horses. Some research has found that the percentage of horses wearing blinkers that win races can be slightly higher compared to those not wearing them. However, this depends largely on the horse's temperament and history with blinkers. Trainer Influence: The use of blinkers often depends on the trainer's judgment. Trainers may apply blinkers to horses that have shown signs of losing focus or becoming distracted during races. The results may vary based on the skill and timing of the trainer’s decision. Racing Data: Some specific studies (especially in jurisdictions like the UK and US) have analyzed horses' performance data before and after blinkers are applied. Generally, horses that are first-time blinkered have a mixed performance, with some improving significantly while others performing worse. 3. Types of Blinkers and Adjustments Full Blinkers vs. Noseband Blinkers: There are variations in blinkers, such as "full blinkers" (which block vision to the sides) or "noseband blinkers" (which just limit vision to the sides of the nose). The type of blinker used can influence the effectiveness on a horse's performance. First-Time Blinkers: A first-time application of blinkers is often viewed as a "last-resort" move by trainers when a horse is showing signs of losing focus. Horses wearing blinkers for the first time can sometimes see a jump in performance, particularly if they were previously distracted or undisciplined. 4. Statistical Considerations According to racing statistics, horses wearing blinkers can have a higher probability of finishing in the money (top 3) compared to those not wearing them, but the difference is generally modest. For example, in some racing data sets, horses with blinkers might have a winning rate around 10–15%, compared to 8–12% for those without blinkers. The exact numbers vary significantly based on the horse's previous form, track conditions, and distance. Post-Blinker Stats: When horses race with blinkers for the first time, they can show a higher improvement rate in their performance stats, especially in sprint races where focus is crucial. 5. Racing Jurisdictions US vs. UK: The impact of blinkers on a horse's performance can vary based on the racing jurisdiction. In the UK, for example, horses wearing blinkers may have slightly different win rates than in the US, depending on the type of racing culture and training methods. Conclusion While blinkers can provide an advantage for some horses, they do not guarantee success. The impact largely depends on the horse’s temperament, prior experience, and the specific circumstances of each race. As such, the general consensus is that blinkers are a useful tool, but their effectiveness is far from universal. For specific statistics, you may need to refer to data sets from a specific racing track or database like Equibase (US) or Racing Post (UK), where performance metrics for blinkered horses can be analyzed in more detail.

Is There Any Scientific Proof That Blinkers Work? There is some scientific evidence to suggest that blinkers can be effective in helping horses maintain their focus and perform better during races or other equestrian activities. Several studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of blinkers on horse behavior and performance, with varying results. One study published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science in 2010 found that horses wearing blinkers had a reduced heart rate and were less likely to become distracted than horses without blinkers. The study also found that horses wearing blinkers were more likely to maintain a straight line during a race and were less likely to veer off course. Another study published in the same journal in 2016 found that horses wearing blinkers had improved performance in races and were less likely to become stressed or agitated during the race. The study also found that blinkers had no negative effect on the horse’s vision or ability to navigate the course. However, other studies have produced mixed results, with some finding no significant effect of blinkers on horse performance, while others have found that blinkers may have a negative effect on peripheral vision or cause discomfort or stress for some horses. Overall, while there is some scientific evidence to support the use of blinkers for certain horses, their effectiveness can vary depending on individual horse characteristics and performance, and they should be used with caution and careful consideration by trainers and jockeys. https://grandnational.horseracing.guide/416/whyhorseswearblinkers/

groundhog day...

This is a interesting offer for a G1 Thoroughbred Bonus Back 2nd to 4th

2x111 1.Alabama Lass(8) J: sam spratt 56.5kg T: ken & bev kelso 2.5 fav2.501.25 SP 3x233 2.Captured By Love(6) J: joshua parr 56.5kg T: mark walker & sam bergerson 2.7 2.701.28 SP 2x132 3.Love Poem(5) J: matt cartwright 56.5kg T: stephen marsh 11 11.002.80 SP 5112 5.Kitty Flash(3) J: craig grylls 56.5kg T: andrew forsman 11 11.002.80 SP 6x511 4.Connello(9) J: tina comignaghi 56.5kg T: lisa latta 16 16.003.60 SP 2x112 6.Raziah(10) J: michael mcnab 56.5kg T: tony pike 16 16.003.60 SP 4x114 7.Sexy And I Moet(2) J: sam weatherley 56.5kg T: stephen marsh 16 16.003.60 SP 2311 8.Costae(1) J: ryan elliot 56.5kg T: shaune ritchie & colm murray 20 19.004.20 SP 31 10.Movin Out(7) J: kevin stott 56.5kg T: bill thurlow 31 31.006.00 SP 1x24 9.Cloche(4) J: corey campbell 56.5kg T: brian & shane anderton 34 34.006.00 SP 4x516 11.Skymax(11) J: bailey rogerson 56.5kg T: graeme & debbie rogerson 34 34.006.00 SP Mystery Bets Boxed Fixed Exacta

pardon!

no doubt a reflection the reality of so many of the boys heading off overseas. no prices up yet!

@Thomass I dear ya too!!!

Breeding and Bloodstock Rowe On Monday - The Oak By Tim Rowe - Iconic Kiwi stud The Oaks has hit the market as owner Dick Karreman celebrates another Group 1 win, while Qatar Racing’s David Redvers talks up with another stallion investment and a former Singapore trainer embarks on a new era. The Oaks Stud in Cambridge is on the market. (Photo: The Oaks Stud) The Oaks on the market Queenslander Dick Karreman has raced a host of top-class horses over the years. There’s been champion mare Seachange - a dominant force in New Zealand racing in the mid-2000s and who is notably the second dam of Coolmore’s colt Storm Boy - and there’s been Recite, Artistic, Risque, Devise, Keepa Cruisin and Catalyst, just to name a few, all of whom have won elite races for The Oaks Stud owner. But Karreman’s latest racetrack star, Saturday’s New Zealand 2000 Guineas winner Savaglee, also holds special significance for the businessman who largely avoids the media and is rarely seen, either at the races or at Karaka where his prominent nursery The Oaks Stud is a vendor at the annual New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale. As usual, Karreman wasn’t at Riccarton to watch the Pam Gerard-trained colt in action on Saturday. He prefers to leave that to The Oaks Stud’s general manager Rick Williams, the man who selected the colt from the Waikato Stud for $400,000 at last year’s Karaka sale in the hope of turning him into a stallion. Coming five years after Karreman’s brilliant but injury plagued gelding Catalyst won the 2000 Guineas, the emergence of Savaglee coincides with changes that are in the air at The Oaks Stud. The billionaire businessman has quietly listed for sale his 202-hectare The Oaks Stud, a valuable piece of land that is located on the edge of Cambridge, which he has owned since 2002. “He (Karreman) has got a family situation that he has to sort out, and that's why it's part of a super fund, and the land is owned by the super fund, but there's a number of plans we've got going on between us at the moment,” Williams told The Straight. “But it’s very satisfying, obviously. He wanted me to buy a colt, and I got lucky, but he was thrilled. “He didn't come over, unfortunately, but obviously, when you get a classic winner of any sort, you're rapt and he's come through the race really well.” Williams will consult form analysts and ratings gurus to help him, Karreman and Gerard determine exactly where to head next preparation with Savaglee. Enhancing the colt’s value as a stallion prospect is high on the agenda. Rick Williams (centre) celebrates the win of Savaglee. (Photo: NZ Racing Desk) The inaugural NZB The Kiwi at Ellerslie on March 8 could be a possibility but the lure of the Group 1 status attached to the Australian Guineas at Flemington a week earlier may be too hard to ignore. “He ran the third fastest Guineas of all time (1:33.86 seconds), so you could say, ‘well, how good were they, the ones he beat?’” Williams says. “We'll find out as these horses race on, but you can only win, and when you win in a good time, you've got to start looking at other options. “Obviously, he's worth a certain value, because it’s New Zealand Group 1 and a Classic Group 1, but he's worth a hell of a lot more for them to get one in Aussie, so we'll see.” The Oaks Stud will continue to be an active vendor for the foreseeable future. (Photo: The Oaks) For Williams, it’s business as usual at The Oaks Stud with about 30 yearlings likely to be offered at Karaka next January under the farm’s distinguished banner despite a possible sale of the farm hanging over them. “The property market is pretty quiet at the moment, so it's no surprise (about a lack of interest). It's a difficult time to be selling,” Williams said. “But I'm not surprised with that, and Dick isn't worried. He certainly doesn't need the money. He's got plenty of assets. “It's just a matter of which ones you sell off to square things up with his family. He's got plenty of plan Bs and Cs.”