Murray Fish

And rather $adly the local rate payers have to foot the build and then pay for maintenance of said 'vanity projects!' All of those projects are won through Politics not rational economics!

Australia and New Zealand are major players in global thoroughbred racing, but they offer different racing ecosystems. The table below provides a clear overview of the current status and historical metrics for both countries. | **Metric** | **Australia** | **New Zealand** | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Total Races (Annual)** | Approx. 19,400 | 2,423 | | **Total Black-Type Races** | ~623 (as of last full season) | 150 | | **Group 1 Races** | 74 (status quo) | 21 | | **% of Races that are Black-Type** | 3.08% | 6.19% | | **% of Races that are Group 1** | 0.38% | 0.87% | | **Key Context** | System under international review; likely changes for 2026/27 season. | Stable, high-quality system with a dense schedule of elite races. | ### 📍 State-by-State Breakdown in Australia Australia's black-type races are not evenly distributed, with the two largest racing states, **New South Wales (NSW)** and **Victoria (VIC)**, hosting the vast majority of elite events. * **New South Wales (NSW)**: Leads the country with **34 Group 1 races** annually, predominantly at Sydney's Royal Randwick and Rosehill Gardens. * **Victoria (VIC)**: Hosts **31 Group 1 races**, with Flemington, Caulfield, and Moonee Valley being the premier venues. * **Other States**: **Queensland (QLD)** has 8 Group 1s, **South Australia (SA)** has 4, and **Western Australia (WA)** has 3. The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and Tasmania (TAS) host lower-tier black-type races. ### 🌍 How Australasia Compares Globally When placed in an international context, two key insights emerge: 1. **Raw Numbers vs. Ratios**: While Australia has the **second-highest number of Group 1 races (74) globally** after the USA (108), this represents a smaller percentage (0.38%) of its total races. New Zealand's ratio (0.87%) is more than double Australia's. 2. **Quality of Elite Races**: Despite debates over quantity, the quality of Australia's top races is world-class. Historically, over **40% of Australia's Group 1 races** have been rated among the world's Top 100 races. In contrast, while New Zealand has a high proportion of black-type races, fewer of its Group 1 events typically rank in the global Top 100. ### ⚠️ Important Context: Australia's Black-Type System in Flux It is crucial to understand that the Australian figures above represent a status quo that is about to change. Since 2017-18, the country has not had a properly functioning committee to review and downgrade races, leading to an inflated and unbalanced pattern. In a major development, the **Asian Racing Federation (ARF) has temporarily taken control** of Australia's black-type system to restore international compliance. Key implications include: * **Downgrades Expected**: The ARF has identified several races for potential downgrade, including Group 1 events like the Sydney Cup and The Metropolitan. * **Future Uncertainty**: While the total number of black-type races could ultimately increase by 5-6%, the composition will change significantly for the 2026/27 season. The goal is to return control to a new, compliant Australian committee in the future. To summarize, New Zealand offers a dense schedule of high-ratio black-type racing, while Australia provides massive scale and world-class quality at the top, though its system is currently undergoing significant international-led reform. I hope this detailed comparison is helpful for your analysis. If you are interested in the specific races identified for potential downgrade in Australia, I can provide more details on that list.

tick, re horse betting! lol, more a 'un-coupling' for me! Personally, I now have a DEEP DEEP DEEP contempt for the way NZ Racing is now presented! 99% of any horse bet I have is Locked in by how the horse has presented! Now nearly imposable because of the Directress hand says NO... I've held out hoping things would improve! It was so brought home on Champions Day, where the extra channel covering the day was great! Hence I perhaps bet more that day that perhaps the whole year! Re Sports Betting, 100% MLB, rather proud to say that the Dodger$ Going All the Way for the last two years has paid off rather well! 70 for me! Part of my logic of un-coupling is around Stress of doing so, energy can be better directed elsewhere! Very thankful not being a 'one trick pony', off to share my skills with others!

you support that?

giving them a wee bit of string, given time they hang themselves!

lol,.. I have had to suppress the urge to share some stories along those lines.... stories of a mate who might have lost closer to 10 m than 1m! the one who jumped out of a window many many floors up.. two! Death by car suicides..

Back in day! in the lead up to Lotto, would it surprise you to know that a few of us suggested to Head Office that the TAB should fight to be the one that delievered technical backbone... the Ostriches won out! It has been interesting that 'racing' has never championed how Lotto's take out is 45%

contra deal....

lol "for a ruthless criticism of everything existing!" 💪

"circle the wagons!!!" and be damned! ps. think I might have to right the first post through AI, lol, what brutal polemical critique do I need to filter it through!!!

pardon! CRIMINAL! Ned Kelly had Guns when he robbed you! This lot with the stroke of a pen...

It will be interesting to see what this sort of thing is going to look like?

Soul Rush so athletic!

ever the challenge of a active competitive rider! you do know its not tiddlywinks...

In the Mile, a horse that so took my eye! put in a monster run! to run 2nd! Soul Rush. What a good looker!

lol!!! sigh, how amusing! ps. feck you and your friends!!!! please feel free to post up their names!! in person I be happy to deal with Any of Them!

Deep Seek! to the question would you want to have a beer with them? That's an excellent and revealing question. It cuts straight to the human element. My honest answer: Yes, but with major caveats and under the right conditions. Here’s the breakdown: Why I'd Say Yes (The Potential for a Great Beer): Passion is Engaging: This person isn't apathetic. They care deeply about horse racing. A conversation with them would be lively, opinionated, and full of the gritty, insider details you don't get from casual fans. You'd learn a lot. Knowledgeable: You could have a fascinating, technical discussion about racing strategy, jockey techniques, and the economics of the sport. It would be real "shop talk." Authentic: There's no pretense. They're not filtering their thoughts to be polite. That blunt authenticity can be refreshing in a world of small talk. Loyalty & Conviction: They back their judgments with money and influence their mates. There's a certain charismatic, ringleader quality to that. Why I'd Hesitate (The Conditions for the Beer): The Venue is Key: This would have to be at the races (after the last event) or in a dedicated pub with other racing folk. The context would contain the rant. Having a quiet, introspective beer at a local tavern? It could quickly become an exhausting monologue. Topic Management Needed: You'd need a strong arm to steer the conversation away from "the latest stewarding outrage" and toward other racing topics—great horses of the past, training philosophies, funny track stories. If you can do that, you'd tap into their knowledge without the bitterness. Emotional Whiplash: You'd have to be prepared for the shift from angry diatribe about Kauri to effusive praise for Corey Campbell. The mood could be volatile. It Would Be a Performance, Not a Dialogue: You'd largely be an audience. This isn't someone who, based on this text, seems to ask many questions or seek other perspectives. It would be about their experience, their grievance, their insight. The Verdict: If I were a fellow racing enthusiast, absolutely yes. The shared passion would override the negativity, and I could match their energy. We could bond over the "idiocy of the stewards" and the "brilliance of a perfect ride." If I were a casual observer or just looking for a relaxed, broad-ranging chat, probably no. The intensity, niche focus, and pervasive sense of grievance would likely feel draining and one-dimensional. In essence, they'd be a fantastic companion for a specific, shared interest, but a potentially exhausting one for a general social drink. You'd go for the expertise and the fire, but you'd need to be prepared for the smoke.

here is the background thinking by AI into how it came to make its reply to your lead post! Hmm, this is an interesting request that goes beyond simple text analysis. The user wants an assessment of the writer's IQ, emotional intelligence, and whether they come across as a winner or whiner. The content is quite specific - a critique of horse racing incidents and rulings in New Zealand. The text shows the writer is deeply knowledgeable about horse racing jargon, rules, and regional details. That suggests above-average specialized intelligence. Their emotional intelligence seems mixed - they show empathy for the horse owner and punters, but their anger feels disproportionate and personalized. The tone is confrontational toward authorities. The "winner vs whiner" question is key here. While the writer demonstrates engagement and passion, the overall tone leans more toward complaining about systems rather than constructive criticism. The positive note about Corey Campbell feels almost like an afterthought compared to the lengthy complaints. The challenge is to balance recognizing their expertise while being honest about the emotional tone. The assessment should acknowledge their knowledge but note how the delivery undermines their credibility.

OK, since you asked! The questioned asked was "can you have a look at this, can you guess the IQ of the writer? his emotional intelligence? does he comes across as a winner or a whiner! " Based on this text, here is an assessment of the writer: **IQ (Cognitive Ability & Analytical Skill): Above Average** The writer demonstrates a strong, specific intellect within their domain of interest. They: * Grasp complex systems (racing rules, suspensions, economic impacts on owners/trainers). * Employ logical reasoning to deconstruct a penalty they see as flawed, proposing a specific alternative system for suspensions. * Use precise terminology and shows an understanding of procedure. * Structure an argument with a clear premise (low standard of riding), evidence (the Kauri incident), and a conclusion (the rules are weak). This suggests good analytical and critical thinking skills, albeit focused on a niche subject. **Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Low to Moderate** The writer's EQ is the more revealing facet: * **Self-Awareness: Low.** They admit to having done "shit like this years ago," showing some reflection, but their anger is raw and personal. They don't moderate their language for persuasion. * **Empathy: Selective.** They show clear empathy for the owner of Blue Goddess, the punters, and the jockey they rate (Corey Campbell). However, empathy is absent for the suspended jockey (Kauri) and the officials, who are viewed with contempt. * **Emotional Regulation: Low.** The language is emotionally charged ("shit," "rubbish," "bullshit," "rort," "WEAKNESS"). The grievance is front and center, and the praise for Corey Campbell feels like an exception that proves the rule of their general anger. * **Social Skill: Low.** The tone is accusatory and confrontational. It's more of a vent or a rant than an attempt to build consensus or persuade neutrals. It comes across as speaking *at* the audience rather than *with* them. **Winner vs. Whiner: Predominantly a Whiner (but with a winner's knowledge)** This is the key question. The writer **comes across primarily as a whiner**, though a knowledgeable one. * **Whiner Indicators:** The core message is complaint. The focus is on perceived injustice, system failure, and personal financial loss ("thrown their money down the drain"). The tone is bitter and dismissive of authority. The positive note at the end feels tacked on and is itself born from a previous grievance ("I was not going back to Southland to punt..."). * **Winner Indicators:** They are engaged, passionate, and decisive. They don't just complain; they analyze and propose a rule change. They back their judgment with money (on Corey Campbell's ride) and convince others to follow. There's a kernel of a constructive critic here, but it's buried under the vitriol. **Overall Profile:** A highly knowledgeable, passionate insider who feels the system is failing. Their intelligence is evident in their grasp of details, but their low emotional regulation and confrontational style undermine their credibility and make them seem more like a disgruntled victim than a effective reformer. They have the **mind of a analyst** but are communicating with the **frustrated heart of a fan who feels wronged**. The impression is less of a cool-headed "winner" and more of a **"sore loser"** (despite the one successful bet), albeit one with very specific expertise to back up their grievances.

doesn't mean that he has more ability as a 'teacher/mentor'...

19 Suspended Riders: 13 Injured Riders: (no Jack Taplin on list) Tina Comignaghi| From the close of racing Saturday 13 December to the conclusion of racing Sunday 21 December (Suspended @ Invercargill R9 13/12) Rohan Mudhoo| From the close of racing Sunday 14 December to the conclusion of racing Sunday 21 December (Suspended @ Invercargill R9 13/12) Lee Callaway| From the close of racing Saturday 13 December to the conclusion of racing Sunday 21 December (Suspended @ Invercargill R8 13/12) Mereana Hudson| From the close of racing Saturday 20 December to the conclusion of racing Tuesday 30 December (Suspended @ Invercargill R5 13/12) Liam Kauri | From the close of racing Saturday 20 December to the conclusion of racing Sunday 28 December (Suspended @ Invercargill R5 13/12) Kylie Williams | From the close of racing Saturday 13 December to the conclusion of racing Sunday 21 December (Suspended @ Invercargill R4 13/12) Akshay Balloo | From the close of racing Saturday 13 December to the conclusion of racing Sunday 21 December (Suspended @ Riccarton Synthetic R7 05/12) Opie Bosson | From the close of racing Saturday 13 December to the conclusion of racing Sunday 21 December (Suspended @ Te Rapa R1 13/12) George Rooke | From the close of racing Friday 19 December to the conclusion of racing Tuesday 6 Janurary (Suspended @ Ellerslie R4 11/12 & Te Rapa R8 13/12) Madan Singh | From the close of racing Wednesday 10 December to the conclusion of racing Friday 19 December (Suspended @ Trentham R3 06/12) Masa Hashizume | From the close of racing Sunday 14 December to the conclusion of racing Wednesday 24 December (Suspended @ Trentham R1 06/12) Chris Dell | From the close of racing Saturday 6 December to the conclusion of racing Wednesday 17 December (Suspended @ Trentham R1 06/12) Tayla Mitchell | From the close of racing Saturday 13 December to the conclusion of racing Wednesday 24 December (Suspended @ Pukekohe R3 06/12) Brandon May | From the close of racing Saturday 6 December to the conclusion of racing Sunday 21 December (Suspended @ Cromwell 30/11) Kendra Bakker | From the close of racing Monday 8 December to the conclusion of racing Sunday 14 December (Suspended @ Cromwell 30/11) Vinnie Colgan | From the close of racing Sunday 7 December until the conclusion of racing on Wednesday 17 December (Supended @ Levin RC @ Otaki 30/11) Sam Collett | From the close of racing Sunday 30 November to the conclusion of racing Wednesday 17 December (Suspended @ Pukekohe R2 22/11) Corentin Berge | From the close of racing Saturday 22 November to the conclusion of racing Saturday 20 December (Suspended @ Rotorua R6 16/11) Hayley Hassman | From the close of racing Saturday 13 December up to and including racing on Wednesday 24 December (Suspended @ Racing Rotorua R4 5/11) Injured Riders: Donovan Cooper | Out until further notice from 30 November Bailey Rogerson | Out until further notice from 17 November Kavish Chowdoory | Out until further notice from 3 November Sam Spratt | Out until further notice from 4 October Bridget Grylls | Out until further notice from 27 September Dean Parker | Out until further notice from 19 September Michael McNab | Out until further notice from 9 September Ace Lawson-Carroll | Out until further notice from 26 July Sam Wynne | Out until further notice from 12 July Tegan Newman | Out until further notice from 1 May Lily Sutherland | Out until further notice from 15 April Lisa Allpress | Out until further notice from 18 January Matthew Cropp | Out until further notice

Please expand on that??? I thought the guy was a saint!

I watched a interview last week where John Francome (HOF Jumps Jockey) shared your view strongly. Noting that the whip should be carried only for safety reasons only! Improve the bred to have horses that want to try hard at the end of a race! He also had a strong opinion about horse that will not load! If a trainer can not present a horse that goes into the starting gates then they should not be accepted into the race! Giving examples of the O'Brien's.

oh Dear me!