Here it is. The new Race Cafe aye? Everyone moans about people trying making a change because that's easier to do than actually doing anything themselves. Have spoken to one of the guys (he had glasses on) they were of the opinion that Brian was actually going to win so it was a bit of a shock for them as well. Now this isn't a knock on Brian. He has been writing that fire for years now and you are right, he is a big driving force behind making some serious changes at the governance level. BUT it's a bit rash running the BGP guys down for what they do.
I find it interesting that everyone who is sitting around waiting for the Messara report are the same people who sat around and let this wonderful industry decline in the first place. As the world (and media) continued to change at a rapid pace, a lot of industry participants were holding on to the good old days, unable to accept that change was necessary. Where were you heroes when the racing industry started to decline? If you have no young people getting interested in racing you don't have an industry. It might get by while you lot start to hit retirement, but then what? What's left over once you're gone? How selfish is that. You have all stuffed it up for my generation. Without this BGP group none of my mates would be the slightest bit interested in horse racing. And to be honest I think all of my friends have an account with an offshore bookmaker. They still bet with the TAB, it's just split around a bit. The other bookies have a far superior product and to be frank, none of the lads really give a shit about where the money goes. Now you can say "well that's the problem right there". Well, actually, no that's not the problem. You have to wonder why would they care? Why would they possibly be loyal to an industry who has done absolutely nothing for them. Especially NZRB. I'm not the best writer so I'll turn it into a half ass story. I go and get my car serviced at the garage down the road with Bob. Now Bob is a great guy. Always doing little bits that I haven't paid for. Cleaning the inside of the car. Shining the wheels. I never ask for him to do any of that, I never expect that of him. But Bob knows giving more than you take builds loyalty. I could get my car serviced in the city for a few bucks cheaper but I don't, I can't. I'm now emotionally invested in Bob and his little garage. I will always choose Bob under reasonable circumstances. If you cannot comprehend how this works and you do run a business, I'd hate to think what people say about you and your business behind your back. Quite similar to how everyone bitch and moans about the TAB.
You boast about NZRB and NZTR spending large amounts on audience and engagement and storytelling? How has that being working out for them? If you look at the level of engagement on those BGP videos it is streets ahead. Far as I know, all of the content they have produced hasn't been paid for by anyone in the industry, now, it's not the most outstanding quality but the story is compelling and engaging and also I think one of their mates does some of that video work for them, for free. Funny though as everyone complains they can't do anything because there "isn't enough money". Wait. Now I think about it. Didn't they buy who shoot thebarman silks, auction them off and give the money to charity? Is that just a punters club? And now they've got 800 of their members into horse racing ownership. Is that just a punters club?
Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube. This is the new media. This is where the peoples attention is. And if that doesn't agree with you. Sit down, shut the fuck up and let everyone else do the work to save the industry.
Gen Z out.
