Chimbu

From the New Plymouth stipes report, General section: "Today's meeting proceeded without the use of an inside photo-finish camera"

Seems that Mr Richie (the buyer of the $2.4m lot) also races horses out of the Andrew Carston stable, including Miss Ziggy. Apparently, he is the buyer of the $200K South Island purchases. I heard that he is SI born & bred so it is nice to see him supporting racing on this side of the Tasman, too. I'm sure Andrew C is delighted to have him on board as an owner.

Curious, It is from the General section of stipe's report from Riverton on 1 Jan 2025 and is still there as I post this.

Non Raceday Inquiry – Written Reserved Decision dated 12 November 2024 – Sam O’Malley ID: RIB48234 Respondent(s): Sam O'Malley - Stablehand Applicant: Georgina Murrow - RIB Investigator Adjudicators: N Moffatt (Chair), and B Mainwaring Persons Present: Nil - on the papers Information Number: A17490 Decision Type: Non-race Related Charge Charge: Misconduct Rule(s): 340 - Misconduct Plea: Admitted Code: Thoroughbred Hearing Date: 10/11/2024 Hearing Location: On the papers Outcome: Proved Penalty: Stablehand Sam O'Malley is fined $600 [1] INTRODUCTION 1.1 The Racing Integrity Board charged Mr O’Malley with a breach of Rule 340 of the Rules of Racing. 1.2 Information A17490 Alleges that; That on the 6th of October, at New Plymouth Racecourse, Sam O’Malley, holder of an NZTR Stablehand’s Licence, did misconduct himself by berating and insulting RIB Raceday Veterinarian Rabecca McKenzie. This behaviour in breach of Rule 340 and subject to the general penalties set down in 803(1) of the Rules of Racing. 1.3 Rule 340 provides that: “A Licensed Person, Owner, Lessee, Racing Manager, Official or other person bound by these Rules must not misconduct himself in any matter relating to the conduct of Races or racing.” 1.4 On the 9th of October, Mr O’Malley endorsed the Information confirming that he admitted the breach and advised that he agreed for the hearing to proceed on the papers. [2] FACTS 2.1 The RIB presented the following Summary of Facts: 1. The Respondent Sam O’Malley is a stable hand and trackwork rider. He holds a current licence issued by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR). He works as stable foreman for licenced trainer Bill Thurlow. Circumstances 2. On the 5th of September 2024, Sam O’Malley was strapping Bill Thurlow’s trained horse, ‘No Rain Ever’, in Race 8 at Hawera Races. 3. ‘No Rain Ever’ finished an unexpected last and a vet check was requested by the stewards. As the horse was being led from the birdcage by Mr O’Malley, race day veterinarian Dr Rabecca McKenzie saw a trickle of blood in both the mare’s nostrils. 4. She called out to Mr O’Malley that the horse was bleeding and required a vet check. Mr O’Malley lifted his arm to cover the horse’s nose and continued walking, not acknowledging the comment of the vet. 5. The vet was required to check another runner in the race who was bleeding from the mouth, she promptly checked this and went to locate No Rain Ever. She was unable to locate the horse in the tie ups as expected and was directed by fellow trainers to the car park. 6. Here she located the horse and trainer Bill Thurlow, she noted the horse’s nostrils were now ‘retrospectively spotless’ and had been wiped clean. She checked the horse for any head injuries and explained to Mr Thurlow the horse had been bleeding from both nostrils. 7. Ms McKenzie reported her evaluation to the race day stewards and the horse was issued the standard 3 months stand down for Epistaxis. 8. Later that evening, after reading the stipendiary report, Mr Thurlow called stipendiary steward Neil Goodwin. He queried the stand down period and was advised he had the choice to get the horse scoped within 6 hours of the race if he disagreed with the veterinarian diagnosis. 9. On the 6th of October 2024, both Sam O’Malley and veterinarian Rabecca McKenzie attended a party at the New Plymouth Racecourse to celebrate the 1000th win of Trainer Allan Sharrock. 10. About 6.00pm Mr O’Malley came and joined Ms McKenzie at her table. He aggressively advised he wished to speak with her about her race day decision the previous day. She responded this was not the right time or place, but Mr O’Malley continued to make the following comments: I’ve been a trainer and jockey for years you don’t know what you are talking about. How long have you been around horses? You’re a s..t vet. Where are the Jim Robins of the world? You’re useless. I have a hearing issue, which is why I never stopped. You have ruined my horse’s preparation. Despite being asked multiple times to stop and being advised this was not the time or the place Mr O’Malley continued to aggressively berate the vet and her professional decision making. The situation was concluded when a fellow trainer intervened. 11. When spoken to about the incident Mr O’Malley was extremely apologetic and remorseful. He acknowledged his behaviour fell short of that required of him as a licensed person. He offered to apologise to Ms McKenzie. He explained he cared deeply for his horses and was bitterly disappointed by the diagnosis of epistaxis but agreed this had not been the correct way to manage the situation. He advised he had learnt from the situation and would be mindful not to let this happen again. 12. Mr O’Malley has one previous charge from 2022 in which he was charged for betting under Rule 707(1)(a) and fined $900. [3] DECISION 3.1 Mr O’Malley has admitted the charge; therefore it is found proved. [4] PENALTY 4.1 Rule 803(1) A person who commits or is deemed to have committed a breach of these rules or any of them for which a penalty is not provided elsewhere in the rules shall be liable to: Be disqualified for a period not exceeding 12 months; and /or Be suspended from holding or obtaining a licence for a period not exceeding 12 months. If a licence is renewed during a period of suspension, then the suspension shall continue to apply to the renewed licence; and /or A fine not exceeding $20,000 [5] SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY (from RIB) 1. Sentencing Principles – 1.1 The four principles of sentencing can be summarised briefly: Penalties are designed to punish the offender for his / her wrongdoing. They are not meant to be retributive in the sense the punishment is disproportionate to the offence, but the offender must be met with a punishment. In a racing context it is extremely important that a penalty has the effect of deterring others from committing similar offences. A penalty should also reflect the disapproval of the RIB for the type of behaviour in question. The need to rehabilitate the offender should be considered. 1.2 The first three principles apply in this matter. 2. Precedent – 2.1 The most recent cases involving misconduct of this nature are as follows: – RIB V BENNER (25.02.2023). Trainer. Misconduct, insulting and offensive language directed towards race day veterinarian and investigator. Received two previous warnings. The penalty in this case was a $1500 fine. RIB V NEAL (25.10.2022). Trainer. Misconduct, insulting, and offensive language directed towards racing officials. The penalty in this case was a $500 fine. RIB V PENDER (22.02.2022). Trainer. Misconduct, insulting, and offensive language directed towards an employee of the Tauranga Racing Club. The penalty in this case was a $500 fine. RIU v WYNYARD (13.02.2021) Trainer. Misconduct, inappropriate and offensive language towards a Steward. The penalty in this case was a $1200 fine (2nd offence within 12 months). 3. Aggravating Factors – 3.1 Mr O’Malley has an extensive history in the thoroughbred industry and should therefore know the importance of conducting himself in a professional manner. 4. Mitigating Factors – 4.1 Mr O’Malley has admitted the breach and been compliant throughout the process. 4.2 He has no previous breaches of this rule. 5. Conclusion – 5.1 When determining penalty, the RIB submits that the adjudicators have regard to upholding and maintaining the high standards expected of officials and licence holders alike and to protect participants in racing. 5.2 The RIB submits that the breach can be dealt with by way of a monetary penalty and therefore seek a fine in line with previous cases of this nature of $500. [6] REASONS FOR PENALTY 6.1 The Adjudicative Committee has carefully considered the case at hand, taking into account the evidence presented and the submissions received. It has given due regard to the previous cases submitted by the Racing Integrity Board (RIB), which have provided context and precedent. The Adjudicative Committee has also taken into account the Respondent’s clear record under this particular Rule. 6.2 Aggravating Factors Aggressive Behaviour: Mr O’Malley’s conduct was aggressive and confrontational. He approached Ms McKenzie in a public setting at a social function and persisted in berating her, despite being asked to stop multiple times. Professional Disrespect: The comments made by Mr O’Malley were disrespectful and undermined Ms McKenzie’s professional competence. Such behaviour is unacceptable and can have a detrimental effect on working relationships within the Racing Industry. Persistence: Despite being advised that it was neither the time nor the place for such a discussion, Mr O’Malley persisted with this behaviour until a third party intervened. 6.3 Mitigating Factors Admission of Breach: Mr O’Malley admitted to the charge of Misconduct, demonstrating a willingness to take responsibility for his actions. Remorse: When spoken to about the incident, Mr O’Malley was extremely apologetic and remorseful. He recognised that his behaviour fell short of what is expected of a Licensed Person in the Racing Industry. Offer to Apologise: Mr O’Malley offered to apologise to Ms McKenzie, showing a desire to make amends for his behaviour. Clear Record: The Respondent has no previous breaches of this Rule, which has been taken into consideration. [7] DECISION 7.1 After thorough examination of all factors, the Adjudicative Committee has reached the following decision: 1. Mr O’Malley is found to have committed a breach of the Misconduct Rule. 2. Given the nature of the offence and considering the Respondent’s previously unblemished record in this regard, the Adjudicative Committee has determined that a fine of $600 is appropriate. 3. This penalty serves to reflect the seriousness of the misconduct, maintain professional standards within the Racing Industry, and act as a deterrent for future incidents. 4. The fine acknowledges Mr O’Malley’s remorse and willingness to improve his behaviour, while still holding him accountable for his actions. 7.2 The Adjudicative Committee notes that while Mr O’Malley’s remorse and offer to apologise are positive steps, it has no information on whether he actually apologised to Ms McKenzie. The Adjudicative Committee also notes that no penalty submissions were received from the Respondent. 7.3 In conclusion, the $600 fine strikes a balance between the need for disciplinary action and the recognition of Mr O’Malley’s remorse and commitment to do better. The Adjudicative Committee expects all participants in the Racing Industry to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect. [8] PENALTY 8.1 Mr O’Malley is fined the sum of $600. [9] COSTS 9.1 As this charge was heard on the papers, without requiring a formal hearing or in-person proceedings, there is no order for costs associated with this Decision. Decision Date: 10/11/2024 Publish Date: 13/11/2024

The latest from Stuff Heavy rain could cause 'significant and widespread impacts' in the North Island this weekend Rachel Moore15:31, Sep 22 2023 Videos from flooding in South Island Play Unmute Current Time 0:04 / Duration 1:24 Loaded: 47.34% Fullscreen STUFF AND SUPPLIED The South Island, particularly Southland and Queenstown, have been hammered by heavy rain. People in the North Island are about to get slammed by the rain band that’s causing havoc in the south. The active front is travelling up the South Island, with flooding causing State of Emergency declarations in Queenstown, Southland and Gore. As those conditions settle, the impacts will begin to be felt in the North Island, MetService meteorologist Clare O’Connor said. The heaviest rain was expected in the second half of Saturday and Sunday morning, with the potential for “significant and widespread impacts”. Heavy rain watches had been issued for Northland, Waitomo, Taumarunui, Taihape, Whanganui, and Taupō west and south of the lake, Taranaki and the Tararua Range, beginning on Saturday. However, MetService has warned additional watches and warnings could still come. O’Connor said MetService was concerned about the risk of the rain band slowing down and stopping over the north-east of the North Island. While that location hadn’t been confirmed, it would mean “rain, rain and rain over that area”.

One day a miracle might happen (or not), and you might be able to disagree with someone's opinion because it differs from your own without being rude.

I am of the view that the RIB processes/outcome will not (and should not) become public until all other legal inquiries are completed and reported upon. However, I do wonder, for the purposes of public clarification is there any law/rule of racing that precludes the RIB from making a statement of position with suitable wording? Something like: RIB investigations will follow at the completion of all inquiries held by other government jurisdictions.

I don't think Samantha Collett intends to return to NZ anytime soon, either

I thought one of the presenters or the commentator on Sat. said that their last runners were going round that day & that they are due to take over their new property in Oz (somewhere in Brisbane, I think) on 30 June. If I am wrong or someone knows more, I'm sure they'll correct me and/or post more in response.

My guess would be Ken Kelso for Levante

Good to read that Levante has come through her hit & run mission to Oz and that she will race again here this season. Ken Kelso doesn't hold back at the end of the article. Go Ken! Levante set to target another G1 New Zealand Racing Desk@nzracingnews 9:50am Levante and Ken Kelso at Flemington (Image: VRC) Levante’s domestic racing season isn’t over just yet with confirmation the high-class mare will be given the opportunity next month to add to her record at the elite level. Trainer Ken Kelso, who prepares the five-year-old with wife Bev, is keen on a crack at the Gr.1 Fiber Fresh New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Te Rapa on April 14. “She’s all good and we’re looking to press on to the Breeders’ Stakes. At this stage, we’re boxing on and were looking to get a trial into her, but I’m reluctant to run her on a synthetic track so she’ll have to have an exhibition gallop somewhere,” Kelso said. Levante triumphed in the Gr.1 Telegraph (1200m) and the Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) before her maiden trip to Australia earlier this month for a tilt at the Gr.1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m). It was a fact-finding venture to see how the daughter of Proisir fared in top company and she delivered a positive answer with a bold showing for fourth. “It was a hit and run mission to see how she coped with the trip away and how she would measure up. She’s proven herself now and handled it all brilliantly,” Kelso said. “We were very proud of her, unfortunately we just got on the wrong side and it was quite a strange race really. “We won the race on the outside and didn’t get taken into the race either. I think she was almost last at the clock tower so she did us proud and proved she can measure up.” Levante’s performance convinced connections to look forward to a return trip to Victoria later in the year with the Gr.1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) during the Melbourne spring carnival an attractive target. There is also an A$1 million bonus on offer to the winner of the Empire Rose if they have previously been successful in one of 12 selected races for the fillies and mares, among them is the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes. “Even before we knew about the bonus it was always an option and we didn’t want to go to Sydney because it’s too wet. We didn’t want to go to Adelaide and there was nothing left for her in Melbourne,” Kelso said. “If she travelled home well and we were happy, it was always the intention to go to the Breeders’ Stakes and at this stage everything looks positive and on target.” However, Kelso was critical of the approach currently being taken with course closures and synthetic tracks. “I would love to find a nice (grass) trial for the mare, but it’s a mess up here and why did they close down Te Aroha while they were doing Ellerslie,” he said. “Money should be spent on getting the grass tracks right and closing Te Teko was a disaster, that was our go to track in the spring and autumn. People are now carting horses all the way up to Ruakaka “

Fascinating insight into Shelby's background https://www.johntapp.racing/gallops/2022/3/1/shelby-sixtysix-is-one-tough-mustang John Tapp March 1, 2022 Shelby Sixtysix looked a classic study in soundness as he hurtled down the middle of the track to blow the opposition away in Saturday’s TAB Highway on a rain sodden Randwick. Trainer Danny Williams also filled third and fourth placings in the race with Prince Nicconi and Brazen Impact. Just seven days after a narrow defeat by Golden Point in the same class at Rosehill Gardens, Shelby Sixtysix provided William Pike with his second winner from thirty two rides since arriving in Sydney. Significantly it was the jockey’s maiden win on historic Randwick and his first Saturday win since embarking on a Covid enforced eastern adventure. For Goulburn trainer Danny Williams, the barnstorming win was part compensation for a four year exercise which has been close to derailment on several occasions. Buoyed by a hot winning streak in the previous racing season, the talented trainer decided to source yearlings of fashionable bloodlines at both the Inglis Classic and Easter Sales of 2018. “I loved everything about the Toronado colt from Storm Kite at the Classic Sale and before I knew it $150,000 had disappeared from my limited reserves,” said Danny. At the moment the gavel fell, he was the most expensive yearling I’d ever purchased.” The first hurdle to overcome was the syndication of the colt, and that proved to be more difficult than expected. A couple of casual pledges failed to materialise, but fortunately several friends and associates helped Dan to get a syndicate together. He and his partner Mandy O’Leary actually retained a sizeable share. The colt broke in well and the trainer was really looking forward to testing his potential. Part owner Gary Robinson came up with a name which was instantly familiar to car enthusiasts. The Shelby Sixtysix was the world famous 427 Cobra produced by the Ford Company in the 1960’s under the supervision of Carrol Shelby. The famous designer also had a major role in the modification of the ever popular Mustang. A few months later Danny was wishing he’d never seen the Toronado colt. Every time he was allowed to stride along, he would be noticeably lame on pulling up. By the time he arrived back at the stables, the youngster would be walking freely. A few days later it was the same thing all over again. Lame on pulling up, sound on returning to the stables. With local vets unable to pinpoint the problem, Dan booked an appointment with the Agnes Banks Vet Clinic for Nuclear Scintigraphy Scanning. The diagnosis left him stunned. The prognosis was a little more heartening. The young horse was a victim of Palmar Osteochondral Disease in both front joints - a condition affecting the lower ends of the cannon bones (condyles). A milder version of the disease was also detected in the off hock. Happily the specialist vets were of the opinion that the young horse had an excellent chance of returning to training and racing, provided he was given ample time and careful management. The Toronado colt was in the right stable. Under the expert care of Danny Williams, Shelby Sixtysix has raced twenty one times for three wins and ten placings for $175,000 in prize money. Not surprisingly the majority of his best runs have been on rain affected tracks. Relishing the heavy going, Shelby blew the opposition away in the TAB Highway - Courtesy Bradley Photographers. As if the talented trainer hasn’t had enough problems dealing with the gelding’s troublesome joints, he’d also had to deal with recurring quarter cracks - perhaps the most frustrating of all racehorse ailments. “With expert help from my farrier, we’ve been able to manage his feet problems but you can never be sure when the problem is going to recur,” said Dan. “I remember an occasion when we’d just got on top of his old quarter crack, when out of the blue another one appeared. I’ve lost plenty of sleep over this horse.” The Danny Williams story is one of racing’s most fascinating. His father Harry was a widely respected country jockey who rode hundreds of winners on the NSW western line. His mother Helen once took out a trainer’s licence and enjoyed a fair measure of success. By his own admission Danny was frightened of horses early in life, but by mid teens the genetic forces had taken over. He had his first race ride as an amateur jockey in the early 1980’s at Tullamore, going under in a tight finish. In a fifteen year career he posted five hundred wins despite the limited number of picnic races programmed. His best performance came when he dominated a two day carnival at the famous Cairns amateurs in Queensland. He achieved the remarkable feat of winning eight of thirteen races. Thoughts of turning professional had been pounding in Danny’s brain for quite some time. He knew he’d have to shed an enormous amount of weight to make the transition and was painfully aware of the sacrifices necessary to make any kind of impact. He lasted four years. Four years in which he made crazy demands on an already deprived body. His first five rides as a professional all won. Every winner motivated him to keep trying. I can’t recall the name of his first ride in the metropolitan area, but I clearly remember calling the race at a Canterbury midweek meeting. He had it won close to home, only to be grabbed in the last stride by a horse ridden by an up and coming Corey Brown. Danny’s ride was faultless, and he looked as good as any of the top Sydney riders in the race. On another occasion he rode five winners at a Dubbo meeting followed by a treble at Nyngan the following day. Despite drastically limited opportunities, D. Williams rode 100 winners in the pro ranks, and was well satisfied. Danny was contemplating his future when the phone call came from Alan Cardy. The former Wallaby, Eastern Suburbs Rugby League winger, businessman and horse lover had developed a state of the art training property to be called “Lynton” on the outskirts of Goulburn. Alan had been closely observing NSW racing and seeking opinions about a likely private trainer for his dream thoroughbred operation. His intensive search led him to a former jockey who was planning his future in racing. Like most of Alan Cardy’s business decisions this one also proved successful. Danny and Alan enjoyed a fruitful racing association, and an enduring friendship. Dozens of winners came off “Lynton” during the fifteen year partnership, twenty two of them in the first twelve months. Normal Practice was the headline act posting eight wins and seven placings for $300,000. He won twice at Gr 3 level, and at just his ninth outing ran out of his skin to finish third in the Gr 1 Newmarket Hcp won by Iska. Normal Practice was not a big horse and battled with foot issues throughout his limited career. Danny Williams gets most of the credit for Shelby Sixtysix’s amazing achievements - Courtesy Bradley Photographers. Wasted Emotions was another consistent performer for “Lynton” with eleven wins, nine of them on city tracks. His most notable wins were a Wagga Town Plate and a Gr 3 Hall Mark Stakes. The partnership ended amicably in 2014 when Danny decided to accept a tempting offer to manage Tony McEvoy’s Sydney stable. The thought of training in his own right was now very much on the agenda. His opportunity came under sad circumstances when champion trainer Guy Walter died suddenly just a few days after winning the Doomben Cup with Streama. Danny was privileged to take over Guy’s satellite stable at Goulburn. He was deeply saddened just before Christmas to learn of the passing of seventy six year old Alan Cardy following a fall in his Coogee home. The Williams stable has maintained a healthy strike rate these past eight years with regular city winners, including more than twenty TAB Highway successes. Don’t Give A Damn (8 wins) and She Knows (5 wins) have been consistent performers for the stable in recent times. The upcoming Country Championship is Danny’s principal focus at the moment with Shelby Sixtysix and Brazen Impact likely to target the Scone Wild Card on March 20th. Although still feeling the effects of a shattered pelvis sustained in a trackwork accident a few years ago, Danny continues to ride regular trackwork. His sheer passion for riding racehorses is exceeded only by his desire to monitor the progress of every horse in his care. A horse like Shelby Sixtysix may have fallen by the wayside in another stable. The gelding’s amazing rise to prominence is attributable to the undying devotion of a very rare horseman. Mind you Danny’s not claiming all the credit for Shelby’s impressive form line. He’s well aware that an unusually wet summer has played a big hand. You won’t hear any complaints from the Goulburn trainer if this rain continues right up to Country Championship week. Danny’s love of horses is ever present - Courtesy Bradley Photographers. (Banner image - Shelby Sixtysix gives William Pike his first ever Randwick winner - Courtesy Bradley Photographers.) Tagged: Australian Horse Racing, Thoroughbreds, gallops, Danny Williams 3 Likes Share Newer PostHYGAIN/MITAVITE COUNTRY TRAINER OF THE MONTH - FEBRUARY 2022 Older PostEXPAT - FROM AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE TO THE COOLMORE CLASSIC IN FOURTEEN MONTHS

It doesn't matter a toss whether one person or a hundred heard the abuse at the time as far as I am concerned. Had the 'spray' concentrated on the issue not the man then I might have felt a little more kindly toward the licence holder. This industry is rife with this sort of stuff (and worse) and it looks bad, particlarly to outsiders when they come across examples of it. If you were a parent who heard this and had a child keen to enter the industry would you be encouraging them to get involved, or would you be helping them to find something a whole lot better as a career? In my current world, if I behaved this way, I would be lucky to be around to collect my next pay packet, and if I did escape job intact, I would have a warning on my file and would be watched closely by my superior & HR for up to a year. I suspect I would be subject to the dreaded re-training as well. Thinking back, for all of my years (decades) as an employer, I never once abused my staff in the described manner. I certainly threw my toys a few times, but stuck to the issue at hand. I didn't abuse the person by putting them down due to their physical size or swore at them like this trainer did. Never, as an employee or an employer, would I ever say some of the things that were said in this barrage.

I beg to differ that he "called a spade, a spade". As far as I am concerned he shot the messenger & the manner in which he did it was disgraceful. Licenced trainers shouldn't behave like that - end of story. He was totally lacking in professionalism. Debate the issue, by all means, but do it with the right people. Don't denigrate/bully someone who is just doing their job. Tantrum throwing is an unattractive look.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/racing/127839135/new-plymouth-raceway-stopped-from-holding-races New Plymouth Raceway stopped from holding races Glenn McLean18:00, Feb 21 2022 SIMON O'CONNOR/STUFF New Plymouth Raceway could be without racing for an extended period of time. New Plymouth Raceway could be without any racing for an extended period of time after the sport’s governing body ruled there would be no more meetings until the track was considered safe. Taranaki racing officials are due to meet on Monday night to talk about the future of the track after another meeting was abandoned due to safety concerns. New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) have told Taranaki Thoroughbred Racing that it would not schedule meetings at the New Plymouth Raceway until it was satisfied the track was safe and reliable. The governing body’s decision followed Friday’s race meeting abandonment, the third of four previously scheduled meetings at the course that has been scratched, including the club’s premier Taranaki Cup meeting earlier this month. READ MORE: * New plan removes one hurdle to New Plymouth's proposed $91 million multi-sport hub * Coronavirus: Spectators shut out of New Plymouth midweek race meeting * Solution sought to name change lease termination glitch at New Plymouth's Pukekura Raceway That meeting was called off after the first race when a horse slipped. Friday’s meeting did not even get to that stage with riders spooked about the 2mm of rain which had fallen on the track in the morning. “This concern was related to what riders perceived as the firmness of the surface with moisture sitting on top and comparisons were made with the Saturday, February 5 (Taranaki Cup) abandonment,” NZTR said in a release. “A subsequent meeting with riders saw them indicating that they had no confidence in conditions being safe in light of the morning’s rain. Considering these concerns there was no other option but to abandon the day’s racing.” The abandonment of the recent meetings follows limited or no crowds being able to attend numerous race days at the New Plymouth Raceway in the last two years because of Covid-19 restrictions. There has also been a public spat between the Taranaki Thoroughbred Racing Club and the New Plymouth District Council about the long-term lease of the New Plymouth Raceway, and legal threats made by the club over a proposed $91 million multi-sport hub which is earmarked to be built at the racecourse. GRANT MATTHEW/STUFF Taranaki Thoroughbred Racing chief executive Carey Hobbs. Taranaki Thoroughbred Racing chief executive Carey Hobbs felt that the club was a victim of circumstance with heavy rain falling following an extended dry spell, while he was also concerned that protocols around abandoning meetings did not take place. The club had previously said it had followed all NZTR guidelines on moisture levels, designed to ensure the track was safe if any rain fell prior to the start of the meeting. Hobbs was reluctant to say anything further until the club’s executive met and decided a course of reply to NZTR. However, there was a “likelihood” that future meetings scheduled for New Plymouth could be transferred to Hāwera, Hobbs said. A turf specialist, under the guidance of NZTR track advisor Todd Treweek, inspected the New Plymouth course on Monday and will provide a report to racing officials. “Once that is reviewed and implemented thought will be given as to how a return to racing at New Plymouth will be managed,” NZTR said. The next scheduled New Plymouth meeting on NZTR’s calendar was on Friday, March 25. We're in this together,