Chimbu

https://www.racenet.com.au/news/samantha-collett-booked-for-international-jockeys-challenge-at-saudi-cup-20220130 Collett’s Super-Rich Saudi Cup Coup Jockey Samantha Collett will be making the trip to Saudi Arabia to compete in the jockeys challenge ahead of the $20m Cup. Picture: Grant Peters — Trackside Photography. By Trenton Akers 02:33pm • 30 January 2022 0 Comments Brisbane-based jockey Samantha Collett will fulfil a lifelong dream of riding on the world stage after accepting an invitation to compete in the super-rich Saudi Cup jockeys’ challenge at Riyadh later this month. The premiership-winning Kiwi hoop now calls Queensland home but will be chasing the huge money on offer against some of the world’s best in the points-based competition. Competing on both dirt and turf, Collett says she is champing at the bit to get to Saudi Arabia after knocking back an offer in its very first year. “I turned it down a few seasons ago when I was back home because I was staying to ride a horse in the Derby,” Collett said. “With Danielle Johnson getting her opportunity, it has presented itself again, it will be pretty amazing I’d say.” Fellow Kiwi jockey Lisa Allpress made history in 2020 when she became the first female to ever win a race in Saudi Arabia when she won the opening leg of the international jockeys’ challenge. The challenge is run across four US$400,000 races, with the jockey with the most points at the end of the night taking home a $30,000 bonus. Jockeys rides are randomly selected prior to the races, mirroring that of competitions also run in Japan and Hong Kong. Samantha Collett will compete in the lucrative series later this month. Picture: Grant Peters — Trackside Photography. Collett will join the recently retired Glen Boss in Riyadh, but she remains typically laid back about what is in store for her trip. “I’m not too sure how it came about to be honest, Lisa Allpress went over and had some success a few years ago and she is from New Zealand so I think they were just looking for another good Kiwi,” she said. “I’m there for the Friday (Feb 25) night at this stage but I am going to be there for five nights, I will be there for the barrier draw, the Saudi Cup and then some trackwork on the Thursday, we race the Friday and the big races over the weekend. “Bossy is coming from here too, it is going to be awesome. I’m not too sure how it works, it is some kind of points system. “ I went to one in Japan a few seasons ago on the back of winning a premiership and it was amazing, so good, they paid us well and put on a good show and the racing was on another level. “The whole culture thing over there is going to be interesting for sure.” Collett is one of just nine jockeys already announced for the lucrative event, with another five still to come. Jockeys from the UK, Ireland, America, France and Sweden are also represented on the night so far.

From today's stipe's report. Read it & weep. GENERAL The timing mechanism for Race 1,2 and 3 was activated by hand.

Isn't it disappointing to read that the 1200m races at Trentham were hand timed today? You'd think that they would be able to manage to have electronic timing working for a G1 sprint. Clearly not! From the stipe's report: GENERAL Times recorded for 1200 metre races down the shute today were hand timed.

Let's make that isn't a bad pony.

Was rapt to see Levante get her day in the sun. The second horse is a bad pony, either.

Having now read most of the documentation out for consultation, including the rule changes, I am still at a loss to understand what this statement - High-performing horse trainers will no longer have to compete against those who have a lower-cost operating model. - means & how it will manifest itself in training/racing in the future. Anyone out there who does understand it, can you please enlighten this dummy. I understand through reading the docs that some people might have to jump through some 'tick box' hoops to satisfy the licencing authorities to retain their current status (with a new name). Will some baulk at this? Maybe, even probably. I see their point when most of them would be able to run rings around those examining their capabilities for the purpose of licencing them under the propsed regime. As an aside, I also smiled when reading all the references to he/she throughout the documents. Most major organisations policy documents are now written to cater for those who don't wish to be gender-defined. Like it, or not, our policy/rule writers are still in the dark ages with regard to how to draft suitable policy on this matter.

All the best to you as well, Freda. Hope those horses add to the fun over the festive season.

If my sources are correct this is the second Taranaki meeting to be moved in recent times where the reason stated by NZTR has been less than honest. I suspect the reasons are different in each case though.

Big congrats to Diane, Mark & Paul. The latter has had a checkered career, but he is a good horseman. The former, Diane, is an awesome person. I've known her since the 1960's. She's a lovely, lovely lady.

Why aren't the local administrators being proactive? OR are they, but their voices are not being heard or acted upon by southern trainers?

I think this article from the Sydney Morning Herald of 27 Aug by Damien Ractliffe answers the question how/why the property was rented out during lockdown. "The owner of a Mornington Airbnb which hosted six people on Wednesday night including Victoria’s leading jockey Jamie Kah and three other riders, said she feels disgusted her holiday home was used for an illegal party. Kah was on Friday suspended for the entire spring racing carnival, along with Ben Melham, Ethan Brown and Celine Gaudray for breaching COVID-19 protocols at a house party at a Mornington Airbnb on Wednesday night. The quartet, along with two non-racing people, were each fined over $5000 for breaking curfew and the five-kilometre radius limit after police were called to the Tallis Drive property just before midnight on Wednesday following reports of a noise complaint. The owner of the luxurious four-bedroom home with pool, who wishes to stay anonymous, told The Age she “feels used” after learning that her home had been used for an illegal house party. The property, which sleeps 10, is advertised at $533 per night with a minimum two-night stay. The owner said she had been told by her property manager that the woman who booked the property intended to stay by herself over the two days. It was the third time the person had booked the property. “It was just in passing that my husband had mentioned my neighbour had called him and said, ‘hey, just so you know, there were all these police [officers at the home]’,” the owner told The Age. “I didn’t even know anybody was staying there. I called my property manager, and she said, ‘yep, that lady is back, she’s got all the paperwork, don’t worry about it’.” But the owner said she was devastated to learn her property had been used illegally when it had played a significant role in helping people out during the pandemic. “We have hosted doctors and nurses in the past when Frankston hospital was in lockdown; we’ve hosted heaps of people,” she said. “I’ve hosted people that have come out of hospital, people for mental health reasons that have got exemptions, people that have had floods in their properties. There are 1000 reasons why people need to vacate their home or need short-term accommodation and that’s what my house was there for. “I’m disgusted by it to be honest. I feel used. “There was only one listed on the property to stay there, she’s stayed there two times before … at the end of the day, what are you supposed to do? “I’m really mortified to think I’ve aided someone in [breaching COVID-19 rules].” The property is used by the family as a holiday home but rented out when they’re not there. The owner said she believed people who wanted to stay at the property needed an exemption or permitted reason to stay in Airbnbs. Health Minister Martin Foley condemned the jockeys’ actions at Friday morning’s COVID-19 press conference, saying that he was bitterly disappointed. Racing Minister Martin Pakula said that the riders’ actions were “beyond disappointing” and “mind-boggling”. Kah was due to ride group 1 Memsie Stakes favourite Behemoth in Saturday’s $1 million race, while Melham had been booked to ride Beau Rossa. Both were suspended for three months, which will see them miss the entire spring carnival. Racing Victoria boss Giles Thompson said her absence would be a severe blow to the carnival, both from a media, marketing and general interest perspective, but no-one could be above the rules - especially in such serious circumstances. RELATED ARTICLE Updated Horse racing ‘Deeply embarrassed’: Star jockeys banned for three months over COVID-19 breaches “Jamie Kah is an extraordinary jockey and a great jockey to watch and to not have her there will undoubtedly diminish our carnival. “However these protocols are there for a good reason and no one is above these protocols and it is really important that everyone in our sport, no matter who they are, abides by these protocols. “The community has taken great interest in this story and I’m not surprised by the reaction I have heard directly and also seen [on social media]. The reaction is of real disappointment. People understood in our industry how privileged it was to continue and what we had to do to continue. “So to have senior members of our racing community breach the protocols and show such disrespect to everyone else in that community is truly disappointing.” Immediately after the bans were handed down Kah, who became the first rider to steer home 100 metropolitan winners in Victoria last season, apologised on Twitter. “I am deeply embarrassed and disappointed with myself. There is no excuse for what I have done and I have let down my family and friends, the racing industry and all Victorians who are doing the right thing in this lockdown,” Kah posted."

Oh, to be young again. Still, I seem to remember that way back then I avoided spilling my alcohol (obviously I liked it too much) & tried to keep my blood to myself. https://247newsaroundtheworld.com/covid-19/inside-the-luxury-melbourne-airbnb-where-jamie-kah-and-three-other-jockeys-broke-lockdown/ Inside the luxury Melbourne Airbnb where Jamie Kah and three other jockeys broke lockdown COVID - 19 August 28, 2021 Updated: 3 mins ago By247 News Around The World The personal relationship of arguably Australia’s best jockey was ‘on the rocks’ before a ‘mind boggling’ Covid-19 rule breach at a luxury Airbnb earlier this week. Leading hoop Jamie Kah, 25, who is engaged to fellow rider Clayton Douglas, was charged with breaking curfew rules in Victoria and fined $5,452. It will prove to be an expensive mistake, with the nation’s best female rider, who rode over 100 winners this season, banned from the lucrative Spring Carnival, where she could have earned up to $300,000. Fellow jockeys Ben Melham, Ethan Brown and Celine Gaudray were also suspended by furious officials at Racing Victoria following a wild evening at the $500-a-night Airbnb on Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula on Wednesday. Gun jockey Jamie Kah (pictured) let her hair down this week with fellow jockeys in breach of Covid rules following relationship dramas with fiancé Clayton Douglas ( the couple, pictured above) Ms Kah and Mr Douglas have reportedly been living apart recently as the couple work through ‘relationship difficulties,’ the Herald Sun reported. The development comes as a cleaner has claimed the luxury Airbnb holiday house was trashed. The cleaner found what she believed to be blood stains and wine marks smeared on the floors and even the couch at the lavish short-stay rental in Mornington, south of Melbourne, when she arrived on Friday afternoon. Several other workers and steam cleaners were required to scrub the three-level property, which sold for $1,225,000 last year. Jockey Jamie Kah issued an apology via Twitter on Friday writing, ‘I am deeply embarrassed and disappointed with myself’ Several cleaning crew, steam cleaners and a mobile pool cleaner were required to scour an Airbnb property (pictured) on Friday that held illegal party attended by star jockey Jamie Kah The Mornington Airbnb owners were reportedly under the impression the booking was made by essential workers according to an apology letter penned to neighbours ‘The place was totally trashed, an absolute mess,’ the cleaner told the Herald Sun earlier this week. ‘There was blood everywhere, on the couch. The red wine looked like it had been walked through the house.’ A neighbour, who wished not be named, told the publication she knew the owners of the house, saying they were ‘extremely apologetic and angry about what happened’. She also heard the police bang on the door of the rental home just after midnight, saying: ‘It got really noisy. You could literally hear everything.’ Police were called to the Tallis Drive property due to a noise complaint just before midnight, reportedly after a tip-off from an estranged partner of one of the jockeys. ‘Upon arrival officers located six people inside, all allegedly outside their 5km radius and in breach of curfew,’ Victoria Police said in a statement. All six were fined $5,452 each for breaching the directions of the chief health officer. The four riders also pleaded guilty to charges laid by racing stewards, of ‘failure or refusal to comply with an order, direction, or requirement of the stewards or an official’. Champion jockey Jamie Kah (left) and three other riders including apprentice Celine Gaudray (right) have been fined for breaking Melbourne’s lockdown for an Airbnb party Stewards suspended the racing licences of all four jockeys for three months. Kah has apologised for her behaviour. ‘I am deeply embarrassed and disappointed with myself,’ she said in a statement on Twitter. ‘There is no excuse for what I have done and I have let myself down, my family and friends, the racing industry and all Victorians who are doing the right thing in this lockdown. ‘I deserve the penalty handed down by the stewards and will take the time to reflect on my actions and its impact on so many people.’ Cleaners described the rental as ‘totally trashed’ witnessing blood and wine stains on the carpet and couch A two-day racing tribunal inquiry into the incident concluded on Friday. The suspension expires at midnight on November 25. The stewards said they took into account the riders’ guilty pleas and expressions of remorse, but the penalties had to be sufficient to deter others from Covid breaches. Any appeal must be lodged within three days. Jockey Ben Melham won’t be racing Group 1 Memsie Stakes favourite Beau Rossa at Melbourne’s Caulfield Racecourse on Saturday Ethan Brown was one of four jockeys stood down for 14 days after alleged Covid breach Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley said he was ‘bitterly disappointed’ with the jockeys. ‘We are always disappointed when people do not follow the rules and we understand Racing Victoria are taking immediate measures and … will send a strong message,’ he told reporters on Friday. Racing Victoria chief executive Giles Thompson condemned the riders’ actions. ‘These individuals could have put at risk the very continuance of our sport and also blatantly disregarded the broader community implications through their selfish and thoughtless actions,’ he said in a statement on Thursday. He also warned of the ‘critical need’ for the industry to follow Covid-19 directives ahead of the Spring Racing carnival. The racing industry has been allowed to keep operating under Covid restrictions and Racing Victoria says more than 750 race meetings have been held safely since the pandemic began. Last year’s Melbourne Cup carnival was held without spectators at the usually packed Flemington Racecourse. Post source: Daily mail 247 News Around The World

There is no mention of RACE on the WRC (except for a Punters Club that hasn't been operative for a while) or OMRC websites either.

Seems that maybe RACE Inc no longer exists? https://awapuniracing.co.nz/ Awapuni Racing Centre Welcome to the home of Manawatu Racing Club, Marton Jockey Club, Rangitikei Racing Club, Feilding Jockey Club and Ashhurst Pohangina Racing Club

I wonder whether there would be any merit in a system that suspended the financial penalties in minor cases such as this where the licence holder has a clean history over an extended period. For instance- no fine payable if the respondent keeps a clear record (with random testing in place) for a period (say 3-5 years). The respondent would be expected to pay some/all initial costs and any disqualifications would still be imposed & any charge of a similar nature during the 'grace period' would see a cumulative penalty imposed. I understand that we want the game to be squeaky clean, but we also must be aware of the parlous situation of the game here in NZ & losing good people for a single rule breech due to the quantum of the penalty seems counter-productive. Let's try using carrots, not sticks to ensure racing remains free of prohibited drugs.

Yep, that was $6 saved for me, but overall, likely many turnover $$$'s lost to them.

If they all stand when the time comes it will be a massive shit fight. The issues will get lost in the character assassinations & one-upmanship. Not great news for Auckland should it happen like this.

Unless he gets a 'Molloy team' elected with him, he'll soon learn that he, like all councillors, only has one vote. Making wholesale change as a lone wolf is near impossible & if you alienate the other councillors & the staff (who can make life difficult if you have shit on them) your term in office will be lonely and most uncomfortable. Another observation from my time around the traps is that narcissists and local government go together like oil & water. On that basis, I'm now going out to buy a huge supply of popcorn and a new recliner so I can settle in for one hell of a ride while this plays out.

As CS says " Congrats". It is great to see a small stable get a share of the chocolates. Well done!

I had a side bet with my partner over whether this would happen. Happy to win a bet, but proving to be right is just another sign of how close the industry is to imploding. I think it is about time we started recruiting new personnel. Let's start with professional fire fighters to douse the flames from a fallen industry & a large bird which emanates from Greek Mythology so we can rebuild from the ground up.

She's going to be really pleased when that foal is weaned.

As well as brave he is a very well balanced horse. He managed to keep up/increase his momentum while making several directional changes. Even more amazing is that he is willing and able to do this given that he is one year down the track from a very serious injury. It is a credit to the horse, the trainer/stable and those who rehabilitated him.

I'm still pretty sure that the CD jumping fraternity would welcome, Freda (or more of her jumping horses should she prefer to remain Canterbury or SI-based). I'd certainly be interested to know how the likes of KTM see the short/med/long term future of jumping here & in Oz. When/if he packs it in then you know that part of the game is well & truly a lost cause.

Freda, maybe the CD is beckoning you? You'd be welcome to join the training ranks up here.

Not that I want to disagree, but..... Given history are we sure that this new broom is going to sweep any better given most of the bristles appear to be the same type or re-used?