Walt

We could see that coming Chief. It will cause major inconvenience but those involved couldn't possibly care less. It will also stir up further racial division now those involved have got used to getting their own way with bells on in recent years.

Lot of dosh to be made from ciggies so the sellers have to decide if the reward is worth the risk. Previous Government sent a very strong message to thugs. 1) Reducing the prison population by 30% was great news for thugs. 2) Anderson the Minister of Justice said Prison is no place for Maori. More great news for thugs. 3) Judges gifting out large sentence discounts on already weak sentences was more great news for thugs. 4) Gifting free passes for gangs was even more great news for thugs. Change the above dynamic and you change the outcome. This straightforward situation didn't make sense to Labour and contradicted their agenda. End result was the balance was shifted in favour of thugs at the expense of law abiding kiwis. Mercifully, the balance will now work in favour of everyday kiwi's and the risk v reward for thugs is against them.

What has substance and what doesn't can depend on the lens you view it through. My moral compass is exactly where I want it to be but I appreciate your concern. There is a massive difference between making an error and telling blatant lies. It's unfortunate that you are unable to see the difference or even recognize if it's relevant. Politicians often use advisors to fill in gaps in their knowledge. I believe that's what occurred in regard how many outlets will sell cigarettes. Luxon has had an enormous amount on his plate and much of that involves the future of NZ. The issue you're making a mountain out of a mole hill over would likely be the least important issue he's been asked repeatedly to comment on by media desperate to produce copy even if only to curry favour with other alleged journalists, grasp for a gotcha moment and justify their own existence and agenda. Small outlets that sell cigarettes have been under relentless attack by thugs in recent years and those attacks are showing no sign of abating despite the ongoing severe risk. There's your context.

I'm hoping Chief will add a "yawn" emoji. I'll just put it on automatic with your posts H.R. It's getting to the stage I'm getting worried you may hurt yourself by banging your head into a wall repeatedly. Hopefully you still have some Arnica left. Are you sure you're not a spokesman for the Labour Party? if so, you know the election is over. Would you like me to repeat the result? Be kind to yourself H.R. Accept the election outcome and that Labour won't be back in Government until at least 2032

Jack O'Donnell was a superb caller both with the gallops and trots. I still remember his phrases. "This time" to start the race and when reading the dividends it was the win machine and the place machine. Would love to hear a recording of one of his calls. What a bummer you didn't transfer the Nelson victory from VHS to DVD. Pretty sure he called mud lark galloper Mr Richmond home for me on the Coast down the outside running rail. Jack raced Cup Class Pacer Happy Asset with Tim Butt. He won the 1999 Auckland Cup beating Yulestar. I didn't back him but was stoked for Jack. Funny how you can remember chapter and verse of races that are important to us. I remember Micron by Lordship well who Jack Carmichael usually drove and Trevira for the Hamilton's down South. He was 3rd in Lord Modules 1979 NZ Cup and ran in Hands Down's 1980 Cup. Both horses won a stack of races between them so great effort by High Chaparral to have rolled them. I remember Peter Malone being tall so looked less than natural in the bike. Pretty sure Trevor Boyd was also tall and drove in a similar style. I knew his son Kerry. Trevor had an average trotter called Tutaki Rodney. Form was usually 000P00P. Think he ended up winning one or two races in the Cambridge area and then being exported. I can vaguely remember the Peter Malone crash at Waterlea. Can definitely recall Murray Pash getting airborne by the finish line at either Nelson or the West Coast. Setting a horse up for a punt can be an art form. I've had the benefit of three I think. Two came off and the other backfired. You still need luck. Nothing dodgy and I'm sure many trainers have placeD their horse in a way that results in a nice payday via the tote...or bookie. I know of one unfolding at the moment for Nelson. Back when I left Nelson in the early 1980's the only gig in town for the likely lads was The Lost Breed. I knew a couple of the old boys and stayed friends with them but they are all toes up now. They stood out mostly because they were the only bikers in Nelson but apart from a couple of loose cannons they were mostly harmless. A big surprise to me returning to Nelson was to see all the gangs down here...apart from The Lost Breed who have either died off or been taken over. Hopefully the new Government will make a positive difference there.

Your were snapped buying supplies H.R

Me thinks Winnie already back enjoying his single malts ...One thing for sure, he has more personality and spine than many in Wellington. I find myself enjoying Shane Jones more than expected but that could be related to his humour and the way he swats away bleeding hearts like blowflies. The squeals we are hearing to and from the media are nauseating and best treated with the contempt the deserve. I'm not sure how Luxon could have played his hand any better than he has in recent weeks. If he continues to lead as PM in a similar manner things will be fine....despite the protestations. Snowflakes are always going to be.....snowflakes. They often have extreme difficulty working out if they are Arthur or Martha but still refuse to even consider the evidence.

Great stuff Chief. Fills in some big gaps in my knowledge there. Lot's of stories to be told about the switch backs I remember trying to travel back in time on my old 750 Triumph Bonneville with a mate alongside on his Trident. Those were the days I didn't think too much about tomorrow so caring about today was not a priority........right up until coming back up a switch back and seeing a nervous looking sheep on the side of the road just ahead who decided to make a last second dash to the other side of the road. We kept our bikes upright but only just missed the sheep somehow. Almost needed a new pair of pants and the heart took a while to get back to beating normally. The old Star & Garter was a regular watering hole back in the day. The fact they had multiple pool tables lifted the appeal level. Was shocked to see just how much Richmond has grown when I came back last year. Some I've spoken to love the change. Some hate it especially the time it can take getting around. The fact they have a Pak n Save and a K Mart in Richmond but not in Nelson tells a story. We routinely go to the Silky Otter movie theatre over the road from Richmond Racecourse. I'm not sure Staggers ever raced but do know she was by Lordship and produced Ok Fella who won his share in the deep South. I remember Peter Malone well. Not only was he a well known Vet but he was also the Mayor of Nelson all through the 1980's. I remember him racing a horse called Hulabaloo in the late 1970's and managed to win a race late in her career . She picked up numerous placings. Not sure where that win came. Maybe Victoria Park. Shame they don't race there any more. Wasn't flash but I always enjoyed our trips there. Back in the day when it was not rare for horses to start twice in a night. You needed to be handy turning in to have a chance. I remember Robinson's orchards. If you wanted fruit in Nelson, chances are it came from Robinsons. Do you recall an old boy named Jack Cameron? By the look of him you'd think he owned a bakery but fairly sure Real Estate was his thing but maybe even that was to just fund his punting, especially on harness High Chaparral won his share in the 1970's. He won a two mile race at Nelson on the grass in 1973 with George Hill doing the driving as a junior driver. Paid $14 so hope you had a dollar on. Was your dad D.J? With those colours it will bring back nice memories to see Blue Sky Lady win @ Nelson.

I beg to differ H.R. ...yes, you've only offered one bet but that bet is a clear back track on your original statement that they wouldn't see out the term. Your bet offered however is that they don't win a second term. I can see why your confidence is diminishing. The Government is in the eyes of many, on the right track. Labour however are still barking at the moon with the same players all convincing each other from their echo chamber that their election drubbing was just an anomaly. Haha, good luck with that one

Re the Hill family. I assumed Brian is the son of Joe. I'm assuming Kirstie is the daughter of Brian but possibly George?. I'm assuming George is Brian's brother? Probably a silly question but is the naming of Hill Street in Richmond connected to the family? I know George was the regular driver of Single Lord but unsure if he was also the driver of McShane prior to Ray Norton taking over? George owns the handy horse "Blue Rock Dancer" in the Hope Stable and races in his colours. Winning at Nelson is still a nice target for ex local trainers so I've been keeping an eye on likely candidates for the popular January meeting. Blue Rock Dancer ran a very nice race just behind the place getters @ the Mot yesterday so is in the black book for Nelson. Noticed a horse of Dunn's win yesterday. "Divine Angel"...she started at 2-6 in the betting so somebody got plenty. She won easily so is in the groove. No doubt she will also be returning to Nelson next month. She won her only other race at Nelson in January with Bob Butt driving. Paid about $10. I was told by three different shirt pullers to get on board @ Nelson when she won. I know of some decent bets pulled off with her that day so well worth keeping a close eye on next month.

Pretty sure you stated you can't see the Government lasting three years which is any amount of time in the first term from one day to three years. Now you've changed that to not lasting longer than three years. Obviously H.R, you're backtracking on your initial statement which reflects a lack of confidence. I'm sure Chief with accept your retraction and apology . It's encouraging that you're now seeing enough positive signs with the new Government to retract your original prediction. If you keep it up you may even stop using the Sausage Roll muncher's term of a "Coalition of chaos" before long and actually vote for National yourself in 2026.

Well done H.R. You found someone who's unhappy because he didn't get all of his election wishes. As you know now, I'm about context and balance so with that in mind, be sure there are many tens of thousands of good kiwi's that are not feeling any buyers remorse whatsoever, in fact they are still celebrating the relief of the divisive & damaging Labour eggplants mercifully being gone. Now our beautiful country can get back on the road to recovery, despite the incessant bleating from losers in the cheap seats Helpful tip. Stop sucking lemons all day. That can't be good for you.

That's was just a bit ordinary. Thought he was going to go straight past and put a gap into them at the 400 and then blew to bits. He'll keep for another day as he's obviously got a lot of ability...but an issue to get sorted first. To be fair, I wasn't as confident come race time after Gold Bullion did what most of Bob's well fancied drives did on Cup Day and then a false start being called but no excuses. That's racing I guess

That's me H.R, Don Quixote at your service. You do know that just because someone says they didn't support Labour that it doesn't actually mean.....they didn't support Labour. They just want to slag off the new Government from day one but at the same time try and distance themselves from the clowns of the previous Government that were gifted a drubbing at the election.

Only shame H.R is you being bereft of a sense of humour. You're happy to set the tone with your Luxonettes bit....but when others join in you reach for the high moral ground. Yes H.R, I own my stuff . You should try it. You'll find it liberating. Repeat after me: I, Holy Ravioli admit that I have a signed photo of Chris Hipkins on my bedside table. I routinely hum a tune to the dancing Cossacks. I was devastated at Labour's drubbing in the election. I volunteer for the Labour Party and wear Roman sandals with socks on and a big wooly jumper in summer that my mother knitted for me. I believed socialism and communism were the answer to the world's problems but admit now I was so wrong. I now firmly believe the new Government are light years better than the previous bunch of clueless clowns and promise to stop barking at the moon. 1st December 2023. Sign here ------------------------- Holy Ravioli

I can see Bob Butt having a big night. He had a shocking Cup Day but has hit the ground running since. R1.....Gold Bullion looks good here but I was very impressed with Create Time on Cup Day which is my only reservation. R4.....Kikorangi Blue can win here. Due some luck and with it can win R5.....Wilma's Boy is my good thing for the night. His first up win reminded me of the very good 2 year old trotters we've seen over the years. Isn't bomb proof but can not only win this but can do so easily. Is the best 2 year old trotter in NZ in my opinion and can prove that tonight. R8.....Resolve has found his mojo again and can win this for sure. His second on Cup Day told a very positive story which I cashed in on a few days later in the Dominion and @ nice odds. Hidden Talent has talent that isn't hidden and I've been impressed with the mare Eurostyle but Resolve should be too strong for them. Any thoughts team?

I'm glad they were both able to show what they had. Bachelor Hanover was always seen as a huge plus in the bloodline. I must admit that for all these years I assumed Single Lord had gone on to be a sire and pass on his superb genes to future generations ...such a shame

They were a huge issue and it was a team effort to manage the best they could. Imagine what he could have achieved without that career ending type problem. On natural ability, he's still the best horse I've seen.

I'm really feeling for you H R. You've obviously lost all the joy in your life since the Spanish Archer was delivered to the Sausage Roll man and his team of bewildered troglodytes. You're switching between peeping out the curtains feeling resentment at those outside smiling and chasing after cars trying to bite the tyres of any driver you see looking happy. I hope those feelings pass soon and your fears / nightmares about the new Government are not realized. Then we can have the happy cheerful and very positive Holy Ravioli back with us. Remember, you're special

I almost feel sorry for him Chief....almost

Ces hadn't been a Tasmanian since Jesus was in short pants and was proud to be ....Kiwi Gammalite was a beauty and you always knew what you were going to get but both the horse and Bruce Clarke knew if the real Lord Module turned up he'd give them both a cold when he flashed by. It would have been deflating knowing the best they could hope for is a minor placing but I appreciate your optimism

You must be even more confused than it first appeared. If you didn't support the previous Government, who did you support? It clearly wasn't National, NZF or ACT as you began your small doggie humping away at a leg while they are still in the starting gates. It can't be one of the 1% parties as with their numbers there was no pathway into Parliament, let alone Government. It can't be the Maori Party as they are celebrating at the moment and you're clearly not a happy camper...aka , bitter and twisted. It can't be the Eggplant Party...oops The Green Party. Were you barking at the moon on Election Night tortellini ? You say Maori deserted Labour in droves. That statement should be examined. Most people deserted Labour in droves. Labour expected Maori to vote for them in big numbers but sadly, Maori often don't engage in the system for whatever reason. Apathy one of those reasons. When they do, it's invariably what's in it for them rather than the greater good which is why they voted for the Maori Party despite knowing there was little hope of them being part of the Government. Labour expected to win the election via voting from the trans community, LBGTQ, Maori, tenants and those on the minimum wage. There was never going to be enough of them and that's even if you ignore those groups not being known for engaging in the process. How is it clear the Government is paying off their donors ? If that is correct which I dispute, was Labour guilty of the equivalent? Virtue signaling is not done for fun. Sepuloni is not Deputy Leader on merit. She wouldn't know if her arse was on fire. She's there because she's female and has a Pacific Island background. Poto Williams was NZ's worst ever Minister of Police but she was female and Maori. Kiri Allan was NZ's worst ever Minister of Justice.....but she was female, Maori and lesbian so ticked all the virtue signaling boxes. Labour gambled on losers and.....lost. I'm sure Luxon, Peters and Seymour will be losing sleep that you don't think they'll go the full term. Many I've spoken with are convinced they will do at least three terms because they are on a much better balanced path now and it will take that long for people to forgive the inept Labour Party who remarkably are pressing on exactly like nothing has happened. That is both sad and hilarious in equal measures. I wasn't a fan of Luxon and said so but I feel he's played his hand rather well. I agree that he has a habit of answering different questions with the same answer but my respect for our media has long since departed so I feel more understanding of his tactic now. Speaking of slogans. I see the sausage roll munching trannie cheerleader repeatedly referring to the new Government today as the "Coalition of Chaos". Somebody should tell him the election is over and he got spanked. His slogan was a fail. You and Hipkins have several things in common. Are you his brother?

Pot calling kettle black on the patronizing aspect. Your bias stands out like a runny turd on snow. Where do you get the "anti" from? If you're Native American and you're proud of your culture, does that mean you're anti white? Being a supporter of one thing, doesn't necessary follow that you are anti something else. I don't know who you mix with by my circle is mixed. Probably a few more conservative supporters than left leaning and that has increased in recent years despite everyone I know giving Mrs Ed a fair go. The talk I've been hearing over the last two years is strongly indicative of a Government that was very obviously dividing our country in the way they prioritized Maori and with the hijacking of the English language at rocket speed. These things need to be handled slowly, carefully and respectfully to all. Labour totally fcked that up trying to get it done in one electoral cycle regardless of the consequences. Their naivety was doing irreparable damage. The new Government is putting that right but is most definitely not anti Maori. That's just a cheap shot. Labour had six years to get the smoke free laws into the community but instead did a rush job late in the piece. Are they anti smoke free for doing absolutely nothing for almost six years? Anti worker? Where? Anti renter? Where? Landlords have been portrayed as villains by Labour and laws put in place that meant shithouse tenants could take the piss and many did. I saw a case where a landlord's property was trashed and no rent was paid for years. The tenancy court remarkably allowed the tenant to stay and pay the arrears at such a pathetic amount that it would take 67 years to repay the debt. Something needed to be done and it finally is. Mercifully. Anti people? You mean anti left leaning wokestars that see anyone not of their ilk as the enemy that must be wrong. People not unlike yourself that portray anyone that supports the new Government as being right wing haters of Maori etc etc? It's possible the new Government may have to tinker with the balance to get it just right but where were you when Labour threw all balance out the window with their divisive policies and priorities? Do you believe like Hipkins that asking for female toilets and changing rooms to be a safe place for women and girls is nothing more than spreading hate against the trans community? I don't know one single person that agrees with Hipkins but he lives and works in an echo chamber. Do you? I watched Hipkins desperate attempt to grab relevance with his shadow cabinet today. Same shit, different day. They have learned nothing and are just pitiful. It was their rank incompetency and divisive agenda that set up a dynamic allowing National to return to Government. If you must point your finger of judgement, that's where you should point it.