Boxie

The codes are in competition with each other but they have no control over what the NZRB decides to open a market on. The NZRB must provide betting markets for the NZ product it doesn't have to for any other racing jurisdiction. Theoretically if we follow your logic then ALL the net profit from betting on Australian races should go the relevant jurisdiction in Australia. Also under your scenario if you bet on the rugby Wallabies vs South Africa then you want all the net proceeds to go to Rugby?

Hasn't NZTR been replaced by LoveRacing?

I don't get your 21st century remark but I do know it is very very rare for top horses to run better than 2:02 on the best Met tracks rating G3 in OZ. Also Reefton hasn't factored in the drop in quality of horse running around in some grades. You only have to look at the average ratings.

They hang around to burgle Cup week. They also "hang around" at Te Rapa and we all know that track is stuffed.

Ya muppet the Global Financial Crisis hit in 2007 and 2008 and cupboard was bare. The Government was forced to borrow to keep the economy moving or else the poor people would have been hit really hard. The problem we face now is once again the Nats get things back on an even keel and start building up the war chest and in one term Labour piss it against the wall!

How can you blame HRNZ? They're not the racecourse policemen - the RIU is!!!

HRNZ frustrated by lack of communication Mon, 17 Sep 2018 Garrick Knight Ken Spicer (right), Chairman of Harness Racing New Zealand. Photo: Race Images. Harness Racing New Zealand have become frustrated with a lack of communication from Police and Racing Integrity Unit in the midst of Operation Inca and its fallout over the past fortnight. HRNZ Chairman Ken Spicer made it clear to The Informant today that the board he chairs, and its key full-time staff in Christchurch feel like they are being left out in the cold. “We had no knowledge that an investigation was going on,” he said. He confirmed HRNZ hierarchy made overtures to their RIU counterparts last year, when rumours of a race-fixing investigation were swirling. “We even had their head, Mike Godber, in front of the Board, but he wouldn’t tell us anything. “That was consistent with their ongoing policy not to comment on operational matters.” Spicer says he and Chief Executive Edward Rennell were given a cursory, non-descript ‘heads up’ by Police the night before the raids started on September 4, but with no details whatsoever about what they concerned or who was involved. “It was basically just to let us know to be prepared for some publicity the next day.” Since then HRNZ ‘higher-ups’ have been starved of any communication, and it is starting to wear thin on them. “HRNZ has sought more information and a briefing, but at this stage has had no communication from the Police and very limited communication from the RIU,” said Spicer. He said it was unacceptable in the current climate, where harness racing is on the national media stage and HRNZ is being called upon for comment and direction both from its stakeholders and media. “The Industry’s image has been severely damaged by this, but we just have to follow due process and see where all this goes.” Numerous industry licence holders and participants were arrested and charged by Police after an 18-month investigation in to alleged race-fixing in the harness racing industry. Currently all those charged by Police have also been charged with serious racing offences by the RIU and have been excluded from race, trial and workout meetings across the country. The Informant understands all, or a majority of those excluded, are seeking to appeal their exclusion this week. The RIU was asked for comment on the expected timelines of the exclusions but did not reply. More News

Well give her a bit longer and people will rate higher than $'s. Because there wont be any $'s. Anyway what does this have to do with racing? Oh that's right racing wants $'s.

Good post Reefton. Unfortunately the racing elite are well sheltered from reality. You should ask Big Davo to bring his toothbrush down and help scrub the seats for the final race meeting at Reefton. Perhaps KFE could boil the Billy and make scones for the crew. Actually I'd be up for helping make the last day one helluva in ya face celebration of everything that is truly great about racing.

Perhaps Mr Ellis should seek special sponsorship to have the World Cup of racing here. Seriously this 30,000 people employed figure gets me. Take Vets for example how many solely rely on the horse racing industry as their sole source of income? What have the fat cat breeding elite ever put back into racing other than screw with the handicapping system? Where's the worst track in New Zealand? That managed by the Breeders and they're blaming the rainfall. Of course it never rains in Hong Kong. How about if Mr Ellis spent $2m less at the sales and fixed the track themselves instead of relying on a handout? Of course by all accounts it really isn't $2m is it? As for assisting with World Cups and other international events from what I gather they more than pay that back. Plus nearly all of New Zealand gets enjoyment from them. Sadly the only racing event now that stops our nation for a few minutes each year runs on a Tuesday in another country. Oh finally Dave what did you do with the last Government handout from Winnie? Pissed it away on stakes!

Well I heard a rumour a while ago that there were some dodgy DCM's or not handed out to some NZRB bookies.

But do the Police really have much expertise in harness racing? Is the evidence coming from the RIU? One statement by the Police refers to "allegations" of doping and to contact them if anyone has any more information. Hardly sounds convincing. Also I see the Dunn's stable has been visited - I imagine the little bush lawyer relation is on the case with that visit. Remember they talked conspiracy when Dunn got charged.

Even so it has been a bit of a surreal announcement and as such it could be all wind. We all know the expertise of the RIU in these matters. Maybe the betting pattern chap is trying to justify his role?

Where has it been published that charges have been laid?

Maybe they should ask questions of the NZRB regarding bookies and employment matters.

Rubbish! So if you use that flawed concept I'd expect you to support Sports to get their fair share of the betting pie? If you did some proper analysis which you seem incapable of doing you would understand that Thoroughbred Racing has been subsidised as much as anyone. I assume you want to see Pokie money go back to the communities it was fleeced from?

What annoys me most is all the BS about amenities and facilities that need to be upgraded. The focus should be on racing surfaces. That is where the quality punting product starts from.

Any word on how NZTR and Te Rapa are going to fix their sandy track?

I was always told to sit in the front row!

I was always told as a young person to sit in the front row!

I disagree the irony I was pointing out was that the root cause of the problem in terms of new customer engagement are presenting an award. Another point is that NZTR are giving an award to a group that the NZRB have snubbed according to rumour hence their off shore betting account.

All good Genz however I think you will find that what is being done isn't being done for "free".... That's fine too. BGP have been a breath of fresh air however I think it is unfair to point the bone at "those sitting around waiting" - "those who have done nothing".... I'm sure people like Reefton would have have something to say about that. A long time stalwart of racing on the West Coast who has put many many hours and no doubt cash into keeping his club going with very little help from the salaried industry. As have many who post on this site. Perhaps BGP could do a field trip to the West Coast racing circuit next year (if it still exists after tonight) bringing their old toothbrushes so they can scrub down the seats in the stands before raceday. By the way give Reefton a call - don't bother with Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, Tinder, Tumblr, etc etc to get in touch with him. Oh the irony those who awarded BGP the media award NZTR and the Philistines are why the industry is where it is today. Can you see that irony Genz?

Yep all paid for by us stakeholders via the NZ Racing Desk.

Begs the question why didn't they do it from day one? I think he is field shy as opposed to a tardy jumper hence is storming late runs on the outside.

Don't both NZRB and NZTR spend large amounts on audience engagement and storytelling themselves? Aren't three of the other finalists on the industry payroll? Surely PJ could have been a finalist with the competitions he runs over multiple websites.