Special Agent

Otaki would set the fee so, if you think venue hireage is too low maybe have a chat to them. I don't know which clubs you are comparing with for fairness. I note Masterton pay $8K venue hire. Funding is made up of many aspects. I'm picking the $17K is for being a part of the Christmas at the Races model for one of the meetings. The other amounts allocated to funding have been negotiated over the years, you'd have to thrash it out with whoever is looking after that now at club and/or NZTR level, if you are concerned Levin is receiving more than their share. Until recently the LRC ran a Group 1 and two listed races, probably deserving the level of funding received.

According to the performance report on the Incorporated Societies website course rental for 2024 and 2025 are both the same at $30,000. With 3 meetings, each one cost $10,000. Like every other cost in New Zealand those fees are destined to increase.

What a bad idea to have the Levin Classic running at Trentham in early January. Numbers being low today is no doubt a hang over from running the "Classic" day on a Thursday or Friday. Sunday is a great day for the club, and one they can build on.

They pay a rental which will be found on the club's financials. They wouldn't be expected to fund the Otaki club over and above that.

What do you mean?

The Levin Racecourse is on lease for up to another 30 years. Maybe NZTR should come back when that agreement expires.

It's on the Levin Racing Club website.

What does the front page article in the Manawatu Standard today tell you about that club? Should it be sold to prop up the likes of RACE?

Cromwell is one club that continues to attract good betting figures. Does that put Cromwell on a par with Ellerslie as far as a quality product is concerned? I guess quality product needs to be defined.

NZTR are not only after tracks owned by clubs that do not have the funds to maintain them.

Greed and narrow mindedness. We can't encourage someone we don't like, despite their product. Also despite any starting gate sponsorship they might offer a track we'd like to make surplus. We live in a complex world of weird personalities. I've seen a bit over the last decade I wish I hadn't witnessed. Everyday in racing I'm seeing some mental shit. You are definitely right. A tiny home, or multiple tiny homes, should be used in every stable, stud, training facility etc for housing staff and families, if only for security.

I could write a book on this subject. It is very frustrating. I have, however, been involved with some groups where we've given some different ideas a go. Not all of our actions were successful but, a lot was learned from our mistakes and some of the ideas were adapted and grown. One thing I have learned is that just throwing money at something is not a sure fire answer to most problems.

Various groups within the industry will say they are working together when the fact is in reality they are not. The backstabbing and egotistical attitudes are disheartening. If everyone was working towards making racing the best it can be they wouldn't be jealous of other participants and clubs, and wouldn't be trying to strip others of glory or funds. There is room for everybody. Poor riding is a definite turn off. Riders can't improve without practice and opportunity. NZTR have concepts in place to promote improved skills, like the elite riders programme. Some fall outs from it prove it needs tweaking. Personally I think the name of it alone lends itself to problems of attitude on two counts. I'm not sure that everything requires a label.

And how much did he win? I think they'd be in front, plus the immeasurable amount of fun. There are cheap ones and expensive ones at every sale that turn out decent racehorses, and flops. I think it's great it's not just a matter of spending the most to get the best.

So much can be achieved if everyone is on the same page. Ego's, hidden agendas and stupidity tend to take over in some places.