Special Agent

Does the protocol mention the Stipes must be in attendance? They delegate other tasks such as issuing barrier certificates. A jockey riding a gallop can relay his/her thoughts to anyone. If that jockey thinks there's a problem the Stipe is on the end of a phone. Not sticking up for either side as I'm not sure of the exact wording of that protocol. I don't think excuses should be made for not galloping prior to the races. Even tracks that don't have horses trained on site should source some for the exercise, like Tauherenikau does.

And yet there seems to be no worries about losing Boys Get Paid, pretty much guaranteed oncourse turnover. Those numbers and dollars spent would take some replacing. The type of clientele the Grand Tour attracts is a whole different ball game. Clubs in different areas have different attitudes towards the same assignment.

I think a valid point is the fact that clubs only receive commission from oncourse turnover. Reefton's might go a tad further than Ellerslie's.

The wording is beautiful, isn't it. From mid-January ... How is the disparity between stake money and on-course turnovers for the two clubs explained away?

Sally McKay Nikki Blatch Robert Dennis Terry Kennedy

I guess it is up to you to contact the elected reps for programming to give your views. Maybe get the draft programme emailed to you by the Canterbury Secretary, Ainsley McLeod.

Central Districts and Otago/Southland also have 4, Northern has 6

John Blackadder Kezia Murphy Matthew Pitman Michael Pitman

It seems there are four trainers on this committee so, you can't blame one trainer for any problems.

There was mention of a sales complex being part of the new Waikato training facility so, the shock should be at a minimum.

Do they not now? I suppose there are some who have the wrong genetic makeup to be referred to as sir.

I think the horses were tougher, and it was okay if the people said the odd word out of place.

The Stipes Report said two horses blundered and riders voiced their concerns. I therefore don't think a track inspection is an unreasonable request.

I see, Race 1. There were riders who rode later in the day but, can't have been in a hurry to be on track for the first. That sort of thing is more usual on a jumping day.

Was it no rider, or no suitable rider?