Special Agent

I can't comment on either of those contributions but, it's all about the quality of content. I wouldn't have thought it would be the job of Te Akau or Wexford to drive turnover though. Whatever they are putting out is for their own benefit.

I see Winton JC is racing at Ascot Park on Sunday. Someone on here can correct me if I am wrong but, I thought thoroughbreds were still trained there, and harness race there. Why on earth do the gallopers not race there too?

That's an interesting comment. The racecourses that are deemed to be surplus and thus judged in the amateur hobby category and should be sold will be the freehold ones. To me that would make those debt free clubs self sustaining businesses. Yet those which have been managed with some professionalism need to be sold to prop up the dysfunctional and poorly managed clubs. The sad thing about these decisions is that someone is getting paid good money to make them.

I don't think so. How far do you think the funds from the sale of the tracks that could be sold would have gone? And more importantly, what do you think the money would have been spent on? I doubt there would be pristine surfaces and decent safe horse facilities at the remaining courses. Then have a little count up of what is spent in wages at some of these clubs. The sale of one CD racecourse heading for the chopping block would only cover the wages of another club for up to two years. Would the industry be better off ... the answer is a definite no.

I think the complication and overload of computerised and analysed information can be a turn off. Sometimes a one line quote from a trainer in their own environment as opposed to raceday is more valuable and usable. There is a misconception about what does and doesn't drive turnover. Not every customer is equal.

The article may be slightly misleading. The scribe says the horse has been retired to Windsor Park. Mark Walker says Wild Night will see his days out as a pleasure horse. Windsor Park wouldn't have enough paddocks to retire all the horses bred by them. My money is on Wild Night joining Gina Schick's Event Stars for a time until rehomed to a different equestrian discipline.

I don't get your argument. Tauherenikau patrons mostly come from Wellington. Isn't that the attraction for a townie, a trip to a country race meeting? Why don't the Messara Report lovers all stand up and admit they were wrong??!! Hard working members, committees and volunteers from country clubs across the nation do themselves proud on a shoe string budget, yet are still expected to throw their hands in the air and relinquish not only their race dates, but their assets too. Kumara, Motukarara, Kurow, Omakau, Cromwell, Stratford, Thames, Te Teko etc have all had regular bigger crowds than Waipukurau which seems to have gone unnoticed by George, yet wouldn't he have called at the latter two? Have Woodville, Waipukurau, Waverley, Otaki and Hawera been thanked for stepping up when the "best" tracks in CD have under performed, and not been able to perform at all?

Do you think most of the renovation problems stem from getting back onto the tracks too soon, not giving them time to consolidate?

Point 1 - I agree the one off and being starved of racing creates a winner for Waipukurau. Point 2 - It may because the atmosphere will be different and there may be a slightly different customer. Point 3 - What does NZTR have to do with it? I'd say a lot. Many of the community racecourses are on the NZTR radar to be cashed up. Oncourse turnover provides income to the clubs which NZTR should notice, encourage and applaud.

I see she got 4 weeks. I have a feeling it might be 6 weeks here if you cause a fall but, someone might be able to correct me on that.

Entain coming on board looked like a reprieve to me. We went along to the presentations and listened to the enthusiasm which gave a glimmer of hope amongst what seemed a fantasy. Then a number at the top fell or were pushed from the perch. Even if we all wagered another $100 per week I don't know how we'd increase turnover to the required level. There have been so many new people employed surely someone has a different formula for success, other than selling assets.

Waipukurau is back on Sunday and I'd imagine it will be a huge oncourse event as a one off on a good day to attract the public. The trick is to replicate that at every meeting for the club. Who knows what a good oncourse experience might produce, owners, workers etc. NZTR should never underestimate the community event. The carnivals at the metropolitan venues are all well and good but, not the be all and end all of NZ Racing, despite what those who are knighted might tell us.

Over 36 million video views across VRC’s digital channels, up 63% year-on-year. Isn't that a stat! In contrast, did I see where TVNZ didn't show the NZ Trotting Cup? Awareness must come from many avenues. No Trackside Radio is a huge loss, in my eyes.

The customer experience is so important so, I expect club officials to work tirelessly to achieve a high standard every time. Has anyone seen results of the NZTR survey yet?

"Struan’s background as a global executive and Board Chair, coupled with his experience leading digital and marketing-focused enterprises, adds considerable commercial insight." I listened to an interview with Heather du Plessis-Allen. I can only reflect on previous appointments and concur with others making comment on here. You meet these people with optimism and enthusiasm, then they ultimately disappoint. Time will tell but, I feel we are going down a track that has some familiarity. Does anyone else think a lot of the people racing administration attracts are professional board directors? The idea seems to be no matter the industry the same rules apply and you get well paid to cut and paste? Innovation and a fresh perspective seems to be too much to expect. If the crowd at Riccarton is as Chief described some areas of racing may be picking up. I'd hate to think it's all just a well dressed piss up. The next objective will be to extend the young people's stay in the industry.