Special Agent

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.

Coppins and Fredericks. A healthy collect for all who bought a piece of the investment.

You have to find a club that's not operating a closed shop first.

A little bit of planning, some enthusiasm and involvement from everyone on the club committee and it wouldn't be that hard. I like your "tiny version" term. Tiny homes are an in thing just now. Correlation is excellent.

Did you have a share in the two Des's jackpot? I also remember amongst others on the organising panel were Wendy Cooper and Lisa O'Sullivan. I don't know if it was ever repeated but, it should have been.

I guess that's what the Thoroughbred Week in Australasia is trying to achieve. The Horse Expo many moons ago at Ellerslie definitely brought an awareness to everyday NZ'ers. Good on France for what they are doing. You have to love anything that brings attention back to the horses and people involved, and turning your back on the OTT health and safety regulations and the woke people for a brief time.

This intrigues me somewhat. Which tracks aren't producing anything and costing more to keep? Are they the ones on the chopping block? Awapuni hasn't produced a race meeting for a while and is costing way more to keep than most tracks in NZ. On that logic Awapuni should be the first to be cashed up.

A large percentage of people in racing must fit into the rabble category. A few of us were talking today about the various NZTR appointees over the years. The rabble had an idea of their capabilities, then they stepped up to the mark to prove the rabble correct. Same old to us Chief.