Special Agent

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?

That's why it is important all groups are represented. Poor quality isn't such as issue as low numbers for turnover. TAB and now Entain tell us regularly this is the case.

With 3 gallops meetings on a day the apprentices would get some much needed practice instead of being shoved aside for the out of area jockeys.

Remind me what Messara's recommendation for Levin was.

I am baffled as to how a positive story about the Southland club having run a successful event for 17 years with a decent profit put back into racing as instructed by NZTR, has turned into a negative rant.

You are talking about an ideal world. Are you telling me you have never sat through meetings where no one gets it? Three or four meetings in and the rest of "the team" finally twig. Opposing view = opponents in my book. Some cannot look at the situation from everyone's perspective, the bigger picture. Trainers are pretty good at talking through lead up race options and any pitfalls with points allocation with the ratings system, the logistics of travelling and campaigning, which group of horses struggle to get consistent starts etc. Clubs are looking at it from a more selfish angle, what's best for their day and turnover.

I don't know the dynamics of the southern programming committee. Is there only one trainer on it? That can be corrected at Trainers Assn level. Several trainers have a voice in CD and are usually prepared with what hasn't worked, what might not work and new ideas to be discussed.

There are other notable trainers from Central and North to attract the punting dollar though. Quite a lot of scratchings today. I find the programme a bit odd. A $100K Cup, $40K MAAT, $30K Sprint and the rest $18,500.

Exactly mikey. The SRC is a racing club where the core business is racing. How many other clubs have 100 marquees/tents pre-sold for a race meeting? To me the $750K, even though like Sean said was originally a huge risk, is a real investment into their event. The fact that their profit of $120K goes into stakes speaks volumes, and is exactly what NZTR has asked of clubs for a long time now. How does anyone know that none of that profit, or money gained by other means, doesn't go into track maintenance? A balance sheet is not the whole story either. There are many factors making up a club's existence. It is easy to make assumptions from what you see from the outside. I can relate such perceptions of the most successful jumpouts in the country. Yes, other entities would like a share of the profits. The overheads to run any successful event are usually substantially more expensive than most would envisage. You have to speculate to accumulate. Congratulations Southland. What an example to other clubs!

What a great job Southland are doing! After 17 years it's still a party and a raging success. What makes the southern shindig inferior to Riccarton's leg of the Grand Tour? This club knows what it's customers want, and prepared to pay for. They are engaging with the community, which is not what happens at Trentham or Ellerslie. When Ascot Park loses it's title of the only track in NZ to host all three codes I hope they can find a profitable use for the inside of the two remaining racing surfaces. Does anyone have any ideas what the greyhound track area could be used for? Velodrome, pony races, dog walking, athletics, retired greyhound sanctuary, something equestrian, pony livery/pony club/riding school, trackwork rider and apprentice school ???

Yes he was. A generous man too. The hospitals would notice him gone.

No, who benefits is anyone's guess. If everything racing was as black and white as the Chief thinks dates and committees would be a piece of cake. The sector groups would meet, apply common sense and everyone in the industry would benefit. Some dates appear to be set in stone and are almost impossible to change. At the moment the trend is Sunday dates for an increased turnover, until another idea surfaces. Aren't the draft calendars out now, so the time to question, query and suggest changes is right now? Like Kenny suggested though, little notice is taken even with multiple back ups. If dates are not working, like the Ashburton example, stronger submissions will be required with backing from every group. Someone with time on their hands needs to co-ordinate a different approach with an improved turnover plan top of the agenda. I don't know what the answer is, other than a different approach. I think online meetings take away the importance and provide dismissive attitudes. You can't beat looking at the whites of your opponents eyes.

In simple terms I think racing needs to be made relevant, and cool again. I think our leaders are under estimating the power of the smaller clubs and surrounding communities. The people on here want to see the best horses and jockeys. The people we need to entice on track just want a memorable experience.

After reading your comments this morning I've been thinking about Chris today. Can anyone ever recall him being grumpy?

Shops and roads were mental today with all that last minute Christmas shopping. After trackwork this morning thought I'd grab a couple of things. What a stupid idea! Queues outside The Warehouse waiting for it to open. Then the supermarket was jam packed. The shops are closed for just one day for crying out loud. Some marketing genius needs to transfer that urgency to the Boxing Day races. I'm trying to think back to what created anticipation for weeks leading up to the carnival at Ellerslie. It's a different world of no newspapers where you might share and discuss at smoko. The age of the device can be a secluded experience. One thing is for sure, there does appear to be less disposable cash, the Boxing Day sales will no doubt be in full force again. This all impacts on life, and a day out at the races. Clubs need to be much more organised with pre-paid packages, and more inventive with everything on offer.

My answer to the question is YES.

These types of injuries take time and patience. It will be frustrating for Lily, as it has been for jockeys in a similar position but, she's young with strength and courage. If she has to miss a season or two, what does it matter?

Were you on the Levin committee Chief when Hastings was being considered as the venue for the Classic meeting? It sounds like you know all the business of LRC over a multitude of eras.

Apart from the free rent at Otaki that is obviously rubbing you up the wrong way, what is your beef with Levin? I don't know any group that is holier than thou so, I'm not sure what you are implying.

Who told you Awapuni was ever an option? If there is a rate for a facility or service which has been negotiated by the parties, and is more than the going rate, where is the problem? Maybe you should offer your consultancy services to Ben at Otaki.

I would imagine Otaki would send Levin an invoice for course rental which would be paid. I'd also imagine it would be the same rental amount paid by Kapiti Harness and whichever RACE club have utilised the course. Has Otaki suggested Levin specifically don't pay their share?