Special Agent

Are you sure the 2007 and 2008 sponsorship deal didn't?

You may have to do a fact check on that sponsorship comment with reference to the 2007 and 2008 runnings. I doubt the Otaki Maori Racing Club ever supplied sponsors for the Levin Classic.

A few things stick out to me. Depending on what clubs or committee members are selling off or developing their land surrounding the racecourse dictates the asthetics and value of the dwellings. Ellerslie and Awapuni are vastly different to Riccarton, the latter being used for affordable housing. The Trustees managing the capital providing regular revenue, I assume through investment. Have any clubs built their own houses or commercial buildings as rentals, also a form of ongoing revenue? I question whether committees make the right decisions for the future of their clubs. As far as club constitutions are concerned, these come up for review on a regular basis usually discussed in detail at an SGM. I don't know why this important process is brushed off as insignificant by many. It's a bit late after the event trying to change what's been voted on.

The RCP reports on all areas are going to be interesting. One track remaining on the West Coast seems ridiculous. No circuit, and one or two days at the one course? Where are Wairoa and Gisborne now?

There are clubs where members would sooner give their asset back to the community than to NZTR.

I was under the impression working together was a balanced regional exercise.

I believe no New Zealand racecourses have been sold since Hokitika. The racecourse selling process under the Act is lengthy and we may have a new Racing Minister to rubber stamp any facility transaction by the time Avondale or Levin is sold, notwithstanding the fact that there is an additional step with RCP's involvement. If the sale of three Waikato racecourses is not enough to fund the new venture, I can't see it happening in my lifetime. As Warren Buffett would say, don't buy anything until you have the cash to do so.

Yes, that's also what I heard. In fact, the point was made that although Auckland and Waikato are different provinces they are now considered in the northern region.

That's a good question. I don't know how many clubs built them.

You would like to think so. Not much detail was given in the interview, and it did seem a bit up in the air to me. Even building a house unearths extra funding requirements, and once you start living in the house there are always aspects that could be better.

It must be exciting to have a blank canvas but, scary considering bridging finance until Avondale is sold.

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.