Special Agent

I think it would have been difficult to find a more apt winner than Sam in the Equine Licence Holder category of those nominated. He represents the racing industry better than most. I agree with Huey's comments that he's not alone in putting in the hours as that is par for the course in his vocation but, Sam is definitely reaping rewards as a trainer. One thing I might need educating on is the wording I've seen more than once in relation to these awards ... "was recognised by his peers when receiving". Does this mean voting was by other trainers, or others in his category? What does "recognised by his or her peers" mean here?

Chasing unfinished business of Group win # 100 makes sense but, I'd imagine there would be stringent weight related terms attached to his licence, starting with his registered riding weight.

Some good prices but, also some definite bargains well under service fees plus costs so far.

On top of 100+ triallists at Foxton today 42 using the practice gates at Levin. No Group One racing there these days but still vital for the industry.

If your standardbred did most of it's long and fast work around the roads of North Canterbury would you trial it at Addington before racing there?

I think you will find horses are lining up on the synthetic without even a canter once around on it. I wouldn't have mentioned it otherwise. There seem to be a number of bleeders, not sure if that's commonplace on the other two synthetics.

I think this is worse than hitting a horse when not in contention of running in the first five. Not being in contention is a judgment call which could be based on a number of factors i.e. how does the horse feel, have you ridden the horse before, does it run on from back in the field, what is the start number in this campaign, how has the horse trained and eaten this week, is today's race the optimum distance, is the trainer trying different tactics etc. A well trained horse with ability is a pleasure for a jockey to ride and may need little whipping. For the others make sure you have a savvy jockey who knows how to hit, where to hit and how to count. Is it really that hard? There are official eyes, cameras and vets to enforce the rules. If jockeys want to ride and be paid, abide by those rules, or suffer the consequences.

Another option used to fine or suspend and shown in the Stipes Reports is hitting a horse when clearly winning. As for having no listed definition of the flank, I guess it is assumed as a licence holder you know where that part of the body is.

No they aren't all regularly working on the Awapuni synthetic. So, what is more important? The health and safety of the horse and rider, or less cost and hassle for the owner? When horses travel from the Waikato for trials at Foxton, how does that argument stack up? Does that mean we only pick the bits we like from the synthetic report?

This jurisdiction is frustrating and unjust.

Looking at today's Awapuni results, and taking into account information from the synthetic track report regarding how many times a horse needs to perform on the surface to acclimatise the limbs, why is it not a requirement to trial on synthetic before racing on it?

Really? I thought in other countries there was almost no use of whip and is it France where you can only use a whip 4 or 5 times per race? "Rules Harmonisation Meeting". Goodness, the minutes from that meeting would be an interesting read. The wording from NZTR is magical, in someone's world anyway.

I think with a lot of situations, as it says in the article, it is forgotten the livelihoods of real people are at stake. I can understand the veteran trainer losing interest in racing. To have representation is important and, yes Chief I agree NZ authorities could learn from this case.

What a breath of fresh air to read an off the track article that's positive. Debbie and Terry must be so proud of Jaylah.

Bruno Queiroz's ride at Tauranga today is up there with those from Walters, Johnson, Matthews, Tunnell, Dee and Kuru.

Does anyone look at today's riders and horses in the same light as some of the greats of Warwick's era? I bumped into an aged retired jockey at the supermarket today. He remarked how we had both seen the best days of racing, never to return.

You seem to be like some of the jockeys legged up on raceday in that you can't follow instructions. Look at the rules as displayed and have a look at how, how often and to whom they are applied in reality.

Are they? How does the enforcement of the whip rule differ from any other?

I'd be here all day. There are quite a number. Peruse any page of the rule book and you'll see what I mean. In my opinion, which you don't share, there is no debate over the whip rules not being adhered to. Horses are being flanked continually but, these flaunts of the rules are ignored. Do you think authorities are worried there will be too many inexperienced and unfashionable jockeys left available on race day if all offenders are dealt with?

Was it Checkpoint reporting on the driver being dragged?

That might be why so many women are training to be stipes.

And please remove double standards from every facet of the racing industry.

It's right up there with the real problems in life, like the reported harness jockey incident at Alexandra Park.

Progressive would be a good descriptive word for the Riccarton Turf Club in their time. Those sort of clubs and people are sorely missed today. The Viv Jack ditty Freda relayed is so apt when applied to racing today, about not knowing what to do with all the bells and whistles. I think we should be more "back to the basics" and "grass roots".

The Riccarton Turf Club was one of those lost gems with the enthusiastic volunteers who knew how to run a good show and raise decent money. The first flexible running rail, would have been aluminium back then I think, at the CJC was courtesy of the Riccarton Turf Club.