Special Agent

I think we are looking at different situations across the country e.g. Avondale vs Levin. First there is the actual (not projected) value. Then look at where they are situated. Finally look at the value of each to the industry. Someone said earlier about comparing apples with apples, case in point.

Lack of strong charismatic leadership ... you got that right! Have you noticed how the most useless people at anything have such tickets on themselves? The best people seem to be the ones whom no one even realises the great work they do. Lack of capital and expertise ... one is not much chop without the other.

That's not even $7million per track. That might have been a lot of money once but, I don't believe it's a large amount to upgrade much in 2026. Where does the money come from to maintain the venues going forward? Assets can only be sold once. I think it's short sighted.

A new term has tickled me, "knowledgeable whiner". The penalties need a definite revisit by someone or some body. The obvious groups to address the inconsistencies are the NZJA and NZTA. For all we know they may already be working on these behind the scenes. I seem to recall at one stage jockeys were given the choice of suspension or fine, not sure if that was in all cases. Like the knowledgeable whiner intimated, the first step is to apply the correct charge. And, even though the whipping thread has been sealed, we really are a part of a two faced industry, and it's definitely been mentioned multiple times. We have rules about what you can and can't do with the Persuader and some are appalled with the policing of the rules here yet, it's absolutely fine to sell, watch and bet on horses in a jurisdiction where use of the whip seems to be at the jockeys' discretion with an "anything goes" attitude.

Definitely need to include less formal areas. I've spoken to the odd lawyer who can't wait to ditch the suit and tie as a dressed up day at the races feels like a workplace uniform. Otaki and Trentham utilise food trucks. You need to have a decent amount of cash on hand though because that food is not cheap. Again I'm really keen on as much of the hospo being pre-paid so money in the wallet is for betting. If food trucks are used instead of oncourse catering work out a system whereby tokens can be exchanged for food. It's all doable. I think Otaki and Tauherenikau have sizeable ovens. The committee at the latter definitely cook up fresh food throughout the day. I haven't been to a hangi fundraiser yet where the food is properly cooked but, Otaki would be the obvious venue for this food type. Something a little different, and authentic.

Unless you have been to the races with family from a young age I think a day at the races as a form of entertainment can be a foreign idea. Social event usually means going as a group, and generally consuming alcohol. Clubs really must be responsible hosts and ensure food is available. This is where the race day packages are a good idea. I think all of these packages should include food. If they are sold a fair way out it gives the customer time to budget for drink, food and betting. I think all race day packages should include betting element of some kind ... punters club, easy bets, or betting vouchers. I think a host or racing personality should be assigned to each group to explain racing jargon and bet types. A lot about racing is confusing. You won't get repeat custom without a good experience.

Remember the focus on the whip rules when first applying to amateur riders whereby they cannot take their hands off the reins when slapping them on the shoulder.

And they are being bred here yet, NZ greyhounds are being desexed before being passed on. Some of them would have a bit of age on them when they perform that surgery too.

It's great, isn't it. Politicians vote on closing an industry down without a thought of any consequences. I wouldn't know who is doing the work. I think there are still some in denial and hoping it won't happen.

I think the rehoming places are already quite full, not sure if some dogs are still going to America as pets, and wondered if anyone had any idea about how many are finding new homes at the moment. The Christmas Parades would have been a likely place to offload some, I would have thought. Showcase what sort of pets they make, hand out pamphlets and spend time chatting to potential buyers. Not quite the puppy in a basket as a Christmas present but, still a novel gift. Santa's Little Helper made it into a few storylines with Bart Simpson. Surely the ideal would be to have the greyhound adoption facilities empty when the racing stops. These places can't be expecting to stay open much after industry ceases. There must be a date when any remaining greyhounds are put to sleep.

It wouldn't matter if you had 33 track experts as there is always someone questioning their credibility. You go to meetings to sort through some solutions yet come away with more problems beginning with arguments about which experts should be used, and are they actually experts after all.

Maybe more thought needs to go into how the Christmas race day functions are sold. What are the customers expectations? And what are the racing club hosts providing? Unless the clients are really into racing there's a bit of effort required to keep everyone punting and entertained. I've often given cheap combination bet options for racing newbies. If they get a $12 return for a $6 bet early in the day they are hooked.

The world is certainly full of bods with an extremely short attention span. I think one of the worst jobs would be a teacher dealing with that crap.

That was the headline that grabbed my attention this morning, to find it was the Hastings track in Vancouver. What was interesting was the fact that it is no longer feasible to race at Hastings in Canada because racing will no longer receive a portion of slot machine money, traditionally $8-$10 million p.a. It looks as though the property has been earmarked for a football (soccer) stadium.

I suppose so. I think sometimes thinking is back to front and over analysed. The keep it simple strategy is overlooked for some reason. A workplace social event at a summer race meeting can achieve long term results that coercing into a syndicate may not.

With the money GRNZ still has I haven't heard or seen any advertising to rehome greyhounds as pets. Has anyone seen the rehoming outfits moving unwanted greyhounds on, out and about at local Christmas Parades for instance? If no pressure is being applied, GRNZ owned or subsidised facilities will continue to suck up funds.

What can you say about this behaviour? It's not a first offence. Licence holders in galloping also have been required to attend anger management sessions. Not much point with where this code is going.

I don't think everyone has to become an owner. The industry is reliant upon turnover. I would have thought getting the interest of new people, and their money through the tote would have been the logical starting point.

Absolutely Murray. I think you will find many Racecourses were gifted to Racing Clubs by someone, a family or group in their community. That's where the property should go back to.

Horowhenua and Capital for starters.

This is a real concern. It definitely depends who is in charge of investing. We've all heard the talks and hype, on the back of an overseas entity taking over the NZ Racing Industry. There are trust issues for me.

I don't think any idea is a bad one. You have to start somewhere. Young people are the future and here's one way of tapping into that market. There will be many more waiting to be found if you look. I'd give these guys a bouquet.

Several consortiums have not been successful in CD. On that basis consolidation of assets and funds is a scary thought for any club which has been a part of the failed consortiums. The thought of similar types running these concepts one can only believe it a matter of time until further downsizes will be necessary when the well runs dry.

Merely an opinion which is getting more restrictive to voice.

Independent media is not alive and well in this country. As for independent media in NZ racing, who's kidding who?