Special Agent

Ellerslie had the advantage of having no trackworkers whilst upgrading the track but, still didn't get it right first time despite employing experts. For me it's hard to fathom a final rush with these massive projects. Does this happen in other industries? As for Awapuni, I can't be drawn into comments given for whatever reason as a back up for actions already undertaken. Somebody must be responsible for what transpires. All the industry wants is for the track to be usable and safe, however long that takes.

Looks like it, engaged for Marieke's horse at Woodville. Why not, if riding work and fit? I see Erin's current listed riding weight is 56.5kg.

It really is a ridiculous situation where no jumpers are trained in the south island as there are no jumping races. Then for one week north island jumpers head south at considerable expense to race in small fields for very good money. Only horses considered capable of winning are loaded onto trucks and floats so you'd expect the jumping to be of a high standard.

That was a trick. I thought you were going to talk about the recent passing of Lex Nicholls.

Yes, don't forget options were non-existent until Entain came along. Things look rosey with innovation races and big stakes (unless you have a winter galloper) but, I still have reservations about the end result. When NZTR remain hell bent on selling up tracks it shows little initiative to me. Is there anyone out there with some original ideas?

NZTR's address to trainers at recent AGM's.

Jumps racing was on the way out. Now NZTR and Entain are surprised and happy with turnovers. Reports tell us there are less injuries too. Well done to everyone responsible.

Funny.

Looking at Sunday's card at Te Aroha you'd think there had never been a problem around jumping fields.

Good to see a new trainer out of Wingatui, and his reasons for doing so.

Like none of us saw any of this coming. Who estimated 1500 dogs would need to be rehomed at the conclusion of greyhound racing, and is it accurate? SPCA say they rehomed thousands of animals in quick time during Covid. As it is SPCA's policy to kill unwanted animals after a short time I wonder how many of those rehomed are still where they originally went. It is mindblowing how expensive it has become to keep a large volume eating dog considering escalating living costs.

Would a free drink for anyone with grey hair be too much?

Any record turnover says the club is doing something right. We all know the racing crowds of the distant past were something to behold. It's unlikely crowds at a race meeting are going to be like that again. As many on here have said, even Ellerslie is a sad and sorry sight these days. In this different world some innovative concepts are required to encourage a walk up crowd. It sounds like South Canterbury are giving it a good go. I look forward to your marketing ideas Billy.

I think the smaller clubs are more in touch and more innovative. Can also work with a small budget, because they've had practice.

Maybe a free racebook and a punters club ticket. Although should an easy bet be successful it could be reinvested early whereas the punters club ticket doesn't get a return till the end of the day. A bit to weigh up for the best result for the club.

If you wear a combination of Grey Way's colours you should gain free entry and get an easy bet.

I love this article. It has elements of what I can remember of racing in my youth, not the multi-million dollar prize money I must point out. I think there are some in racing who forget about the community from which they come, and how important it is. To me the last paragraph says it all. South Australian racing was always considered the poor relation, I guess not now.

Yip. The open letter I don't rate but, Sam Wynne I do. Like I said, two ends of the spectrum.

Just an idea but, could a word with Bruce Sherwin shed any light on a possible South Island solution? Bruce is easy to talk to and is open to trying a few concepts out.

So I diminish, I snipe, and apparently have a problem with anyone successful. You can think whatever you like about me Chief but, really you have no idea what consumes my day and my energies.

"I got my ear sewed back on, they removed fragments out of the fractures and pulled a bone out of my head." A little understated maybe. If it wasn't for the seriousness of Sam's injuries you'd be having a chuckle reading this. Certainly at the other end of the scale to calling someone names. We don't need to tell Sam to toughen up. She's already a cut above most of those who dictate a letter from Head Office. We all know we are a part of a dangerous industry but, we mostly just get on with it. Even accomplished horsemen and horsewomen get injured no matter what precautions are taken. All the best to a speedy recovery to Sam and others at this time.

I find the letter a bit cryptic. If you are not amongst those being abusive or being abused how do you know the extent or severity of the abuse? Then there is the mention of minority of offenders. If there are only a handful of abusers why aren't they being dealt with by those in charge? Or, because of the scope of recipients of the letter, can the abusers not be dealt to by RIB because of non licence status? Does it then become a case for NZ Police. The letter seems more of an attempt to frighten rather than an action plan to me, and perhaps ineffectual.

Does anyone have any thoughts and comments on this? It always scares me when I see the word "Consultant" in any upcoming racing decision.

The issues of today don't look to have changed much from 2015.

I've spoken to a few who have received the open letter and pretty much all seem to have little idea what has happened to prompt such a letter. I guess if we are in the dark we must have a clean nose. Suppliers to the industry is an unusual inclusion. Would this be feed merchants, blacksmiths, saddleries, vets etc.? How are these people bound by racing industry rules? The mind boggles as to how bad this issue is but, then it is pointed out that there is a small minority displaying negative behaviour. This may just be highlighting the obvious that many living in the modern age have no manners, no sense of humour and some have no back bone.