Special Agent

I could write a book on this subject. It is very frustrating. I have, however, been involved with some groups where we've given some different ideas a go. Not all of our actions were successful but, a lot was learned from our mistakes and some of the ideas were adapted and grown. One thing I have learned is that just throwing money at something is not a sure fire answer to most problems.

Various groups within the industry will say they are working together when the fact is in reality they are not. The backstabbing and egotistical attitudes are disheartening. If everyone was working towards making racing the best it can be they wouldn't be jealous of other participants and clubs, and wouldn't be trying to strip others of glory or funds. There is room for everybody. Poor riding is a definite turn off. Riders can't improve without practice and opportunity. NZTR have concepts in place to promote improved skills, like the elite riders programme. Some fall outs from it prove it needs tweaking. Personally I think the name of it alone lends itself to problems of attitude on two counts. I'm not sure that everything requires a label.

And how much did he win? I think they'd be in front, plus the immeasurable amount of fun. There are cheap ones and expensive ones at every sale that turn out decent racehorses, and flops. I think it's great it's not just a matter of spending the most to get the best.

So much can be achieved if everyone is on the same page. Ego's, hidden agendas and stupidity tend to take over in some places.

Coppins and Fredericks. A healthy collect for all who bought a piece of the investment.

You have to find a club that's not operating a closed shop first.

A little bit of planning, some enthusiasm and involvement from everyone on the club committee and it wouldn't be that hard. I like your "tiny version" term. Tiny homes are an in thing just now. Correlation is excellent.

Did you have a share in the two Des's jackpot? I also remember amongst others on the organising panel were Wendy Cooper and Lisa O'Sullivan. I don't know if it was ever repeated but, it should have been.

I guess that's what the Thoroughbred Week in Australasia is trying to achieve. The Horse Expo many moons ago at Ellerslie definitely brought an awareness to everyday NZ'ers. Good on France for what they are doing. You have to love anything that brings attention back to the horses and people involved, and turning your back on the OTT health and safety regulations and the woke people for a brief time.

This intrigues me somewhat. Which tracks aren't producing anything and costing more to keep? Are they the ones on the chopping block? Awapuni hasn't produced a race meeting for a while and is costing way more to keep than most tracks in NZ. On that logic Awapuni should be the first to be cashed up.

A large percentage of people in racing must fit into the rabble category. A few of us were talking today about the various NZTR appointees over the years. The rabble had an idea of their capabilities, then they stepped up to the mark to prove the rabble correct. Same old to us Chief.

Here they come .... Project Stamina Advances with Appointment of Independent Advisor RCP New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) and Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ), with the support of TAB New Zealand (TAB NZ), have today confirmed the appointment of RCP as independent consultants to Project Stamina, a dual-code initiative focused on the future of New Zealand’s racing infrastructure. Project Stamina aims to produce a unified Master Plan for racing and training venues nationwide. It will provide a clear, long-term view of where and how the industry should invest across both Thoroughbred and Harness codes. In doing so, it links this investment to day-to-day outcomes: reliable tracks, a consistent racing product, stronger wagering performance, and more funding to reinvest back into the sport. Following a competitive process, RCP has been engaged to provide strategic advisory and programme management support to the codes. RCP is a leading provider of independent project management and strategic advisory services across New Zealand’s property and construction sectors, including major sporting infrastructure and recreation facilities. NZTR Chief Executive Officer, Matt Ballesty, said RCP’s appointment marked an important milestone in the project. “This is a critical piece of work for our industry. There have been a lot of assessments completed over the years at the Club, regional and code levels, but it hasn’t always been cohesive or aligned to a single national view,” he said. “We’ve taken the time to run a thorough process and are pleased to have RCP on board. Their experience in complex, multi-stakeholder infrastructure projects will help us bring real clarity to the options in front of us and give everyone greater confidence in the decisions we ultimately make,” Ballesty said. HRNZ Chief Executive Officer, Brad Steele, said the work now underway would support better decision-making for Clubs, participants and funders. “This Master Plan is an opportunity to make sure our infrastructure is fit for purpose, safe, and capable of supporting the growth we want to achieve as codes." “RCP’s independent expertise will help us get an honest assessment of the current state and build a clear picture of where investment will make the biggest difference. This work is essential to giving Clubs, participants and funders the confidence to plan for the future," Steele said. TAB NZ, which is supporting the initiative, views Project Stamina as a key enabler of a reliable racing product and sustainable wagering returns for the industry. Broader industry engagement will be a core part of the process, and NZTR and HRNZ will outline how stakeholders can be involved as Project Stamina moves through its key phases. As Project Stamina progresses, both codes will continue to provide key updates to the industry, with TAB NZ contributing strategic input throughout. ENDS About Project Stamina Project Stamina is a joint initiative between New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) and Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ), supported by TAB NZ. Announced in 2025, the project aims to deliver a unified Master Plan for New Zealand’s racing infrastructure, enabling better-informed, long-term decisions on the future use, investment and configuration of racing and training venues across both codes. About RCP RCP is a leading provider of independent project management and strategic advisory services to New Zealand’s property and construction industry. With a multidisciplinary team and experience across sectors including sports and recreation, RCP supports clients to shape, organise and deliver complex projects nationwide.

Owners have already voted with their feet curious. The club won't be able to pay wages, there will be redundancies. This is a sad and serious situation.

Just another pointer to you being out of touch.

Who said moving everything to Foxton and Levin was the answer? Parochialism has nothing to do with it. A dose of common sense would work wonders.

I was always led to believe Riccarton had owned from the running rail back (south) so, the sale of the carparks by President of the time John Austin went into their coffers. But the rest was in a Trust which various oldies I knew in my youth sat on, so the middle of the track, back straight, where the RDA and pony club was, the 2 mile walking and trotting chute, all the stables, tie up stalls, swimming pool etc. Sarge, I am so with you on only being able to sell land once. For me it would be an absolute last resort. You are correct. Not many clubs own their own land. The number is a small one that NZTR can go after, thus the aggressive nature of their pursuit of the little guys.

You know what, many of the tasks in racing are covered by those with different titles. Peer can mean different things but generally refers to being considered an equal. I'm guessing here but, reckon Freda probably looks Hunter in the eye with a "good morning" rather than leering down her nose at him.

Maybe there's some negative and cynical things happening presently in racing outside of what you are involved in. Ask an Awapuni trainer maybe, they'd be more in touch.

Sorry Chief, some of your comments on various subjects show how out of touch you are.

I think you will find PD is used by a lot of clubs today. As far as moving a running rail is concerned these days, it's not such a daunting task and they are moved on a regular basis with track staff and casuals.

I wouldn't have thought the cost of GPS trackers and recording would be excessively expensive. Technology should be used but, I'd be more inclined to use a clean feed for live coverage and have all the whiz bang info available for anyone who wants to use it, post race.

And some of the not so top ones too. Might take some guess work out of it. I always remember comments around timing and heart monitors in Australian Harness whereby Teddy Demmler was cited and quoted many times. He was a true horseman who needed neither device as he worked through feel and know how. I can't help think we shoukd be teaching the finer arts of racing and training rather than rushing through the numbers.

Or maybe we could liken rugby to racing in that they have not nurtured grass roots, the interest is waning, the numbers declining and maybe the best rugby players are no longer there to come through a tried and true system. Too much back patting by admin and arse licking of the stars.

You were talking to him as an owner/customer. Freda possibly talks to him daily as a peer.

"Another reality is that Trainers, Owners and Jockeys were largely subsidised by the efforts of those Clubs, their business donors and their volunteers." In this world of "user pays" the Clubs are subsidising how much, do you think?