Special Agent

There are enough trials and jumpouts nowadays for training the apprentices, even if it means south island apprentices spending a month or two at a north island stable. Not forgetting the reduced trial riding fee incentive. Rodeo training might be difficult with that being possibly the next victim of animal rights activists. Bli'm not so sure being dropped by a bucking bronco early in your training is good for the nerves. Fantastic to see good riders giving back to the industry.

Both. Wondered what thoughts were on the moving of that race.

Can't answer either of those questions.

Have you ever jumped off a horse at speed? I couldn't think of many worse actions of choice to make from horse back.

Opinions, different opinions, bagging, accolades ... thanks for your site for allowing this.

I've also shared my opinion on Jamie Kah. When others have bagged her riding I think they are unjust. She's a pretty handy jockey to follow in my eyes.

I stand by my comments on Opie's efforts as an experienced rider in the Hastings race. I wouldn't consider those personal attacks. I don't think I have commented on his personal life. I also stand by my backing up of other's comments on Lisa's riding. On a personal front I wouldn't have a cup of tea with her.

It is a real concern and we have a fairly large number of imports as a result. I think some apprentices are allowed to ride raceday before they are ready. I don't think a one size fits all approach is apt. Some riders take more trial rides than others.

Do you think this applies to the Otaki FFA for example?

RIB takes control of a race meeting from 7.30am morning of, I think. They get paid the big bucks for a reason, to control racing and make decisions they should be able to stand behind.

Yes, this practice seems to be acceptable. I wonder if clubs further south did this, it would be okay. Who would have thought group races were a tradeable commodity.

I don't understand what all the personal attacks achieve. I haven't decided if some are angry, have a chip on their shoulder or under the influence. It costs us all about the same to get a horse to a certain point, and it can be bloody hard for everything to go right on the day to get a win. Then someone will say the owner is not deserving, or the horse trained itself, or the jockey pulled the wrong rein. Does anyone think 2025 is going to bring some positivity to racing?

I wonder what emphasis clubs around the country are putting into getting crowds on course. At this time of the year you'd think it would be easy. Through the season we've seen that public does not turn out for the quality fields. Now it seems crowds are not flocking to the track for summertime entertainment. So what needs looking at? Is the no BYO ideal adopted by some clubs having an effect? Are gate prices and/or catering too high? Is catering not up to scratch? Are clubs ignoring community engagement? Or, have the race meetings not been yet where the real clubs and committees will show how it's done?

Social licence, break downs and animal activists come to mind.

Weren't we discussing deliberate action against a fellow rider. Wasn't he deported for his trouble? I fully understand the rules. That does not mean the correct charges are always laid and the right penalties applied. The rule book is not a racing bible everyone interprets well. And some are very clever at sidestepping some of the consequences. While talking interpretation, was the rider suspended today having their first day riding? If so, how could he ever have been considered conversant with the rules.

I think the Taranaki meeting at this time of the year should be scrapped.

And what about the horse?

These poor 2yo and 3yo races don't help anyone. I wonder if the weekend's race hadn't been the Wakefield whether it would have been scrapped. One thing NZTR should be looking at from a professional and transparent perspective is the number of runners that are obvious throw-ins so the race goes ahead.

In most cases I don't think a jockey goes out to deliberately maim a horse or another rider but, I can't exclusively rule that intention out as there may be a crazed jockey on a certain day. I'm sure Tina and others in the south could cite one such individual. "Therefore" nothing! Any nuances go out the window once you step into the room with race day officials. You've read enough judicial tripe to know that.

Who are the other ones? Yeah sure, add me to the list.

I wouldn't necessarily say RECKLESS = DELIBERATE which I think you may be inferring.

Just on this, in and around times of Covid the programming committees met on Zoom. This was hardly ideal. I remember a trainer representative telling me how difficult it was working through the races and meetings whilst juggling spreadsheets, and then the focus moving onto the next meeting before everyone had fully digested and discussed the previous. Does anyone know if these meetings are now in person in all regions?

Everyone knows pulling up is one of the most dangerous parts of a race. That's why salutes, standing up in the irons, letting go of the reins to pat the horse etc at the finish are all frowned upon. Again, with Opie's experience, I am surprised at the Hastings race and other examples given on here. We could go back over many races over many seasons where the less experienced, less favoured or those with less ability have not had the same rub of the green in the Stewards' Room.

I don't have much time for Lisa as a rider, even less time as a person. I've always found Opie pleasant.

These novelty races really are messing with New Zealand racing, particularly with history and tradition. Has anyone tabled a contingency plan for if/when the Entain deal blows apart? I'm only seeing money thrown at some races. What clubs and individuals are coming up with innovations to maintain and bolster field numbers and quality across the board?