Special Agent

Do you agree Chief? These readings are like our judicial rulings ... inconsistent.

Australians are definitely a different breed. They like to bet, they start younger, they love a day at the races and they love to dress up. I suppose there are more of them too which makes a crowd, a big one. The trainers and jockeys seem to be more professional, outgoing and articulate. Bruce Sharrock may have the right idea to try to upskill the licence holders and strive for elite groups. We aren't like the Aussies though and New Zealand may remain a licence holder dumping ground for some time to come. To me, the whipping rule goes around and around. As far as too many strikes of a whip is concerned, how hard is it to count? If jockeys cannot abide by the rules put them on the side lines for a length of time that actually has an effect on their behaviour. I feel the fate of the industry lies with the jockeys. The buck must stop with them. The thoroughbred industry must learn from what is happening to the greyhounds. There is little point moaning amongst ourselves. It seems a different opinion is jumped on as something alien. If we don't look at the problems differently we'll be staring at the same result as the dogs. Judging by this site anger management companies could make a killing.

A person is reckless when he/she acts in a way where they are heedless of, or indifferent to, the danger or peril of the consequences of their actions. That is when there is disregard or indifference to the danger of the situation or for the consequences of one’s actions. I think that sums up the Hastings race when you consider Opie's experience as a rider.

How or why some decisions are made by the New Zealand judiciary is a mystery to many. I know how the reckless and careless rules read. The incident at Hastings on Alby's horse, in my opinion, was nothing short of reckless. Much worse than Lance's Auckland Cup win. Both horses kept the race. Imagine if those two races were the yardstick. We'd see more dodgems out there. History shows there has been a lot less interference resulting in the winner being put out. I call it inconsistency.

Betting on the dogs? What would happen if all New Zealand greyhound trainers went on the same two week holiday with the same notice given to them by the Racing Minister?

"For example ,once the nz greyhound industry folds you would think winston will sort it out so that the income from revenue generated by wagering on overseas greyhound racing,in particular australian greyhounds,which must be significant,well that income you would think will now go to the racing codes." If this grand plan of rehoming thousands of greyhounds goes ahead this revenue might have to fund it. They can't cut all revenue and then not allow the shooting of dogs. A poorly thought out plan in my opinion.

I think people in charge are barking up the wrong tree if they assume greyhound punters are going to become horse punters (and owners). Government seem to think greyhound punters are problem gamblers. Maybe they are but, as Dean from Entain remarked way back at the beginning, the appeal of the dogs is the quick fire nature of the sport. I would have thought pokie and casino type punting is more their go. It seems funny Entain is taking this so quietly when you look at the total revenue that potentially could be lost to racing altogether.

I think people in charge are barking up the wrong tree if they assume greyhound punters are going to become horse punters (and owners). Government seem to think greyhound punters are problem gamblers. Maybe they are but, as Dean from Entain remarked way back at the beginning, the appeal of the dogs is the quick fire nature of the sport. I would have thought pokie and casino type punting is more their go. It seems funny Entain is taking this so quietly when you look at the total revenue that potentially could be lost to racing altogether.

A few observations:- - If greyhound administrators are anything like their thoroughbred counterparts anyone with complaints, solutions or ideas might as well spend their time and effort elsewhere because they will not be listened to. - The administrators will just move on and into other jobs. - You may be right with your glimmer of hope as a) Winnie wasn't exactly sounding confident that he was totally onboard with the decision he was reading and b) if anyone thinks such a high number of dogs can be rehomed in such a short space of time they are completely mental. - With no income from greyhound racing how does anyone think the rehoming places will be funded? The official rehoming places should be closed immediately. There will be many far better credentialed ex-licence holders with facilities to look after greyhounds. - Not much consultation happened. There was no consideration given to the investment into the Wanganui straight track. How was that funded, as a matter of interest? Somewhere I read where the future of greyhound racing was going to be straight tracks. - It looks as though improvements across the board have been achieved but, still not good enough. The entire industry should not be judged on a few participants. If improvements were not going to be enough why did they even bother "putting greyhound racing on notice"? Dragging it out with false promises has been worse than had they just shut up shop earlier. - Forget about getting the SPCA involved. This organisation is run by a lot of volunteers and a lot of do-gooders whom cannot rehome the dogs they have. They must kill more dogs than the greyhound fraternity do. - Not all people wanting pets can give greyhounds a suitable home. Not being able to shoot unsuitable dogs is dumb.

I don't know where that brochure is now so I can't comfirm Trentham and/or Awapuni but, it was flash new birdcage fencing, and one (I think) new running rail.

I guess this problem disappears when RACE sell the Trentham chute to put in the new tie up stalls, birdcage fencing and running rail mentioned in their brochure.

Some points to ponder:- - Why a 20 month wind down? Would 5 years have been kinder to the industry for both dogs and humans? - How many dogs do SPCA put down each year? After all SPCA have offered to assist in rehoming greyhounds. - Should legislation be put through under urgency to include SPCA not putting any dogs down? - New Zealand has a far worse record looking after children and the elderly. Animals are much better cared for than humans.

Winston has done a job on the industry then hasn't he. Add this to the all weather tracks for galloping he sanctioned that create more injuries and deaths than any other surface. What more can you say? Do you think Glenda Hughes will come galloping in on her big white horse to save the day? She's bound to be on the advisory committee to which you can send your submissions.

That makes sense. Is 2,900 a true reflection of the wastage? There will pups yet to born yet and everything. What a bloody mess!!

Do you think NZTR has become aware that RACE has not met the minumum standards? How would RACE run a future meeting without funding?

If as it states in the RIU report the Coles' race 4,000 per year, why are there only going to be 2,900 greyhounds needing homes? I remember as others some enjoyable times at QE11 Park watching greyhound racing. Are the injuries so many more now, or were they just not public knowledge back then? I am very disappointed in some weak politicians making these decisions. I wouldn't be making smug or snide remarks from another code. This is a sad day in New Zealand history.

If a trainer breaches any rule they are interrogated and penalised accordingly. What is the consequence of a club not adhering to their mandates?

I'm not on a mission to bag Opie Bosson, and I'm not in the pocket of Thomass. There just seemed to be passionate people on both sides of the argument and I thought I'd go looking for a more factual approach vs emotional. Lance O'Sullivan did hit hard when required but, he'd probably be one of only a few of the older jockeys who would adapt to the "less whip" style of today. He liked to ride handy so if they were good enough they had been given every opportunity. You'd have to agree that Hayden Tinsley is similar to Opie Bosson in that he had little use for lead bags and heavy boots. He had less opportunities but that didn't stop him winning his fair share. I think Craig Grylls is a better contemporary comparison to Opie as he has had around the same number of rides. I have to admit I was shocked at how many times Opie has been suspended giving Craig the look on paper as a fairer rider. No jockey is perfect. One race that Lance kept after major interferrence was the Auckland Cup. The race where Opie carved up the field and put many jockeys on the deck close to the finish at Hastings was as bad a riding example as you'd see.

As a coincidence Hayden Tinsley's profile photo shows him in the Te Akau colours. On style Hayden would compare favourably with Opie. With about 1,000 less rides than Opie, his statistics are interesting:- H Tinsley - 11,043 starts, 1,491 wins, 21 suspensions

Figures from NZTR performances in New Zealand, jockeys with a similar amount of rides:- Jockey Starts Wins Suspension O Bosson 12,083 2,058 95 C Grylls 12,309 1,248 36 N Harris 13,237 1,792 36 L O'Sullivan 13,245 2,355 45 D Peake 14,739 1,116 18 L Allpress 15,769 1,950 58 Some may say a top rider, some may say reckless. You be the judge.

A confusing string for me. There was no reason to think business model over training model going by Huey's comments. Then the Te Akau trained mare reference. I can only assume Huey meant the dam of the colt which won 4 from 6. Then the silly money for the TA trained mare lost me, unless the mother was sold, or did he mean the colt just purchased?

One of the suggestions to take over from Bruce Sharrock from some quarters.

I suppose each vendor is different but, you'd think once they'd breezed up the trainer/preparer would back off with work on a walker to keep them eating, interested and muscled for the sale ring.

You have the opportunity to lodge a submission. Don't moan about any adopted or adapted rules if you haven't done so. Also, don't be disappointed if no notice is taken of your suggestions.

Doesn't mean you can't change it back. Remember when the fillies could race on Day 1 and back up against tge boys on Day 2?