Special Agent

I don't understand that either. Is it laziness?

Here's an idea out of left field then. Entain and NZTR love a novelty race. I propose a (pick a number) say a 15+ start maiden with a big stake attached. The race would be quite even albeit at the bottom end of the scale but, it would prove a good betting race. The Melbourne Cup proves that the public don't care about the quality of the runners.

We can all say stupid things in the heat of the moment, and I can throw in the odd swear word, but I'd have thought the type of comments mentioned here would have come from trainers not so used to being in the limelight who are interviewed less. Not really what you would expect from those who are role models. These indiscretions aside, let us hope class and decorum in racing are not dead.

I think you have hit the nail on the hatted head. Whatever is done it has to be vastly different to what was done in the year of the abandonment. That embarrassment cannot be repeated.

When you think back to Allan's time in the chair, how would his salary compare to what they get today? It would be nice if we didn't get a cast off from another country. I notice Darin Balcombe and Bruce Sherwin have not been mentioned for either of the roles.

Maybe to the horse. He may have felt a superior being for part or all of the race. Not everything relates to speed. Sometimes it's more attitude. And sometimes it's not long lasting thus the reluctance to use blinkers until you think necessary.

Meet and greet who? NZ racing people? NZ racing media? Am I suspecting a "do you know who I am" vibe?

Programming is a problem (I don't think the 2000 guineas should even be on Day 1, it was better on Day 2 in my opinion) but, you can only work with the quality of horseflesh available. Even though the week has holidays scattered through it, maybe the ladies making comment haven't worked a 9-5 job for a while if at all. To have a family bbq day on the Wednesday would require a further day away from paid employment (and school) for those who will be making up the crowd.

With all he has won I can understand leaving the application of blinkers as long as they have.

That's an interesting list compiled by an avid observer from afar. Is there anyone more local who may have been overlooked for the role/s? How many would be chomping at the bit to take it on?

I'll put billy on that list too. It appears very few manners were instilled at a young age.

The world would be a better place if some adults had had a few whip strikes when they were kids.

He's had the arbitrary warning. Do they allow that sort of riding where he comes from? I would have thought not. I agree with others that as he has cheated to win the result should be reversed.

I don't agree that 19 degrees is a normal daytime high for early November in Canterbury. Maybe not near those Queensland highs but getting close to 30 degrees at Riccarton would not be a surprize for Cup and Show Week. Have you noticed how Robbie has a vice like grip on that Melbourne Cup? Not even fellow countryman Ronan Keating was allowed more than a touch of the bottom. It's like the dream he doesn't want to be woken from will be broken if he releases his control of the trophy.

It is so cool to see down to earth people with such talent, skill and effort gain success. The Melbourne Cup throws up so many interesting stories, the like you'd never see with so many of the races we are putting so much faith into. History, heritage and tradition will never be beaten by novelty.

The Pattern Committee govern the Group criteria. If the "classics" do not consistently attract quality I think it is fair for the race/s to drop in status. I think moving location is not the only method to retain quality thus Group One status. I think clubs need a swift kick in some cases. The Levin Classic is a prime example where various committees have folded to the whims of NZTR and RACE. As their attempts to keep the race at Group One have failed I think it is time for some fresh thinking to get the Levin Classic back to the great race it once was. Tinkering with programming and fitting in with the ever increasing novelty races has done the 2000 Guineas no favours.

You might not agree with everything someone says but, credit where it is due. Colin has done an amazing job just getting NZTR to listen. The desired result may not eventuate (personally I'd like to see NZTR cut "our" losses and restore grass tracks where synthetic ones currently lie) but, we can at least now see action. Thank you.

If the races are not Group One quality they don't deserve to hold the staus. Keep them where they are but, drop off the G1 title. There are more than enough named races in the north. Any more and they will face dilution too.

Activists have been trying to ban horse racing in Australia for many years. How's that going? The best Checkpoint can do is get comment from Emma Brodie of NZ group SAFE. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but, she's not even in the same country.

Why does Holy Ravioli offer a fake news reaction? The deeds of the horse were pointed out more than 12 months ago.

Darin Balcombe states that the fracture rate is higher on synthetic tracks here. I bet other career ending injuries such as tendon and ligament damage are higher too. The statistics don't seem to mention the horses that have dropped dead without broken limbs, or bleeders. Also not considered are other injuries that are ongoing and require treatment like muscle damage and breathing difficulties. Well done for listening to the yelling.

Every day and every statement gets more stupid. Very, very frustrating.

Considered safe to race on.

And the outcome is .......

I wonder what is happening at Trentham. Early afternoon inspection must have happened. Northern trainers travelling to the meeting won't want to arrive to be told to turn around and go home.