Special Agent

"Which highlights my point about Racecourses being run like amatuer hobbies instead of businesses. The statutory minimum annual wage in NZ is $49,000. If a Club can't earn enough to pay employees to do the work then someone needs to subsidise them." How many clubs do you think do not pay employees?

That may reflect the drop of popularity in rugby over any other factors. I'm not sure where it ranks with children of sport playing age but, it's at least behind football and netball.

How much do you think should be charged to train at a training centre that would be affordable, profitable and sustainable judging by current average charges:- $6 per use of plough or sand $12 per use of gallop grass Not forgetting the $20 trackwork riding fee per ride.

I can't comment on either of those contributions but, it's all about the quality of content. I wouldn't have thought it would be the job of Te Akau or Wexford to drive turnover though. Whatever they are putting out is for their own benefit.

I see Winton JC is racing at Ascot Park on Sunday. Someone on here can correct me if I am wrong but, I thought thoroughbreds were still trained there, and harness race there. Why on earth do the gallopers not race there too?

That's an interesting comment. The racecourses that are deemed to be surplus and thus judged in the amateur hobby category and should be sold will be the freehold ones. To me that would make those debt free clubs self sustaining businesses. Yet those which have been managed with some professionalism need to be sold to prop up the dysfunctional and poorly managed clubs. The sad thing about these decisions is that someone is getting paid good money to make them.

I don't think so. How far do you think the funds from the sale of the tracks that could be sold would have gone? And more importantly, what do you think the money would have been spent on? I doubt there would be pristine surfaces and decent safe horse facilities at the remaining courses. Then have a little count up of what is spent in wages at some of these clubs. The sale of one CD racecourse heading for the chopping block would only cover the wages of another club for up to two years. Would the industry be better off ... the answer is a definite no.

I think the complication and overload of computerised and analysed information can be a turn off. Sometimes a one line quote from a trainer in their own environment as opposed to raceday is more valuable and usable. There is a misconception about what does and doesn't drive turnover. Not every customer is equal.

The article may be slightly misleading. The scribe says the horse has been retired to Windsor Park. Mark Walker says Wild Night will see his days out as a pleasure horse. Windsor Park wouldn't have enough paddocks to retire all the horses bred by them. My money is on Wild Night joining Gina Schick's Event Stars for a time until rehomed to a different equestrian discipline.

I don't get your argument. Tauherenikau patrons mostly come from Wellington. Isn't that the attraction for a townie, a trip to a country race meeting? Why don't the Messara Report lovers all stand up and admit they were wrong??!! Hard working members, committees and volunteers from country clubs across the nation do themselves proud on a shoe string budget, yet are still expected to throw their hands in the air and relinquish not only their race dates, but their assets too. Kumara, Motukarara, Kurow, Omakau, Cromwell, Stratford, Thames, Te Teko etc have all had regular bigger crowds than Waipukurau which seems to have gone unnoticed by George, yet wouldn't he have called at the latter two? Have Woodville, Waipukurau, Waverley, Otaki and Hawera been thanked for stepping up when the "best" tracks in CD have under performed, and not been able to perform at all?

Do you think most of the renovation problems stem from getting back onto the tracks too soon, not giving them time to consolidate?

Point 1 - I agree the one off and being starved of racing creates a winner for Waipukurau. Point 2 - It may because the atmosphere will be different and there may be a slightly different customer. Point 3 - What does NZTR have to do with it? I'd say a lot. Many of the community racecourses are on the NZTR radar to be cashed up. Oncourse turnover provides income to the clubs which NZTR should notice, encourage and applaud.

I see she got 4 weeks. I have a feeling it might be 6 weeks here if you cause a fall but, someone might be able to correct me on that.

Entain coming on board looked like a reprieve to me. We went along to the presentations and listened to the enthusiasm which gave a glimmer of hope amongst what seemed a fantasy. Then a number at the top fell or were pushed from the perch. Even if we all wagered another $100 per week I don't know how we'd increase turnover to the required level. There have been so many new people employed surely someone has a different formula for success, other than selling assets.

Waipukurau is back on Sunday and I'd imagine it will be a huge oncourse event as a one off on a good day to attract the public. The trick is to replicate that at every meeting for the club. Who knows what a good oncourse experience might produce, owners, workers etc. NZTR should never underestimate the community event. The carnivals at the metropolitan venues are all well and good but, not the be all and end all of NZ Racing, despite what those who are knighted might tell us.

Over 36 million video views across VRC’s digital channels, up 63% year-on-year. Isn't that a stat! In contrast, did I see where TVNZ didn't show the NZ Trotting Cup? Awareness must come from many avenues. No Trackside Radio is a huge loss, in my eyes.

The customer experience is so important so, I expect club officials to work tirelessly to achieve a high standard every time. Has anyone seen results of the NZTR survey yet?

"Struan’s background as a global executive and Board Chair, coupled with his experience leading digital and marketing-focused enterprises, adds considerable commercial insight." I listened to an interview with Heather du Plessis-Allen. I can only reflect on previous appointments and concur with others making comment on here. You meet these people with optimism and enthusiasm, then they ultimately disappoint. Time will tell but, I feel we are going down a track that has some familiarity. Does anyone else think a lot of the people racing administration attracts are professional board directors? The idea seems to be no matter the industry the same rules apply and you get well paid to cut and paste? Innovation and a fresh perspective seems to be too much to expect. If the crowd at Riccarton is as Chief described some areas of racing may be picking up. I'd hate to think it's all just a well dressed piss up. The next objective will be to extend the young people's stay in the industry.

"Louise has proven leadership across major regeneration and property development projects, holding both Chair and Director roles. Her strong record will be invaluable as we continue to advance the long-term sustainability of New Zealand racing and its infrastructure.” Had a look at Louise's work history and photo. Her role to develop the surplus race tracks will be watched with interest.

I found it interesting that through David Seymour's Regulatory Standards Bill, even though to quote Chris Finlayson the greyhounds are as "dead as a dodo" he reckons at the very least there should be compensation for breeders. He didn't mention trainers who have lost their livelihoods though.

Any thoughts on the two new NZTR Board Members?

You can't knock clubs that give a few things a go. There's no future without young people getting involved. Does anyone know how the Tauherenikau after race concert went?

Another thought about the land being sold at Trentham. Currently the school access the land they own in the middle of the track via the horse crossing. One would assume with that parcel of land gone the school will need to create a new pathway across the track which is going to be at a terrible place from an active racecourse point of view. It's like cutting out cancer from a body, piece by piece but, unfortunately this looks nothing short of turbo cancer.

I can't see how any work at Awapuni or Trentham can be funded without selling the likes of Levin. Then what? Whatever is realised from the sale of the horse area at Trentham will go into a deep pit at RACE. Horse practicality and safety at Trentham will be even more woeful than it is without the 2 hectares that is being flogged off.

Is Opie Bosson the first jockey not to be able to ride due to a failed concussion test?