Special Agent

Just another area of racing on the not so champagne turf that smacks of unprofessionalism

I notice there was a BYO area on offer. I wonder how patronised that was. Drink prices oncourse last week were eye watering.

No. Have you ever seen so few spectators at such an event? $50 entry for general admission is steep. They seem to be trying to be something they aren't. Perhaps the WRC should look at what Flemington do away from the carnival and for that price include a $30 food and beverage voucher, a book and punters club ticket.

Yes. Normally there are two paramedics with backpacks patrolling at Trentham. Not sure how equipped the ambulance bay is these days, or if Lisa Allpress was conscious and able to utilise that while the race ran. Unfortunate timing with two ambulances being required with the Upper Hutt incident with a vehicle hitting 4 pedestrians, that's how it sounded anyway.

Newmarket, wash your mouth out. We've not long got the Wellington Cup back to 3200m. I think you'd have to say the experiment in reducing the distance failed. The topweight is interesting to me in the fact that, in my opinion, stake money aside he's not much above the level of the rest of the runners. If he bolts in it may encourage other Aussie trainers to venture across the Tasman whilst stakes are high. Personally I don't know how we can have a topline 2 mile field without adequate programming and lead up races. Horses through the grades need to run over a distance before getting into the higher ratings. Be keen to hear what others think. It's a bit comical hearing the comments on course about the big crowd in attendance. There are more workers than spectators. There's no public stand, no patrons infield and very few in the stand. On the jockey injury, is it too expensive on Wellington Cup Day to have two ambulances at Trentham?

Nobody in authority cares.

For instance, the whip rules also apply to trials and jumpouts and I've never seen a Stipe take a rider aside there either.

I'm not saying they shouldn't. Just asking if anyone has seen it policed at the trials on the same terms as race day before. I don't believe there should be a "win at all costs" mentality, even if trying to sell.

Gary Stewart in charge at Matamata. Brady Jones in charge at Te Rapa.

I see on today's Te Rapa Stipes' Report Sam Weatherley was issued a warning for one of his rides at the Matamata trials. Has anyone seen this happen before?

Any feedback on how the dogs now in the US are going?

It shouldn't make any difference what the race is.

This is a stupid conversation. Why are you blaming the south island trainers? You all need to go and sit in on some of these meetings. You have no idea. If NZTR are not programming suitable races what is the point trialling to be all dressed up with nowhere to go. Just like Kevin Stott said about jockeys not being listened to, do you think the trainers fare any better? Every group of administrators that come along are more stupid and more ignorant and arrogant than the last. Freda keeps pointing out the disconnect.

The punishment was harsh and he looked hard done by to me. When was the last time a jockey was fined $4K here?

I thought part of the Entain/Government deal meant relinquishing the pokie money. Maybe that's changed.

A big effort making other clubs in Australasia look pathetic.

Integrity is an odd word to be associated with a gambling industry. Thomas, why do you think many were up in arms about the loss of various revenue streams through the TAB, like the pokies? The entire industry is funded in some form by punters who invest through the TAB, and as such they often refer to themselves as the life blood of the industry.

Tauherenikau is a club which draws a good Christmas crowd for the gallops, much like Thames. How did the latter's meeting go at Te Aroha, or wherever it ran?

Are greyhound licence holders just taking the closure of their industry and livelihood in their stride? Unless I am not looking in the right places, there doesn't seem to be much being said. It's puzzling to me, first the decision, then the reaction. New Zealanders have become real pushovers, as proven by how many conformed during Covid.

Absolutely. Front up and let everyone know what's going on. Improvements for everyone across the board should be the goal.

Found this for human heads but worth a go. If you are worried about trying something different on your dog try it on yourself first. DIY Honey Shampoo Want to ditch the chemicals in regular shampoo and renew your scalp? Try this simple two-ingredient Honey Shampoo. Mix it up on a per serving basis to prevent spoilage. Ingredients Raw honey also called "unpasteurized" honey, I recommend this one Filtered water see Instructions for measurements, I use and recommend this filter A few drops of essential oils such as carrot seed oil, optional Instructions Make the shampoo "single serving" basis to prevent spoilage. Here's the basic ratio, but you can adjust it as desired: 1 Tbs. raw honey and 3 Tbs. filtered water. If necessary, slightly heat the mixture over very low heat to help dissolve the honey. Yes, this is really watery... that is how it is supposed to be. If desired, add a few drops of essential oil. I like adding two drops of lavender essential oils and two drops of carrot seed oil. The essential oils add a light fragrance and also help with any flaky scalp issues. The carrot seed oil (found here) is very nourishing to the hair. Wet hair, then massage a few tablespoons of the honey shampoo on the scalp. Massage well to distribute over the scalp. Don't worry about getting the mixture on the ends of the hair, just the scalp area. Rinse well. No need to follow with any conditioner. If desired, you can follow with a DIY apple cider vinegar rise, recipe and instructions found here.

Find a horse or dog trainer who was around 30 years ago and find something natural. Most of the oldtimers grew aloe vera and all would have a tub of honey on hand. Dock leaves, rosemary etc etc. The vet saw you coming.

I think the dogs going. The other two codes will remain propped up so they are happy.

Is there only one agency New Zealanders can now bet with?

Good and bad in all professions, including vets. Those dog death rates in Auckland are staggering. So the animal rights people must think that is okay. Why then has our Racing Minister decided that greyhounds must be kept alive at all costs? A greyhound is a dog so, let's get the SPCA involved because they are really happy that greyhound racing has gone and they are willing to assist by putting them all to sleep. It's strange that greyhound and horse trainers are not considered animal lovers. It's time our Racing Minister and all political parties had another proper think instead of being blinded by the geo blocking trade off.