Special Agent

As mentioned, this is definitely not a new concept. Some horses just click in a new environment. Good luck to everyone who gives a north island cast off a go, I hope you pick up a heap of money and enjoy the ride. These horses get a second chance in this world of finding them all a home. It's a bit of a bugger though that the extra avenue of jumps racing is no longer available in the south.

I hate to say it but, I too think the future for Trentham is grim. Interesting comment as it appears a lot think any money from Avondale will go into a "racing fund", however I thought I read that the Avondale club are keen to reinvest into a new complex north of Auckland, thus relocate.

Does it not matter that the death rate attributed to race injury is down to almost zero? It's difficult when it seems all the misconducts in greyhounds are highlighted. The other codes are not squeaky clean. I am not only disappointed at the decision to discontinue greyhound racing but also the disrespect to anyone involved in the industry. The legislation put through under urgency is a farce in my opinion. Trainers should dump all the dogs off at the Beehive as it seems to me that politicians have no idea or care about the consequences of that legislation, particularly when the SPCA euthanises dogs very regularly. Just like retired racehorses, sometimes they would be better off shot upon retirement. The first home might be great but, that is not always a forever home.

The NZ Trainers Assn have had this information for a while, don't know if it's exactly the same study. You'd think differences in diet and supplements would have some effect. There was a time when English yearlings were sent to spell in the limestone areas of Ireland to give them every nutritional opportunity when bones, muscles, organs etc were developing. I wonder how much galloping in large expanses young thoroughbreds get these days.

In the instant world and the fact we are now into 2025 it seems unreal that such delays exist.

Didn't Omakau used to be the same day as a coast meeting and jockeys had to choose which meeting they would ride at?

Maybe it's on the script (running sheet) that everyone working at or for Trackside on any particular broadcast day.

I've had a look at the video and think it's a case of toe in the iron. The horse definitely went down on it's nose but, I can't help think if the feet were fully in the irons the horse would have had more chance of competing.

Agreed. I've noticed how the time and energy put into some of these trackwork riders has been a waste of time as they have dropped off quickly. I think this may be due to the new system. You have to have a licence to go on the track whereas in the past you would just slip into the system and learn as you go. I think akin to everyone looking out for the L plates on the road. Was there much wrong with the old system? You have to learn somewhere and somehow. The people teaching must be trainers who know how and have suitable horses and trackwork riding mates.

It's probably like a lot of things where everything is hunky dory with a quick, or no, check until something goes wrong.

I think it might have been Kim Clapperton (someone will know) who broke her arm riding a mechanical bull. My point is you can be injured so easily at times, I wouldn't want to increase those odds unduly. I agree though that there has to be more training than plodding around a track. Riding skills are honed over time. The rush to raceday intrigues me.

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.