Special Agent

Marital?

This brings to light New Zealand cases where Stewards' and expert witness accounts were also off the mark. The Aussies know how to set a precedent i.e. Covid and Cobalt.

I'm not so sure that everyone agreed there were too many tracks, TAB man. As far as trainers not being consulted or listened to, that does seem to be par for the course these days as they are even left out of race day talks re calling meetings off. This is a very bad look and I can't help think there may be repercussions for such an ignorant action.

I'm finding the comments in this thread interesting. It's amazing what people will invest in to be involved in perceived success. What is success? Levels of success are different for everyone. As for syndicators we've seen a few come and go. Te Akau win their share, maybe more than their share. Some horses from Te Akau race better from other stables too. I'm not a fan of racing horses in the syndicate set up, sooner race them alone or with family members. But then I don't live in a mansion, or drive a flash car.

Every which way you turn in these stupid times there's another load of rubbish thrown up in your face. All three codes have some weirdo's involved. I will not abide by any rules to tippy toe around LGBTQ ..... nonsense. Roll your sleeves up you sicko's and get your hands dirty. I couldn't care less what you do in your own time but, leave that shit at home. I also don't care if you are black, yellow or pink. Get on with work, and life.

How absolutely ridiculous is that rubbish!!

Dress it up as much as you can. Trainers do not like the AWT'S

Not Te Akau but, a small shareholder of Jennifer Eccles once told me that he had not had to top up his contribution a long way out from retirement. I think the syndicate were paid out because she was sold too. Most people join syndicates to race, not breed.

With no jumping at Ellerslie couldn't the bends have any amount of camber? As far as the track surface goes, irrespective of what the make up of that surface is, I still believe the consolodation time was not nearly enough. In an early race a horse lost all four plates. The Stipes have become ridiculous on plate inspections so they must have been on tightly and properly prior to the race. As curious says there were indicators early in the programme that all was not well with the surface with slipping. All we all want is for the truth to be told and common sense to be applied. After a horse lost all four plates, horses were blundering at the start, and horses slipping in the running, why were stringent investigations not undertaken? Why are the Stipes' Reports not a true run down on what has happened? I agree with The Centaur that the major race of the day at the end of the programme is counter productive. Trying to keep punters on board longer is at the detriment of the state of the track. If you are going to lose the tail end of the programme it makes more sense that those races are of lessor grade.

I just wonder how much weaker some think South Island racing is. It is bloody hard to win a race anywhere at times.

A win is a win, isn't it?

Stipes' Report was up earlier. Have they taken it down for editing? The whole lot at ARC and whoever rubber stamped the project at NZTR need to go. I have no idea what Paul Wilcox's credentials are but, he talks with a high opinion of himself, unfounded it seems. A track not cambered correctly is a recipe for disaster. If anyone thinks a bit more tinkering and a whole lot more money is going to rectify this embarrassing problem they should hold their head/s in shame. Forget Ellerslie. Without the hill it is just another ordinary course. Sell it lock, stock and barrel and start afresh in the countryside before all the "investment fund" is gone. And a message to all those clubs which have been told to sell their assets to bolster this imaginary fund ... DON'T DO IT!! We've all had a lesson on what happens to industry funds.

It wouldn't be unexpected for Karyn to be the spokesperson for Imperatriz as manager of the syndicate. She says the right things and is looking after the brand. I wonder what a normal owner looks like.

As NZTR are trying to push the after racing life of thoroughbreds in equestrian disciplines, maybe GRNZ or their adoption agencies could do a "showing" drive, if they don't already. Not every home owner wants a dog on their couch but, if there is another active avenue for them it may prolong their life a little longer.

No I hadn't. You'd think by withholding the contents of the Stewards' vision there is something to hide.

It seems to me across the three codes it is expressed to participants they must be more professional. I think our leaders should lead by example.

Plus he was such a beautiful horse and an obvious gent. Watching some of those races again makes the hairs stand up on the back of your neck.

I don't see many greyhounds out walking the streets so where do they go? Are there greyhound sections at dog shows?

It is quite mad to think the 150th running of the Easter will run well outside of the Easter Holiday period. Is this Paul Wilcox's idea? Chief, they don't give a stuff what the track is like. That little detail is of no significance to running a successful race meeting. The precedence at Ellerslie on the new fandangled track has been set. You can slip and slide and still run. As safe as houses.

During Covid it was okay to work away from the Petone office, including members of the Racing Bureau working from home. Now it is essential to be near a racing hub. Heard of the internet??!! Another sad part is that the racing governing body has moved from a building they owned on The Terrace to renting part of a floor at TAB head office in Petone, now to renting a whole building for what seems a much larger compliment of staff. The industry is going down the gurgler, trainers and others are cutting costs to stay in the game, yet the governing body gets up and runs off on a whim at whatever expense it takes.

Are you able to tell me anything that makes sense in racing at the moment? NZTR moved to Cambridge I thought. Maybe Dr Forbes can keep a corner in his Wellington office for the Keeper of the Stud Book as I believe Bruce Sharrock is travelling to the Waikato without one.

Is it just me? I could never have faith in anything Paul Wilcox says, bearing in mind that interview is 11 months old and we know what has transpired. Those key phrases make you think ... - "Is it sustainable?" - "Our investment fund will provide stakes". With the hill gone which set Ellerslie apart, and the obvious ongoing problems, I can't help think it might have made more sense to have sold the lot and start off with a new canvas. They might think they have a large enough water storage facility to capture all the storm water from the new subdivision. I have seen how much run off there is from a new subdivision on a bit of a rise, not a steep hillside like at Ellerslie. I don't think they are fully aware of what they are in for, despite Paul Wilcox's repeat of the 100% confidence he has.

Quite often the question was asked as to why Petone was where HQ was stationed when there was ample room and parking at Trentham.

I was introduced to Scoot Boots a year or so ago. Since then I've discovered how widespread their use is. Like you say it is amazing what is thrown at you through Google and how much you can learn without getting off the couch.