Special Agent

I can't draw myself away from the fact of the irresponsibility of anyone, let alone the Racing Minister, pissing such money up the wall with these AWT's. And then all the simpletons smiling and nodding away like one of those dogs that used to sit by the rear window of certain cars. It was plainly obvious the funding could have been spent in a far better manner. Are people easily influenced by "powerful" bodies, or do they just not have a mind of their own?

Text books when I was at school were treasured. No amount of toughening up would prepare one for the crap that comes from most currently in charge of racing or certain racing clubs. Not all club committees have racing's best interests at heart. There really are some dilly plonkers at the helm in some areas.

So at the end of all this discussion, taking into account field sizes, the spend and ongoing costs how many believe the AWT's have achieved the goals as set out by Winston Peters and others making them well worth the investment?

I hate that sunset industry term.

I have been contacted, as has my fellow winning owner. They called her "Mr", the lack of research she thought poor. I couldn't see the value of my donation. Apart from owning a horse I don't feel I'd have a lot in common with owners of today. This group seems quite like others trying to bolster membership. Send an email or post a brochure, then leave it to the gods.

I thought membership was a percentage of your training percentage so, the more successful you are the more you pay.

Contra's may have their place but nothing replaces hard cold cash for the good of the industry. A lazy marketing plan.

I don't see why he needs to hang his boots up. Most people his age are sitting in a rest home waiting to die. Who wouldn't want to die doing what you enjoy talking to those who don't back chat?

I find it ironic that in a land where apparently we have too many tracks the tracks that are in use appear overworked and tired.

And Noel Eales?

Why do these groups cost so much to run? And then have very little say?

But, it is not that long ago Wanganui was closed for racing due to renovation. I don't think our tracks are given enough time to consolidate after such renovations.

Don't you think in a country of 5 million we have a lot of awards for a lot of unusual categories.

You old flatterer you!! I thought it was intended for under 40's.

I'm not sure about these two groups being lumped together. At some meetings owners can be on a totally different page to the trainers.

Funded to the tune of how much, over and above the Secretary?

"Micro-industry issues". WTF??!! The attitudes leave a lot to be desired.

And again no trainer representation. What are the officials on?

Now you are being just down right stupid. Don't be coming up with easy solutions.

Please don't get another position created at NZTR. May I suggest the Trainers' Association be proactive in this regard and submit this information from it's members on a regular basis? It would only take a trainer to collate the numbers and send on.

You'd need time to digest 90 pages of this report. NZTR love reports!! At an initial scan two points strike me:- - Economic Contributions show Waikato $466.2million, Auckland $333.6mill, West Coast & Canterbury $137.3mill, Taranaki/Manawatu-Wanganui $121.2mill. Therefore does the amount of money spent on the Ellerslie track look like a poor investment for the region, taking population into consideration? - Participants in each region are recorded Taranaki/Manawatu-Wanganui 5,132, Waikato 4,897, West Coast & Canterbury 4,329, Auckland 3,002. This looks like a shift in focus by NZTR is required. Waikato may very well be considered racing's Holy Grail but, the true interest in racing from those in Taranaki/Manawatu-Wanganui and West Coast & Canterbury should be embraced and encouraged (and invested in) by head office. The contributions at grass root level cannot be ignored. The figures from our most populated region is a stark reality that racing is moving away from the main centres. I'd be interested in the thoughts of others. If I was looking at investing in the future of thoroughbred racing I think it is clear where the growth areas are. You can't run an industry on dwindling numbers of people.

The Fine Cotton of the Pony Scurry is a bit extreme. As it's aligned with the Dubai final there must be rules to abide by.

The organiser was seeking a small TB for her daughter a year or two back.

Investing in the future is like buying a 2yo Chief. They quickly grow and age. Like you say, retaining the interest, and they can already ride.

You don't know that when you take them on. That's the gamble.