Special Agent

That's an interesting question. Was any compensation offered? Or because there was an alternative venue, did that negate any compensation arrangement?

I'm with you Beau. Sometimes I think I am talking a different language. When I said ... "Don't these figures make it even more annoying that Awapuni is not up and running. The comments given do not compensate for lost earnings and incurred expenses as already obviously stated." ... I wasn't even talking about the move from Otaki to Hawera. Rather the NZTR comments and lost earnings with Awapuni not up and running. The fact of the matter is that racing needs a bomb under it, especially in CD. I think many of us make comments to let out some frustration. These comments are just opinions which are sometimes asked for. They don't need twisting and I too don't have time to be justifying any of it.

Maybe some are reserving that action until the AWT report comes out. Or is it already out?

Not Majestics, not a monopoly. Not my horse, a client booking.

Don't these figures make it even more annoying that Awapuni is not up and running. The comments given do not compensate for lost earnings and incurred expenses as already obviously stated.

Thanks Beau, I was working out the figures too. Chief is right. Only 9 would have walked from box to birdcage. Also only 14 are stabled within the Kapiti/Horowhenua region. On current 115 non-scratched entries 41 from the Palmerston North area are travelling about a further 100km each way. 2 from Hunterville will travel about 50km further each way. Hawkes Bay incurs 90-odd km extra each way and there are curently 4 horses from that area. Turakina and Marton is 20-40km more with 4 horses engaged. 1 from Wairarapa @ 100km further. 1 from Bulls/Sanson area which is approximately 70km difference. I make that 76 horses' owners negatively impacted in travel costs alone. Not taking recorded scratchings to date into account, I think you could guarantee some of the 76 will scratch as a result of this particular 200km venue change.

Trainers and owners can, and do, go to any racetrack in the country. However, to move a race meeting so far away from the host club's venue is head scratching material, especially when Foxton is in close proximity and deemed by NZTR safe and suitable for trials run under their jurisdiction. The number of participants who utilise Foxton speaks volumes. What value do the Otaki and Foxton sponsors derive from a race meeting in Hawera?

Anti-intellectualism! Now, that's a word!

Consider it flattery if they are looking at what is happening here.

They are no different to anyone else in New Zealand who has been made redundant, and would have to learn. With menial jobs, if you can get one, at least you know what day you get paid.

What the new gorge road emphasizes is the importance of Woodville. It will be a very short trip from Awapuni. RACE and NZTR are well aware of this. Woodville should never have been on the surplus list. In fact it would be a great alternative training venue for any fed up Awapuni trainers who might have had enough of the AWT and keeping their horses inside 24/7.

It costs a fortune to float there for trials from the west coast and the ride for the horse is shitty from anywhere from Awapuni west while the new gorge road is being built.

If you enter for Hawera you can budget for the trip from wherever your horse is trained. It's a bit different when it is thrust upon you. Last year one way Otaki to Hawera cost $571. It's okay though. If you get to a race meeting that is put off NZTR will give you $200 compensation. Maybe ask a Waikato trained owner what the float fare is from Matamata to Trentham. I'm sure the $200 wouldn't put much of a dent in the travel bill.

That is what I am trying to get across, the distance the race meeting has moved. Now had it moved from Otaki to Foxton that's only Kapiti to Horowhenua. Otaki to Taranaki goes across a few provinces.

Float fare Otaki to Hawera return $800 - $1000. I call that out of the area.

Yes. Only time will tell if interest can be retained.

I'm not sure of the timing or rationale behind trainers being dropped out of consultation around tracks, track surfaces, safety and availability for racing in favour of those who don't ride or train.

The obvious ones are Stratford, Foxton, Levin and Waipukurau. Has the CEO been to any of those for a first hand look? CD owners and trainers are visibly angry and already talking pulling the pin and looking for alternative employment.

Not everyone in the industry has agreed with decisions made.

Hang on a minute. Why is the Otaki race meeting from out of the area being thrust upon Hawera on the 6th when they have their own meeting on the 18th?

I think the point is similar turnover but vastly different stakes.

What representation at this meeting now with Otaki/Foxton moving to Hawera on that day?

Does multipurpose include racing?

Is it only NZTR's assessment?

And pulling down grandstands.