Special Agent

NZTR need to bite the bullet and invest in Foxton for a couple of race days.

The RIB are not helping anyone. Owners and trainers take their horses to the races expecting a certain track condition as advised in the morning. I doubt there has been a meeting this year where there has not been a downgrade or upgrade after a race or two. And what about the punters??!! The whole industry deserves to be boycotted.

I was more laughing at the "off season" comment. Surely not another group to look after all the clubs. What are committee members for? Each community has a unique set of circumstances.

Why would they read Brian de Lore's articles?

Good old Brian de Lore ... The Trainers’ Association does nothing. It is a toothless, benign organisation that is seemingly frightened that its members won’t get their licences renewed each season if they say anything. I'll pass that on to Kevin Gray, Kevin Myers, Gary Vile, Moira Murdoch, Sally McKay and co when I next see them.

It's a shocker isn't it!! I liked the bit about using racecourses for other events in the off season. Really??!!

No and no.

Why don't you go and ask said trainers and jockeys first hand, instead of goading those who have information from on the ground that you don't like?

Chief, you have not been in any meetings of participants with officials. They do not listen!! There have been many "I told you so" moments that are not made public. Yes, trainers and jockeys were suspicious of the track. Racing in CD is hurting. It's a case of going to the races with fingers crossed. Maybe the jumping season can bring some joy, a part of the scene that's had a reprieve. Go Levin, 55 jumpers going around there today. It's the 3rd set of "trials" at that surplus venue this month.

I think you'll find Woodville decided they weren't able to provide a decent surface when the pin was pulled there. Waverley did the decent thing for the industry but, their track will need time to recover. Also remember Tauherenikau was shaky for a while too. CD is not in good shape. Matt Ballesty's comments were heavy handed and snacked if a new guy going to throw his weight around. Then when Curious quoted Bruce Sharrock about any pot of gold they can find, what are we to think?

Don't you think Awapuni and Hastings out of commission impacted on the remaining CD tracks? Maybe not permanently closed yet but, neither were operational at the time. Trentham was also under the earthquake prone cloud. Otaki was out for repair. Wanganui had had the running rail issue, in addition to taking on races from other venues.

I told you with what. Now Trentham is a shadow of it's former self the next lot of land grabs begin to maintain Awapuni. Trainers told them they would not be able to afford the upkeep of the synthetic. Now there is another costly burden until the course proper is up and running again. Maybe the birdcage can be opened for picnics.

I didn't say they were doing the scheduled major maintenance, just that it is due. I'd say they are waiting for funds from land grabs before being able to commence. Now that Trentham has provided a refurbished bar and birdcage fencing at Awapuni, it's time to find the next donor.

I don't know what you mean about closed tracks. The meeting moved from Woodville to Hawera to Waverley. The latter two were slated to close in the Messara report. Waverley had their own meeting to worry about but, had to accommodate the industry.

Gee Chief, the farmer, tractor and sheep look pretty good now.

So, nobody learns.

I don't care about numbers and stats. Did you not notice a race meeting was canned after one race at Awapuni? Now RACE are admitting the mistakes. How lucky were they no one or horse was hurt? Have a look at Easter Monday's meeting at Waverley. Like you say the meeting was thrust upon the club. The track was a mess and the Caretaker did an amazing job to run races at all.

Yes.

How many times do I have to reiterate the track at Awapuni may be the best in CD? But, not now. IT NEEDS TIME!! You have pointed out that there are people responsible. What does everyone think should happen to all or some of those people?

Do you think the amount of water required was factored into the new surface? How much water do you think is required to maintain the synthetic? Did you know the synthetic is due to be flipped? Don't worry about Trentham, the sale of Levin is required to maintain Awapuni.

Thank you Curious. That is, in a nutshell, what many of us "nameless" "faceless" people are trying to say. Now backed by the statistics that seem so crucial to some. As for the hammering of tracks, ask anyone who rode at Waverley whether they think tracks have been hammered.

If you think known kick back is okay, good on you.

Yes.

Judging by Brad Taylor's latest update maybe Kate Hercock was correct about more water required.

They used be Caretakers, employees of the club but, I'd have thought almost a free rein to maintain and manage the track successfully for training and racing. Maybe "manager" only offers a better remuneration.