Special Agent

It seems to me most apprentices are in a hurry to slip into the race day gear and get out onto the track. Their trainers should try to curb this enthusiasm a little until the apprentice is focussing on more than the glory of winning. There are going to be mistakes which need to be managed. Snooky Cowan's daughter Kate told the authorities she didn't think she was fully ready to be a jockey when originally presented with a licence and took her time. I'd put that down to her maturity and also being the daughter of a former jockey. Pam you will remember Gavin Gullery not being permitted by his mentor to carry a whip until he was proficient with one. Your memory may be better than mine but, I think he was apprenticed to Mick Murfitt. One thing is certain, when he was allowed to carry a whip he sure knew how to use it.

Oh damn, what a shame. Makes you appreciate the wins.

And I bet Freda can stand up to any insults better than most from trainers in a class of their own. Unless Mark Purdon has changed his posture from when I knew him way back when and now has his head up his arse, I think it wouldn't be beyond him to ask Freda for some galloping advice when both waiting at the swimming pool. Sometimes the public perception does not befit the man, or woman.

I wouldn't have thought saying a jockey may have gone a bit early = jockey bashing.

NZTR now expect clubs to provide monetary sponsorship of races. One would have thought off loading that onto local businesses and the like would lessen the load. Some clubs cover the sponsorship aspect very well and encourage oncourse patronage as part of the deal. Not all of those clubs employ staff specifically for this task.

There are some top comments on this thread. Beats me why smaller clubs are smashed despite performing above and beyond yet the conglomerate outfits can spend hand over fist, be non-performers and get continual industry hand outs.

As Doomed said "shattered".

I hope you are wrong about the stayers too but, probably not. I feel with the jumping they are bolting the door after the horse has bolted. The selling off of the Ellerslie Hill and the shambolic situation with South Island jumping says it all.

Doomed and Freda, you are both so right in everything you say. Even though you might think it a complete waste of time, please go along to the south island editions of the NZTR Road Shows. It may be your only opportunity to bring up these programming and handicapping issues and ideas. I was quite surprised to see jumping still a "valued" part of the calendar. No doubt that may be short lived but at least NZTR and the likes of Shaun Phelan are actively seeking jumping riders from Brittain for the season, and are mindful of keeping jumping folk in the industry. If you have ideas about maintaining a healthy staying culture now is the time to share them. Even if you merely plant the seed and start the thinking off.

Good to see winners flowing for the non-vaxxed, their contributions to the industry noteworthy.

Mediocrity isn't confined to the racing industry. Ask any parent who has had their child schooled within the last 20 years. No wonder home schooling numbers are on the rise. Evidence of the back room deals at sales time may be hard to display evidence of but definitely exists. As far as one for the boys, yes many mates definitely end up in plum jobs. As far as stakeholders being silent I can tell you that you are soon left off invite and email lists if you ask the hard questions or make any suggestions that might work.

What I like about what is going on here is debate. Nothing can change without differing opinions. Currently in this country at least it is sad to see almost hatred towards anyone not sharing an opinion. I hope at some stage upstarts of the day take the time to look back at history where those on opposing sides sometimes agreed and the world didn't end.

I hope there are some fortunate Ace High owners in a year or so. They seem good types that will improve with time.

I suppose too in this era many may be trying to hold on to their own assets, let alone those of their local racing club. We just need more numbers, more youthful members and interested parties. I can't wait for Dean McKenzie's individual national venue report. If he hasn't visited your track yet he won't be far away.

Yes, these people win in the end because they are in a position to wear the likes of Reefton down. Come on Reefton, do another round or two. I feel there must be common sense close by. The Coasters are a rare breed and are not quitters.

Reefton, you obviously have tackled them with some amount of force. Plenty of other outfits have merely crumpled and surrendered at the slightest touch of pressure. My worry would be how the problem may fester or stagnate without a good old fashioned prod or two.

I know what you are saying. I have spoken to Mike Clement. There was some satisfaction with his actions and instructions. However, I think you will find he will be quick to dismiss any involvement at club level. Don't let my experience put you off though. I can see where Chief is coming from. Like our parents taught us, nothing ventured nothing gained.

Reefton, I admire what you have done to date. I wish you luck. All small clubs are relying on a favourable outcome. Let's hope their support is available if required.

My heart bleeds for Reefton. A knee jerk reaction. The on course figures of the Marton and Kumara meetings on the same day tell the story. I think 8% is worth putting some effort in, like many small clubs do.

Someone on here might have more information than me. Club officials racing last month seemed to think they had x amount of funding coming from their oncourse turnover.

And they wonder why we are dubious about any decisions made. We have seen so many made that we go along with because we think those making said decisions are somehow superior. In retrospect the ideas were as hair brained as first thought. I don't think you can beat an oncourse experience, plus the percentage of turnover going to the club is much more beneficial.

Sad and dumb. Anniversary Day at Trentham, Labour Day at Rangiora etc makes so much sense when the public is on holiday.

Looks like madness. Even if Japan pay 4 divvies the New Zealand TAB has it's own system. You can bet on a Top 4 finish on fixed odds but, this race result you have shown definitely looks like tote odds. The 4th runner paid a huge divvy for the placing. Phone the TAB Help Desk. That is what it is for, questions. Keep us updated.

Despite what a few deluded self centred politicians may think New Zealand is such an insignificant country. Forget about what language we speak, the colour of our skin or what gender we may think we are this week. Keeping the wolves from the door and making sure the whole family can eat a healthy and wholesome meal each day is going to be a difficult task for most, and I'd say for quite some time.

Vinnie knew a thing or two.