Special Agent

None of it adds up. Why are they denying and lying? Why are so very few considering the inevitable disaster? Was this really the best deal on the table?

What other 25 year contracts do we know of? The 25 year basketball contract holding Magic Johnson to the Lakers through into retirement. China signing up with Iran for a 25 year cooperation stint. China agreeing to a term of 25 years with Afganistan for oil production. The Good Friday agreement recently celebrated 25 years between Ireland and the rest of Britain. You can decide if these should be termed successful.

I don't think there will be rebranding and repainting of betting shops. Only a fraction of the 25 year contract, if any, will see the light of day. The get out clause will be needed the other way, Entain wanting to pull out of the contract. All the words have been said to describe the reality of this ... sillier and sillier, makes no sense, worst, blame, ludicrous, ridiculous etc etc Which racing administrators and club officials would be stupid enough to support this? When in such positions you must be extremely careful what you put your nane to.

Because we have been told joining Entain is an "exciting" prospect what are the best parts, the benefits, to the NZ Racing Industry? If it is so exciting what makes it that way, and why is it such a secret?

So Doomed, are you saying if enough Racing Clubs and groups like Trainers, Jockeys, Breeders etc put forward submissions against this proposed agreement it may be enough of a fly in the ointment?

I don't get it either. Have people become dumb, disinterested or are their brains just mRNA'ed? This is so serious but hardly anyone cares. What can we do? I feel we need a suffrogette tied to a railing because today's people don't seem to have what it takes.

Why are so few worried about this agreement and all of it's ramifications?

By contrast, remember Rogerson and co throwing everything at Oamaru, the last race meeting of the season.

That is certainly impressive.

He must have had his fingers crossed behind his back when informing the nation of his intentions. I sure hope Labour do not do another term in charge.

Apparently not enough horses, not enough jockeys. Less of both being bred locally and the best of both end up overseas. The TAB originated in New Zealand and now that's heading off shore too. Someone said to me this week, when it all boils down all we have are our memories. Living in our head, in the past is sounding such a better place to be.

Yip. I find it amazing talking to staff from stables around the country to hear the matter of fact conversation about what is administered on a regular basis. As trainers we have both known would tell you, a lot of what is given to the horse is more for the confidence of the trainer. Nothing will substitute the horse's ability.

A few phrases out of the Silenced doco include:- Abusive Power Uncomfortable Knowledge Informed Consent

Unbelievable a Royal Commission can have a long list of relevant topics which are outside the scope of the inquiry. Am I correct in saying Chippie cannot now be asked any questions relating to Covid, even under the Information Act, because he stood down as the Covid Minister?

No. I am merely pointing out how ridiculous it would be for a Te Akau employee to knowingly administer to a horse racing a prohibited substance within the withholding period on purpose, in full view of CCTV cameras. The stables you have been associated with must have only employed infallible people. 20 years in racing isn't a long time, unless you are 20.

https://vimeo.com/810368027

So, are you saying despite the fact the senior staff member knows there are security cameras operating she thought it a good idea to drug the unbeaten two year old with a non performance enhancing substance to test if the swabbing system is working?

For the most part New Zealand is hard to beat as a place to grow up, live and train race horses. Hong Kong does not appeal to everyone. Good on anybody who not only gives it a go but, is successful doing so. I would imagine Jamie would be streets ahead of many earlier international trainers when it comes to customer service and satisfaction.

Te Akau are not innocent because the horse returned a positive. The application was in error, so not an intentional breach of the rules. They will be dealt with in the same manner as any other licence holder. Most stables co-operate with the RIB in these circumstances because it is not in their best interests to be obstructive. Unlike the usual law of the land where you are innocent until proven guilty, in racing the complete opposite applies as you are deemed by RIB to be guilty from the get go and it is a mission to convince them otherwise. I am ready to be shot down but, talk to anyone who has been charged and you will soon realise this to be the case. As far as CCTV footage is concerned, I would imagine Te Akau (or any other stable for that matter) installed cameras for the safety and security of their horses, staff and business. The fact that a mistake has been picked up is an added advantage and of benefit to the RIB in particular cutting down investigation resources and time. Towns and cities around New Zealand have CCTV systems that are monitored live and in delay mostly by volunteers. If some think Te Akau should be viewing camera footage daily from their numerous barns, imagine the training fee increase to cover the cost. It is a shame this positive swab has to be so public. It has happened, the horse will be disqualified, connections will be penalised, one win comes off the trainer's and jockey's tallies, move on. It's not the first positive in New Zealand and won't be the last.

Yes, if licensed to NZTR you are in an awkward position. New Zealand has certainly gone to the dogs. I see Jacinda has donated some of her clothes to Te Papa. I wonder how many like me feel like setting fire to those clothes, preferably with her in them? Now the ads on radio have moved onto the flu jab. How much crap do you want to put into your bodies?

The Adam Creighton article in The Australian is another to emphasize the realisation of just how stupid those were who were intent on following the Covid vaccination route, like sheep. Judging by what is happening in courts NZTR should brace for any action taken against the organisation. The regulations enforced by NZTR and treatment of licence holders was not in line with the Covid Response Act.

I am with you on the whip rules. One extra strike of the whip by a strong rider in a tight finish, I think is significant and would be breaking the current NZTR rules, with the jockey maybe being penalised but the race result unchanged. My point is that, depending on who you talk to, it's okay to break some rules but not others.

How do you feel about being beaten by a cheating jockey who has had the advantage on the day of their horse responding well to an extra strike of the whip?

The jockey fines reflect the stake level.

I'm not sure how long alcohol has been detectable here, about 20 years in the United States. I don't think the American authorities use the INCA method of investigation. They seem content with catching cheats but, the main motivation appears to be deterring illegal behaviour.