Special Agent

I agree with a lot of what Doomed and Reefton are saying. Indeed we should learn from the Auckland Trotting Club. Even the story on the news about the museum there was embarrassing from the point of view of the ATC. Noel Taylor donated a lot of money for that venture. A bit like the RSA's around the country where land has been gifted for the sole use of the RSA, now knob heads want the money. No one in authority would want a detailed analysis put out on what happens to a club when they merge and give up their assets. A classic example would by Feilding. That track should never have been sold and their membership is just a few. I am strong on selling at least Ellerslie and Awapuni. If ever there was a case for a better use of land these two tracks are it.

You may question quality horse flesh and horsemanship some years with the number of overseas runners dying and breaking down. There are some awesome horse people in NZ with at times horses to test the best in the world.

The turnover at Kumara tells the story. You talk about it not being great racing. The Melbourne Cup is a glorified hack race but the public LOVE it and couldn't care less about the quality of the runners. I am just baffled by just about everything NZ racing administrators do. Certainly not for the good of the entire industry.

You see Mikey, you are probably a typical contemporary follower of racing. I've paid attention over time to the marketing from the TAB, Trackside and now NZTR, though for the life of me I don't know why they have waded into this boots and all, and none of that expensive ill informed marketing is aimed at you. They are all missing the basics which is annoying when you read through lists of marketing experts employed by each entity There is no reason for any of the mid week meetings to hold no interest. Jobs are not being done well enough. These people are not volunteers. In fact volunteers would put their heart and soul into promoting a great day at a race meeting they believe in at a track they love.

Yes, this not knowing has to be rubbish. Their transperancy is non-existent, more like shattered glass. Breaking the law doesn't seem to worry anyone in racing these days. If a Racing Board does not know what is happening to the industry they are supposed to be running, any one of us could sit there smiling and nodding. Is it my imagination, or are people in charge of anything these days just a pack of weak arses?

I'm not sure what dimension some of these officials are on. Everyone involved in the racing industry should want the same things. We mainly want to win but, we also want a fair contest, a safe surface, good fields, a big crowd and a top entertaining day out. Reading all the information available, and from my own observations on the day, officials were just plainly vindictive towards Reefton and should hang their heads in shame. Poor form, and poor human beings.

And it's pretty obvious isn't it. Times are extremely tough. There are only so many measly dollars to go around. More options are not going to make you bet more. Once the well is dry, it is dry.

Sounds like a witch hunt.

That is interesting Mikey. That proves to me that nothing NZTR or the TAB have done has kept your interest up; in fact they have probably aided your disinterest. I happened to see an intro to camera on Love Racing from Hawkes Bay Cup day. Talk about not moving with the times. It could have been 1990. I'm not sure the young people they have brought on are the right young people either. And all that "shopping" and moving in or out so many points ... if they stopped trying to be like other jurisdictions and just put the focus on the Kiwi way it would make more sense and be more entertaining. Stop trying to be clever is my advice. It would almost be better with pictures, a bit of background music and no talking.

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