Special Agent

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.

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.