Gammalite

Well the club did , and the trainers too. so they dropped it back to a mile distance from 1999 onwards. A good step by 'forward thinking' club. (looking after the horses). hence I said you would be a Poor horse trainer . Dunn has his team running home strong at present . Beating the Allstars easily and that , so no one else is gunna beat them if they (Allstars_ can't ??. Might as well stay home and look for a Winton 2 yearold race or something 😁😉 no surprise the small field . You just have to live with it mate. Possibly. As far as I know ALL the Stakemoney is allocated at the beginning of each season for the whole season to every club for their race programs , so the Trainers race for it. (In Oz this happens in each state anyway) The Auckland Cup with it's drop in Betting revenue , has dropped significantly in Prizemoney as time goes by. so as you guys suggest the stakes are allocated according to the 'betting times, ' ''sponsorships' etc. and now the new slot races are a Great innovation allowing the owners and slot owners themselves to produce the BIG bucks to race for. A Million dollar Race by Grins was excellent. so they started a SLOT Trot now as well for the first time this year. Personally i'd advocate for the Auckland Cup to be a slot race too !! Problem solved ! best of the best horses and trainers over a 2 mile stand for a Million dollars 💰 what could go wrong ? get great publicity like the Everest gallop too. Harness racing has gone on for 100 years plus mate. Don't give up now. Look for innovations . Kiwis doing well introducing slot races and that Going to do it at the gallops now I believe ? in NZ so people can actually get a big prize win. Don't forget old NZ castoff BETTERZIPPIT won $500,000 in one go in Perth in a slot races. Couldn't win at Manawatu in NZ.

Punters have got All the other races . My only bet was on the Auckland Cup the other night . I love it when there's only 8 starters. Greyhounds only have 8 All the time. so not everyone is seeking 'Large number ' fields that you and Doomed go on about all the time. You're just used to those ridiculously BIG fields in NZ over the years , that inflated the starting prices, BUT Dramatically DEcreased the chances of an owners horse winning. (because of numbers against it) John Dunn had 2 wins in the 2 year old divisions last week and he will this week as well at Ashburton. (even putting those Nasel patches on the 3 runners in the Welcome Stakes as is pretty Desparate to win them for his owners) The 2 yearold Fields are small Because Why would you take on his 2 horses (Got the Choc's and Queen tyros in the form they're in with a half baked 2 yearold ? for example : Nathan Williamson's horse nice horse ALWAYS DREAMING was struggling a long way out in the Welcome Stakes and is probably ruined for the season now. You can't do this to your 2 yearolds and expect them to do well at their next start. You and Doomed and Newmarket just NOT seeing the Horses picture at all , grizzling about punting all the time , and the size of the fields racing . (with Merlin and Sooner the Better and DSD resting from the AKLD Cup , etc. Harness racing is Still successful (for more owners) with smaller fields and more races , so that is better than big fields and less races with it Very hard to win for the participants) And as for racing 2 yearolds mate .The last time the Sapling Stakes was 2400m was 1998 . You are living in the past old mate 😅. last century. The Club 'saw the light' and wisely Realised (unlike yourself 😉) that it is TOO HARD to put the 2 yearolds at this stage of their career over that journey. You'd be carving em' up as a trainer though mate? 😁. toughen em' up a bit ya reckon ? Put em over the 2400m and taking on Johns 2 star horses. You guys are Extra Tough Judges 😂

Don't think you understand the training of 2 yearolds Brodster. You can't just go and flatten em with mile and half 2400m racing . The Sapling stakes has traditionally been a mile (1600m) standard for 2 yearolds. But the last 2 years they added 100m for you lol 😉. so you shouldn't get so bored. The 2year old Fillies in race 7 and Also the 3 year-olds going around in race 8 at Ashburton , also being looked after by the club !! excellent at the 1700m dispatch point. The 8 races are ALL at 2400m for the older horses . so you and Doomed should just watch those 8 races ? and just skip over the 2 yearolds you're both grizzling about tonight . 😁😉 both are John Dunn benefit races anyway 🏆🏆💰💰 They persist with 1700 for 2 and 3 year olds so you DOn't Flatten The Poor Bastards while they're learning their craft still. A great idea to persist with this approach .This looks after the horse better 😊, with recovery and that , plus mental and physical training.

Well they'll have to learn. Is great you can have your 2 yearolds racing in NZ Cup week now , with that change in season dates. One of the BEST incentives for 2 year olds in all harness history > Now they can race an entire year , from when actually turning 2 , right up to Jan 1st turning 3 if they want. NZ has been notoriously Bad/Slow at getting 2 yearolds going for years. Now the trainers have an extra 4 months to get it right. Much better/easier to get a 2 year old to the races. John Dunn has Got the Chocolates absolutely flying .Will win the Sapling by yards. Has been smashing Allstars already , so God knows what he would do to other stables runners. Is a Waste of time (and your horses confidence) trying to beat him already. Let stable-mate Malakai try . he'll flatten pretty quick.

You guys (Chief mainly lol 😅) are confusing the hell out of the topic. In any tribunal hearing submissions are made and a judgement is filed. All court procedures do a similar thing. Not everyone is always telling the truth either. (Bit like a Parliament sitting really 😆) Often the correct decision might not even be reached due to faulty presentation or evidence . But at the end of the day someone might go home a winner, BUT some just have to try again , appeal again, pay the fine, go to jail , Do a DQ, face the missus or any other similar horrible fate . and cop it sweet. As someone said on here earlier All those that do the crime (in this case cheat the rules) you should do the time? . 'Set Penalties ' should be in place. (like traffic infringements are) but often don't seem to be in horse racing ? for some reason. (even in courts of Law that happens too) so that muddies the waters IMO.

Au Contraire matey. only just finished on this claiming thread saying about how the Claimers were my favourite .and how those horses that can't cut the FFA mustard are the real triers in racing. And Westview , Spatchcock and Brodster don't seem to mind them either.. Sure ! there's been talk of some of the greats (horses and horsemen ) on this site but plenty have often commented on Loose class horses they admire (admired) . I've seen hundred start 2 win trotters mentioned , even The 'Spitfire' got a hundred Posts 😂 from his fan club here.😂 Mo'unga is no superstar either 😉 popular amongst the lads though. Sorry about the small fields bugging you. There's just a lot less horses and trainers around so it's just Par for the course. Auckland Cup still had quality runners and good divvies past 2 years even with 9 and the 8 runners. It's just part of the Way It is at the moment. Plenty of Sunday New Zealand racing all year round to keep you punting if you need too mate, and all fairly lower class horses in bigger fields, which you and Brodster like too. Can't see any problem. just enjoy that and give the premier meetings the flick might be your go ?

Well not quite 30 for Todd, but for all the McCarthy's at Albion for long time . NICKY'S FALCON = 324 starts for 62 wins (mostly claimers) Andrew learned to drive on him first, the dad John took over a while , then Luke learned how to win races on the FALCON for a long time , before finally Todd began his driving career around 2010 it was . What a Family !! what a horse !! fantastic stuff. gotta love harness racing 🥰 Hey Todd just bought up his 1000th USA winner since going there 2020. whatta champ driver !! Here's a bit compliments of the National Trotguide Aussie adds another USA highlight to resume May 18, 2024 National Trotguide TIME has seemed to pass quickly for Australian reinsman Todd McCarthy since his arrival in the U.S. in the summer of 2020, but he’s certainly made the most of it. McCarthy has been a Rising Star Award recipient, captured a Hambletonian, North America Cup and Breeders Crown, sat behind at least one Dan Patch Award winner every season, and, just this past weekend, notched his 1,000th victory in North America. “It’s been a bit of a whirlwind of three-and-a-half years now, it’s been so much,” McCarthy said. “It’s been everything I hoped for, but beyond anything I would have expected. I feel like it’s gone really fast, but I think anytime you’re having fun, time does fly by.” McCarthy, who won 1109 races in Australia, got his 1000th triumph in America with Endofstory at The Meadowlands

Loved em' . great racing for the older horses that have reached their mark. There's not enough of those around any more (sold off from NZ before reaching their best Mark) and as you say the ratings system makes it hard to 'Grade ' them. Owners loved having a value on their horses , and racing opponents of exactly the same class week in , week out for decades. we used to have 2 claimers every Saturday night for years. ALL the runners were horses that had won all their country races down to Metro class , and then a couple of Quallies. (We still run Metro Quallies every Sat) and a 20 and 21 class Metro race. Then there's nothing for them . Only FFA's ,but fast horses like TURN IT UP these days (past Akld Cup winner) dominate those every time . so the old Claimers were 2 seconds slower generally and No Chance in a FFA . but give those Claiming races a real hurry up though. Luke and Todd and Andrew McCarthy 'cut their teeth' driving in the claimers at Albion for years to become the amazing drivers they are (2 are in America now taking it up to Dexter) Todd won about 30 races (from his first 50 wins ) with the same old claiming horse. Can't think of it's name for the mo as was about 20 -25 years ago I spose. i'll think of it shortly. Those Claimers were the Highlight of the night for me. Brave old horses that had won heaps but FFA's just a bit slick for them. these claim races were just dandy

House is an experienced Horseman. He knows what is going on and (hopefully) operates within the rules all the time. he races in both islands and is well known to nearly all involved long term in the Industry. I would of thought his point of view would be an acceptable opinion. You must be happy with Robert Dunn's Chief? you haven't mentioned it much. Don't forget that witnesses in court proceedings every day , a groomed by the prosecution or the defense to come up with stuff advantageous to their case, even if knowing the applicant/defendent is guilty. A lot of the time the final decision might come as a reduced sentence , as mentioned by the Galah in the previous post. It seems he (McGrath) shows some remorse, is a good horseman (that NZ need at present state) , is a good bloke by all reports (so nothing wrong with fellow competitor's giving character reference surely?) and received a far too hefty sentence. I guess( like Alford and Jones got too ) the long Disqualifications put a Real Stop to the cheating , as people in the industry now , will be thinking twice or 3 x even before trying anything , or their time in the industry could be ended. Some schmucks still try milkshakes in Aus. we have about one a month on average from desparado's trying to keep up. The year out is obviously not enough to deter them (cause it's still happening) so for that reason , Well done Nz RIB for dishing up the long sentences. 😉 no-one cheating there now in NZ in recent times ? lol 😁

Well that's a surprise he didn't do that. when originally given the Penalty. Many do appeal. Robert and John Dunn even got their caffeine 'fine' halved by appealing . so you can get a result if you present a good case. For McGrath, Not against the charges but at least should of appealed against the severity of the penalty. He might of got somewhere then.? must be doing it tough the poor bugger to go through this latest process.

A very harsh (long ) penalty was imposed on McGrath. there must of been some underlying reason for this. almost 4 times the normal milkshake penalty. Robert Dunn had a few blemishes himself back in the day with substances , so can probably understand the predicament that Nigel has found himself in. I'm All for 'Serve ya time' then get on with it. you are removed from horse contact while DQed. Nothing wrong with reducing the term if the board agrees to it . esp for being manifestly excessive in a way. you can only try. Speaking of tries. The Bronco's just lost just now in the NRL (and the Brissy Lions too in the AFL the dills 🙄) and so it's up to my mates from down the road (REDCLIFFE Dolphins) to knock off the NZ Warriors at Mt Smart , which has just started , to get some QLD redemption back. Fins Up 😆

Think you're right Brodster. it seems to be with Ladbrokes that not just kiwi's but any Winning party is frowned upon if the collects get too big. You and NoworNever sound excellent form with your bets so were shut down quickly. ENTAIN owns and runs Ladbrokes and Sportingbet agencies here so maybe they have similar rules for them. About 2 years ago my Son had signed up with Ladbrokes as a newbie, and he wanted a good tip so I gave him a good looking runner (probably a Purdon one lol ) and his $100 ew bet netted about $1k . Account promptly showed 'suspended' and he couldn't place another bet?. very silly of them really. so he never did. Their loss really . I think the Ladbrokes computer hates winning bets and reacts with a suspension if someone wins without losing. NoworNevers 'strike-rate' number of hitting the Q's and Tri's must of passed the cut-off point of being 'Too many collects' as well . so they cut him off. Is hard to work out Why Ladbrokes wants to cut All kiwi's though. since they (Entain) has just moved into the NZ TAB there. Do they just want them ALL (you kiwi blokes ) betting At the NZ TAB to keep track of you all or something ? I have used the Sportsbet company for quite some time and have no problems. (with 100 ew anyway)

Not sure if you're being sarcastic or not . For your sake I hope it was. (must be awful to be sad when the fantastic Autumn racing season on The last 6 weeks have seen not only the biggest prize money races ever (at Cambridge) with 2 of the best ever to grace the race-tracks winning those 2 Features (Merlin and Just Believe) but we've seen 4 nights at Auckland with 20 Group Races containing the best horses of Two nations running each week . For every age group and gait. we've had Self Assured, Don't Stop Dreaming , Muscle Mountain, Merlin , Duchess Megxit , Empire City, Better Eclipse , Paramount Kiwi, Cyclone Jordy, YouretheOnethatiwant, Mach Shard, American Me, OscarB , and 100 more star horses running. Most ran several times . Nothing to be sad about Newmarket. What could of possibly made it better ? did you think Swayzee should of turned up ? . what would of helped ? a yank turning up maybe? You're probably right though in that it can't get any better than that , cause it's at it's Premium best for 6 weeks. How fantastic it was. Every good Trainer in the country racing there too. I spose if LEAP TO FAME turned up you would have the current Interdominion Champion to Put the cherry on Top ? , The Aucklanders have got to see the great Interdominion Double Champion Trotter JUST BELIEVE anyway 🏆, as he takes home the TAB slot-trot and the Rowe Cup. Sad for his rivals I spose , but don't blame the North Island . They put on some great races. was a pleasure to tune in and enjoy. We have 6 weeks of racing at Brisbane shortly with the Winter Constellations Carnival. the time of year to tune in and see some great racing horses and Not be sad. (bit like Addington Cup week)

You and I know old friend. they nearly ALL need hopples. Crystal got a suspension for that as hit Mark Purdon wheel while easing out at the quarter mile. You need hopples for balance at the best of times and you run the risk of that fierce gallop without them if you get a slight check. Also a Junior driver in a Group 1 isn't the best idea??. on a free-legged horse. sure fire Recipe for something to go wrong . Crystal Hackett is doing ok, and making good progress as a driver. and did indeed get the horse home at odds in the Messenger .Bit of a fluke though. SO I would still think Tony Herlihy MNZM or MauriceM MNZM or usual Purdon stable driver Zac Butcher would be a better option's , since they were ALL sitting on the sidelines. you need the Best out there in the Best races. Sounds harsh , but it's a Very high pressure 2 Mile race , and it's easy to make a mistake like Crystal did , with the in-experience and massive nerves of the occasion.

that is great . A lovely family . Suzanne has shares in most as part of their training arrangement. The Herlihy's have roped in as many people they can muster into shares in lots of horses (including long lost son's at times) and are doing their best to keep the numbers up in the North to keep the game alive there. Big Dean doing well at her brother Barry's too. Yes some love a big punt to get their thrill/buzz (brodie an exponent of that at BOAY lol) Think he would like to be KerryPacker the 2nd and get a million on in one bet if could 🤣) my biggest ever was $1000. only because couldn't get beaten. did that twice on same horse on 2 occasions on a 2-1 on shot I was driving Moonee Valley. led all way both times so collect 500. seemed alright at the time .I certainly wouldn't risk punting like some do when you're just hoping they can win or were odds they couldn't resist. Have to be near over the line before i'm interested lol.😂 Yeah good to see them come from all over the shop to win at Alexandra Park too. Track plays alright if you ask me. quite high standards and maintenance I imagine by trackstaff.

hahaha Like a Tassie island playground. thinking Nz would do well as the 8th state?. the Montana ,Entain man could build a few resorts here and there (possibly on all the closing race-courses ) and then everyone have a good fun time.

Of course People care where they come from Walt . absolutely. This very site (forum) generates every second thread about where they come from virtually. I started a Woodend thread Thursday just because impressed of what is happening there at the moment. The very previous thread to this one I think. Any Auckland or North Island Trainer/races has generated enough flak here to sink the Bismarck and the Titanic togeather. I have fought hard to maintain the image and tradition of North Island racing here for a long time .(because I know a lot of the competitors and like them) Brodie has given it the both barrels for years. He cares where they come from. Seems not impressed with the Standardbred Breeders stakes now either, by the look of it with Boudicia winning 😂 . Connections of the horse will be happy though which is nice. 💰🏆. Glad you Not disappointed with the Aussie victories though Walt. Personally I was bitterly disappointed with Aussie Swayzee winning at Addington NZ Cup , and what happens with horses at Grimsons . The ones that come from there sure get a boost for a while . I will be posing a question to the Galah, about some of the NZ mares being sent to his close associate kiwi Jack Trainor at some stage so watch out for that one. Where they (winning horses) come from is a great topic of discussion over the years . Allstars and TeAkau have copped 'plenty' , as has Emma Stewart in recent times here and elsewhere. support and criticism. People do care where they come to answer your question. Your second Question?. Well Just Believe has clean swept heats and Final the past 2 Interdominion Championships (beating Bolt for Brilliance once too) , so that speaks volumes of his ability. He did have to get serious , and zip around to the lead early on from the back . But MARK Purdon , being near best trainer Driver on the planet , recognized immediately , he was always racing for 2nd in the Rowe Cup . so trailed him and ran 2nd. All you can do sometimes. Trotters aplenty had to do that against Sundee's Son recently as well.

The Aussies won Both them Walt 👍😎. NZ has Never got BUZZ 🐝 out of the Aussies winning at any sport as far as I have seen 😁. Mark Purdon 3rd in all 3 of the Group 1's was a bit deflating as well ?. You mentioned recently he has lost a length or 2 on the others now. Because we are So Used to Him Winning them 😉 . and his stable has an extraordinary amount of 2nds in the past year too? . (along with that slap in the face by Swayzee in the NZ Cup as well) On a REAL POSITIVE though, The Group 1 Trotters Derby was quite good though ? I got a Buzz out of the Herlihy stable winning it over the Powerful Phil Williamson and Allstars barns. A Fantastic drive by the nights unsung Hero Tony Cameron too. There was comment somewhere about No northerners in the Rowe Cup , so is great to see these potential ones coming through like InaSingleMoment . TonyH is a fabulous trainer of trotters and great to see him WIn the Derby. esp after the hard 'Bolt' times the injuries with 'Bolt' curtailing him was a tragedy. Exactly 2 years ago he (Bolt for Brilliance) trotted a super quick 4.01 2 miles, beating the DUNN champ Sundee's Son by 6 lengths into 3rd in the Rowe Cup. (funfact: Tony Cameron was 2nd in that Rowe Cup driving warhorse Temporale for the Hacketts and beat Sundee home too ! what a warrior he was ) so I guess you are right Walt my friend . Just Believe 🇦🇺 winning at short odds last night a wee bit 'Less-Buzzy' than that 🙄.

lol. don't worry about that Chief mate. the mighty feathered one always questions everything in harness and keeps the whole game honest and on their toes 😆😂 possibly a lawyer in a past life he could grill the teeth out of a chicken. As for the Dunns, when you look at the many staff on the 'Unhinged Woodend video' each week going to and fro and busy as a Tokyo airport nearly . Tiz a big busy set-up at the beach alright. Perhaps John should put his name on the 'Training Ticket' though. He might regret not having all those Training credits in future years down the track. Robert Dunn had some great results last century with a few horses (esp Master Musician) so is no surprise Dexter and John are absolute World Class operators. doing well and why. Sundee's Son really setting a massive trotting standard. Think they need some Auckland and NZ Cup runners though if they are going to be the Headline Act of the NZ harness scene. with Diamonds instead of Stars (Mark) .

All but swept the entire card tonight at Addington , with the Diamonds winning plenty. I lost count there was so many. I think the Edmonds trotter 'A Fine Patrick' probably works with them as well , and whatever the case , the Woodend Trainers ran the Trifecta in that trot for good measure anyway( in race 8 ) with Bob Butt 2nd and John Dunn 3rd Bob even got John to drive his first start horse 'Dynasty', in the last race of the night to victory to cap off a Woodend Wonderland of Winners ! A Wonderful Woodend Wipe-up ! 😉

What is all this Walt? you've gone into the Springtime NZ Cup Stuff?? and on on AUCKLAND CUP Eve ? With the great race on once again tomorrow night at Alexandra Park , Hope you weren't betting on your 3 mates of Bonnie's Chance , Delightful Lady and Hands Down on this occasion . Let's see how they got on for a great bit of AUCKLAND Cup History.

Proof. Evidence Put a couple of fences in front of them . That'll put off the thoroughbreds and get the little tackers back in the hunt.

Well some things are just occuring as times progress/ change mate. There is an excellent cohort of 'old stars' on BOAY that have great opinion . (Although would be fantastic if we could get some youngies to add to that). One of things commented on frequently is the small fields eventuating now in some areas. There are reasons for this . As Brodie often pointed out the 'Costs' of racing a horse a skyhigh now, and you have pointed out at times the lack of training facilities available to the new players is dwindling. A lot of places supply training facilities in Oz (like Cranbourne has done for Te Akau) to give them a good go at it. Seaton Grima and Jack Trainor and co have barns at Menangle so the club helps their future stars out a bit. (leasing them space) So I liked the small fields tonight , as like I said the races are easier to win that way. Your 14-18 horse fields thundering around in NZ are a thing (a good thing ) from the past . Too hard to win them now for owners trying to keep an interest . (and pay the bills) Small fields are more common all the time. They only have 8 in those doggie races afterall. Having 2 two-year-old races tonight you weren't a fan of, but 2 sets of happy owners is a good thing , and you are still able to get a bet on if you want. I even put a 10er on John Dunn in the first 😂 thanks to the Galah for that , making it look like John Dunn could win 2 x 2yearold races tonight instead of one. Nice work by 'Bruntie ' there. 😁👍

Absolutely correct. They're all just making a living out of it . (the participants on race-days) at those 2 QLD venues. The Handicapper helping them to do such by providing weekly races. This also happen at some regional centres like Mildura, Tassie (racing there much improved with Ben Yole out currently) Tamworth NSW , etc etc . I imagine the betting on those venues is VERY SMALL. like the crowds that attend. I wouldn't bet on any of them as exactly like you say , They're going through the motions and competiveness is mild. They just run and race according to barrier draws really. NZ has MAssive more variety (types and classes of racing) , and plenty more Feature Racing (that I enjoy very much) you guys are obviously been spoiled greatly by not realizing the great racing month to month with many many features , and even some Aussies getting there now making it all the more exciting. In fact I see criticism time to time with The Race, Invercargill Cup, Welcome Stakes, any North Island trotting' at all 😂, and now even the Auckland Cup ? under 'Heavy BOAY artillery fire' Instead we get the headline like this thread has ? so I was a bit awful about Doomed assessment I guess , as as far s I could see AUckland has Many of the Best Horses currently racing in the Southern Hemisphere racing this week ( and most weeks lately) and I couldn't see why you wouldn't/ couldn't shouldn't enjoy that. The Autumn racing has been fabulous. So yes the Mundane racing here is not worth betting on and Punters would DEFINITELY feel it , as you described , as Not exciting. Personally, I only bet for fun and not about the money at all . trying to increase what I have already is not why I do it. I bet on friends and family and people I admire , sometimes a horse I admire, and win or lose I get some enjoyment from the contest.

yeah you're probably right. I've seen a hundred thousand races, but have never known what the betting was on any of them ever or cared in the slightest. I guess I've always thought 2 winners was Way better than One (for owners, drivers and Trainers) so thought it would be for the punter too I guess. I do know you have a one in 6 chance of Actually Winning the race with 6 starters, and Only a slim 1 in 12 chance of winning the race with 12 starters. I can tell you which one I PREFER as an owner , trainer driver or Punter. The much easier to pick 6 -8 horse one. Akuta paid $5.90 in the 9 horse field Auckland Cup last year . Money for Jam. We run 3 times at Albion every week and 2 at Redcliffe Every week. Stake money is mild . But a race is supplied for the 500 horses in training in the catchment Every week. Very important and makes it sustainable for the participants. I don't know what the betting is . could be a 1000 , could be 10,000 per Race who knows. But if you put the races on Consistantly for your participating owners and Trainers . they will turn up . You need races that You are able to Win though . NZ needs a Good handicapper to achieve similar. You can Bag me All you like , but No , I wasn't jesting . I was impressed they split the 2 year olds at Addington to give 2 lots of owners a winner (very important to keep owners winning) and if people won't bet on it . Tough titties for them . I'm sure they're not looking at turnover. Dunn's will probably Win both 2 year old races at Addington anyway . The gutser s 🤣😂.