Ludwig

That's disappointing. It's a robust forum with good flow on debates and shouldn't be dictated to by any one person.

Good supporting races at Orari on Sunday. Anyone got anything special they have spotted?

True. It's just that I grew up in Palmy, Peter Kelly's home town. He was a regular customer at my parents shop. He talked just like his race commentating voice, so asking for his fags and paper was in the same style. I suppose as an impressionable youngster, I just immitated what I heard on a fairly regular basis.

Nah, Robertson never has too much on his plate....it's all in his belly.

I think a lot of questions need to be asked. The Kaikoura pres said it's the uncertainty of what level 2 entails that drove them to this. Cindy can smile all she wants but this is a debacle

How times have changed. A stake of $20,000 and a time of 4.16.

So it's now official. The meeting to go ahead at Addington. Locals must be disappointed. The upside is that the feature races may feature some of the top line horses.

It would be nice to live somewhere where agencies still exist.

We keep hearing about the desperate times that racing is experiencing. People leaving the industry, horses being sold etc. But can someone please offer enlightenment as to why horse numbers in the South, as witnessed by the huge numbers going around at Timaru, seem very robust.? Where's the impetus coming from? Newbies having a go, or old timers going in strong? But from the outside, at least, it looks encouraging to see big fields

According to multiple therapists, they went a long time ago

Interesting horses in that field that I recall. Allakasam and Chequer Board both featured prominently in my marble races up the hallway, along with a Peter Kelly style commentary. What the real NZ cup field didn't have to contend with was my sister stepping out of her room and kicking all the marbles out of the way.

Thanks for all that info.

It's the first cup winner that I can clearly remember. I picked the horse because I wanted Humphrey to beat Nixon in the election. And our new cat got called Humphrey. I am sure that, unbeknown to Mum, my pocket money was invested on him by Dad. But apart from that, I can remember little else about the horse, its path to the Cup, or subsequent endeavours. Any one with better memories than me??

Can you find this year's NZ cup winner in the Methven field?

Ah, yes I had forgotten about Flashing Red....I do remember the late Darren Tyquins commentary of Flashing Red in the NZ cup...got very excited I seem to recall.

As long as we're all being kind . That's all that seems to matter.

I agree about the cup. Looks even, no standouts as in most years. When was the last time the Methven cup winner featured prominently in the finish of the NZ cup?

Gee it's a long time since I can remember a club getting 210 nominations for a meeting. Impressive. The cup looks a wide open affair. I'm pleased to see them on the grass at Geraldine while they undertake repairs,. Good luck to them ..let's hope it's a great day.

At least you're not the Karen.

Hey Mr Ranga, just trying to work out what the Telfers in the three year old race has got to do with the CUP,, and the DOMINION?

I'm sure you're not the only one to raise the subject of how DD got away with things, particularly in Otago/Southland, that others couldn't . Fine driver and all, but I sometimes wondered how brave a steward would be to ping him for some of his drives.

Good points. From my perspective I tend to steer well clear of the amateur races. The level of skill varies greatly, and I do wonder about the overall mentoring and monitoring of standards in this group.

I will be in Ashburton on Flying Stakes day. I suppose St Cindy's rules will keep me outside the course, so I might have to resort to the time honoured climb through the hole in the fence trick.

I am interested to see that Jason Laking was riding for Jamie Richards today...the old Wingatui connection.. it's good to see Jason getting good rides on some better horses. It's a good vote of confidence in him.

Credit where it's due. Very impressive today at Riccarton.