Nostradamus

It really does add insult to the industry if there are fewer runners than 14 then those places are kept by nztr instead of adding it to the prize monies to be given, so therefore if 8 go to post 6 prizes will be depleted so a 15k race turns into a 13.5k race ??

No images? Click here http://i1.cmail20.com/ei/r/08/E4F/00D/135056/csfinal/NZTR-banner-9900000000079e3c.jpg Dear Valued Owner, Following consultation with clubs and RIOs regarding paying back to 14th, the NZTR Board has decided to maintain the current prizemoney policy from 1 February 2021, with an amendment for races worth more than $15,000. The continuation of the policy to pay back to 14th gained strong support from the Racing Club Advisory Group, which recognised the flexibility this provided regarding adding races where demand required. However, there was also acknowledgement of the fact that there may be a better way to distribute prizemoney to reward those filling minor placings. Currently prizemoney is distributed by the following formula: 1st – 54% 2nd – 15% 3rd – 7% 4th – 4% 5th to 14th – 2% This formula will remain for races $15,000 or under. From 1 February 2021, in races with stakes of $15,001 or above, the distribution will be: 1st – 54% 2nd – 17.5% 3rd – 8.5% 4th – 5% 5th-14th – 1.5% While consideration was given to applying this formula across the board, it was noted that owners finishing 5th-14th in $10,000 races would have to be billed for the small difference between their share of the stake and their riders’ fee. From 1 February riding fees increase to $160. The current 2% distribution would ensure the riding fee would be covered. When a race has a starting limit of 14 or more, but there are fewer than 14 runners, the prizemoney for the placings not filled is retained by NZTR. This prizemoney saved has, thus far, been used to help fund over 50 races which have been added to the schedule, as well as the cost of two additional race meetings. Funding volatility is something which NZTR is extremely cognisant of, given that there is always the possibility of a further Covid-19 outbreak and/or deteriorating economic conditions. While current customer betting and turnover trends are very positive, it may be 12 months or longer before the effect of a post-Covid recession as well as reduced TAB NZ marketing, promotional and other activity has on customer numbers and turnover across all of its offerings. The industry needs to be aware that TAB NZ has not underwritten a total amount to be paid to the codes this season, rather they have provided a budget of the funding it aims to pay. We now exist in a funding structure where we are paid in arrears, rather than in advance and cover as much of what would otherwise be a negative cashflow position. Part of NZTR’s accountability and responsibility to the industry is to ensure the sustainability of the current stakes level and avoiding borrowing funds to pay for stakes, or worse having to reduce stakes mid-season.

So the first trials of the symphetic track went under way today, trainers already saying it's flawed before today happened, But all the media have raved about it. A select bunch of jockeys that have probably never experienced an all weather have said how wonderful it is. Thoughts on this??

How much of the revenue have they added from the so called free bets? Is that included? If so then it could be a farce report.

Why just premier meetings ? Why not all?

Another balls up. What is the starter thinking can he not read 12 that's the second time in what is it now 6 weeks, 2 northern jockeys turn up and make the SI jockeys look amateurish. All ashburton needed today to finish the comedy sketch would of been those incompetent powers to be stipes goose stepping down the home straight and declaring a G4 !!

I'm trying to work out how ashburton has done their going,G3 yesterday 8mm rain over night now a D5, do they just look out the window to get these readings?

Makes you wonder how they will read the all weather meetings rest of the world slow,standard and fast. Will they read it the same way as turf!! oh it is a worry as they can't seem to do that right either riccarton world class hmm at what

Chief would you call winx or frankel a stayer for winning over 2000 meters then or melody belle for that matter ? No they are a far cry from Stradivarius or kiwi. Yes they can sprint but not to the standard of world class, please tell me what a middle distance is in the land of new Zealand.

This has nothing to do with awards.

How do the categories of race distances work ? As I cannot understand how an 1800+ meter race is classed as a staying event. Surely to be a stayer a horse has to race over 2500 meters and beyond,