curious

At the moment, I think it's the small minority anti-racing brigade, focused on dismissing the messengers and not hearing or acting on the message that are doing the greatest damage.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10192833/

https://www.scienceabc.com/sports/why-are-xenon-and-argon-banned-in-sports.html

Argon and xenon gases have been used as performance enhancers, though their effectiveness remains controversial and they are banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). How Xenon and Argon Work as Performance Enhancers Both gases are noble gases, traditionally considered inert, but they have bioactive properties that can influence human physiology: 1. Activation of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor (HIF-1α) Inhalation of xenon or argon can stimulate HIF-1α, a protein that helps the body adapt to low oxygen environments This leads to increased production of erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone that boosts red blood cell formation, enhancing oxygen delivery and endurance 2. Mimicking Altitude Training The physiological effects are similar to training at high altitudes, where oxygen levels are lower. Athletes may use these gases to increase stamina and recovery without needing to relocate or use hypoxic chambers 3. Rapid Clearance, Lasting Effects Xenon and argon clear from the body within hours, but their performance-enhancing effects can last for days, making them attractive for doping Scientific Evidence and Limitations Studies have shown modest increases in EPO and plasma volume after xenon inhalation, but no consistent improvement in athletic performance The long-term health effects and optimal dosing protocols remain unclear or unproven. Regulatory Status WADA banned xenon and argon in 2014, classifying them as performance-enhancing drugs due to their ability to artificially boost oxygen-carrying capacity Detection is challenging, as the gases are quickly eliminated from the body, and testing relies on indirect markers like HIF-1α or EPO levels.

AI doesn't agree with you. You are surely being a bit picky about the definition of a derivative? Yes, formalin is a derivative of formaldehyde. What Is Formalin? Formalin is a solution of formaldehyde gas in water, typically containing: 37–40% formaldehyde by weight 6–15% methanol (added to prevent polymerization) The remainder is water

No NZ Cup market though.

Huh?

Yes. Thanks. All in markets now up on the TAB too.

Btw, I see the TAB still have Riccarton listed as H10 even though it was upgraded to H9 this morning at 9am.

Both guineas markets gone now but still can't find the noms anywhere.

I'd say too bad. It is a cost of racing and needs to be attended to or there will be no racing. Exactly. That's what Freda was saying in her earlier post. Promotion to the public of the welfare measures being taken is paramount. That what greyhounds failed to do. The surveys confirm it. The public wanted them banned but at the same time said they knew little about it or standard practices in the industry.

I send my mother 3 or 4 a year. She's going well at age 96, so I reckon I'll keep eating them.

On sale! Love them. https://www.couplands.co.nz/product/iced-fruit-cake-1-8kg-in-gift-tin/

Exactly. And that's exactly what the hounds failed to do during 2 decades of warnings. The thrust of Beck's blog is about the muzzling of constituent voices, not about welfare per se. Attempts to muzzle these voices on welfare concerns is exactly what I have experienced along with many others in recent times. Also, exactly my point in my open letter response to the RIB open letter. Another attempt to shut down instead of listen to critical voices. In the mean time, public perception of racing continues to become more and more negative. Becks never said that she wanted racing or other equestrian pursuits to be shut down. She said they will be if public perception continues to go in the current direction. Whether or not her approach is the best way forward with that or not, I don't know, but it absolutely HAS to happen, and sooner rather than later. Other racing jurisdictions like Hong Kong and the BHA recognise and acknowledge this and are taking action. Here a token welfare department. Talking to a re-homer today I echo what Freda said. Owners and trainers sending horses to re-homers when they are knowingly unsuitable is just not good enough. Everyone has to take responsibility here.

Still odd that the noms aren't available anywhere as far as I can see, ove 24 hours after they closed. That's the NZCup as well and the Group 3 Mile on the middle day whatever that is now called.

That's odd too. I still have a pre-nom market for the 2000.

What is a "dress rehearsal" in this context? Exactly what happens many mornings at tracks around the country?

And how exactly are they "out of context" when they are at the finishing stages of a race?

I think you'll find that most agree that it needs to be sorted, even some that aren't very compliant.

Seems to me you are the one promoting some kind of conspiracy theory in this thread though I'm not quite clear exactly what it is. Anyway, I'm off to the races to watch a few horses get beaten up and hoping I don't have to beat a naughty one myself.

What is?

That's a good post of hers. What did she say about Argon?

Seems a bit odd. The TAB are still taking bets on the pre-nom Guineas markets.

Anyone seen these? They closed at 4pm yesterday.

Didn't know you frequented HQ?