curious

Country clubs do that here too. Mostly well

And most of those that do don't know what to do about it

Pretty silly rule anyway. Current 2-4 sec rule much more sensible depending vehicle and driving conditions. Horses racing a bit of a different matter I'd say.

Yes but that's just hearsay from one trainer. Someone in the club must have arranged that and know and be able to confirm that the policy was followed and what the outcome of that was surely? "A Club must arrange for a track gallop on the course on the morning of the race meeting to reconfirm the declared track rating"

Reefton. I assume that a horse or preferably horses galloped on the track on race morning as per the prep guidelines. Did you see that? Who rode the gallop/s and what did they report? That must have been a key factor in the club/RIB confirming the track condition and allowing the meeting to commence?

The other issue here I think is that they've completely reversed themselves. They determined the track to be safe. Sent out horses and riders as crash test dummies, then decided it wasn't safe based on no evidence that anyone has reported or seen. Essentially saying, we got it wrong. We've put horses and riders at unnecessary risk when it appears they actually got it right and didn't. Not a good look.

Yeahh. Haven't watched that race for years but all the top chances with 2 mile form. Former Wellington and Melbourne Cup winner ran 5th. Genuinely run 3.23 on a slow track. No sign of any skirmishes or interference throughout. And not just balance from the riders but a great sense of timing and pace especially from the first few home. No hidings needed when horses were trying either. Don't think any of the place-getters turned their sticks over.

Yep Grant rode her for that win but Chris also won at least 3 on her. Wonder how his heel is healing and whether he'll be back.

Yep and he and Jane were both still riding work here 18 months ago. Didn't look too fat to me. Might have worked a few for Freda at Riccarton too for a couple of weeks.

Good that you found the committee members hot and hospitable. Any in particular?

Was the revenue down?

Footing looks super

I heard there was supposed to be an update by 7am. Who is the course manager there?

Has he? Any report from whomever rode the gallops this morning?

Pray you are right. Has the secretary walked the track then?

Hope you are right. First hand reports say very slippery and probably un-raceable unless they get much more than the forecast shower or two overnight. . Have you walked the track?

Maybe relocate the meeting to Reefton?

Too much coal dust again? Still be a good party.

Wasn't expecting Jimmy but wondered if Walshie was there. He knows a thing or two about those coast circuits.

Stipes report now says "MADISON ROSE (T Moseley) - Lost the right hind plate in the saddling area which was unable to be reattached due to the mare being fractious. Lost its footing rounding the final turn near the 225 metres with the left hind leg having slipped.

Nothing makes sense. I'm looking forward to seeing Reefton's chronology of events.

I presume it stepped on and lost the plate between being saddled and the plate inspection. Would be pretty obvious to trainer and staff when you walked it out otherwise. Pretty sure the farrier is always at the start here so could have removed the other plate there.

I think you and I both have a track record of not supporting races being run where tracks are suspect or dangerous and certainly not by sending horses and riders out to test their safety. From my observations though and info to hand, this was not one of those cases. How the hell did a horse get to run with only one hind plate and how could a track inspection before the first deem the track as safe and one after deem it not with no evidence of any horse slipping?

Was probably out there the day before coaching apprentices how to ride it.