Restricted sale races are a marketing tool for runner-up sales companies. I don't think the likes of Keeneland have to offer them to get the best horses there.
No. They bought their own gates (8), and volunteers assembled them, partly funded by a Racing Safety Development Fund Grant. I was on the committee when that application was written.
It's a disgrace from that perspective aside from the level of detail supplied (or not supplied) about the various tracks. Neither provides me with much confidence.
The Central Districts Club Hub is a standalone not-for-profit that provides vital operational services to 11 thoroughbred racecourses in the lower North Island. The Hub owns shared raceday infrastructure and employs a number of staff who travel around the region on behalf of 16 well-stablished racing clubs.
revision of the Famis bonus scheme from the 90s? Never have contributed much to wagering revenue as far as I can see. Hardly any sort of new initiative.