curious

If he can get there like that, how could they beat him in the Everest?

Quite agree.

No idea about his conspiracy theories. I've only ever discussed racing and business, maybe some local politics with him. I just know that we don't agree on what is necessary to fix the Hastings track.

I was there talking to good people who wanted to sort it but gave up because the committee wouldn't approve the investment. Plans were done for the track camber. Don't see what @Transparency has to do with it. From what I've seen, he doesn't think there's a significant problem with the track.

Just fix the existing track like they should have done 20 years ago.

Racing Integrity Unit general manager Mike Godber said he was aware of the substance, which is prohibited. However, he would not comment as to whether the RIU is investigating anyone over the use of the substance.

Wouldn't you include things like Covid and the Chch earthquakes. Both probably well ahead of the Melbourne and America's Cups for most I think.

Isn't that because SAFE is an animal rights/welfare charity as opposed to a human rights/welfare one?

She's just replacing Justine Sclater isn't she?

SAFE are getting plenty of ammunition. https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360815092/watch-secret-footage-brought-down-melbourne-cup-winning-trainer-darren-weir

Might have got you mixed up with @Chief Stipe You should have a look at your own headline for your head post though if you want sensationalist!

I might have misread you @hesi but I thought you didn't think that public perception of racing was an issue?

What's sensationalist about it and why post it on a racing forum?

That's correct according to AI.Though it cant seem to provide a source. The New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing trainer premiership for the 2012–13 season (which ended July 31, 2013) was won by Michael Pitman, based in Riccarton, Christchurch 🏆 Michael Pitman – 2012–13 Season Highlights Total Wins: 74 Runner-up: Murray Baker with 61 wins Third Place: Lisa Latta with 58 wins Pitman was known for his large team of runners, consistent performance across both islands, and strong strike rate with sprinters and middle-distance horses. His stable was particularly dominant in the South Island during that period.

Correct. From the annual report. 2011 Congratulations to Canterbury trainer Michael Pitman on a dominating win in the New Zealand trainers’ premiership, holding off Matamata trainer John Sargent and Awapuni trainer Lisa Latta. 2013 according to NZTR. Dunstan Trainer of the Year Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman

I didn't think so, but may be wrong.

Other than FY08, when were they?

And as I recall Carson won it when he took over much of Lisa Latta's stable?

Yes there is. Pitty won it for 25 years until Carson did. https://nztr.co.nz/news/christchurch-casino-south-island-racing-awards-winners-announced

As far as I can see, stakes for the SI are the same as the NI, unchanged for most races for 3 seasons, though a couple of jumps races, the Guineas, NZ Cup etc. have been boosted.

I'm not sure that pedantic discussion about whether the state of stakes qualifies as "stagnant" or not, is very useful. To me they are because most horses are racing for the same winning stakes as they were for the last two seasons, And that is likely to continue for the next couple. Why that description of stakes in the head post has become the focus of this thread doesn't make a lot of sense to me, when I find most of it vague and not well argued even if it does make a couple of good points.

Of about CPI, so not increases in real terms.

To me it's certainly stagnant, with no year on year increase from last year and none predicted in the next two.

Oh and there's no need to shout if you disagree with me. I'll hear you without that.

As far as I know ~ means approximately equal. Never heard it be read as a negative sign.