curious

I don't think so. That's too short a training period for bone to adapt or de-adapt as I understand it.

Quite agree with Lee. In fact I posted this on another channel recently: I wonder where they got that figure? The 6 months I mean. Seems a bit of an odd request. Wouldn't requiring bone imaging, say CT scans, before they are cleared to race be a better and more pragmatic option?

Isn't that just until the neew track is functional at Ellerslie? This is from Lichter's article: Pukekohe would be retained as a training centre but the opportunity would be there for increased income through the sale or development of unneeded land.

Yes. To alter the constitution. Don't see that as a likely problem do you?

Isn't the intention to retain Counties for training? I thought that's what I read. Yes they have total assets, mostly property of around 13m.

Don't Counties own their land?

Presumably Riccarton is not considered part of the metropolitan area of Christchurch? https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-depth/423144/how-a-christchurch-city-race-track-bagged-provincial-growth-fund-money

"All regions of New Zealand are eligible for funding under the PGF, excluding the metropolitan areas of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch."

I think we realise that but can the soak holes cope with the water from the additional area? If not, any surplus will infiltrate the course proper from the swales won't it?

Interesting that Auckland which missed out on the AWT funding have gone for the Strathayr. And it looks like all 3 clubs will be involved.

But surely it could be or have been if that's what had been applied for?

I may not understand this but the runoff from the tarmac now has to be absorbed on either side of that 16m doesn't it, whereas before it could percolate directly down through the grass track it is replacing?

Hopefully the engineers have it right but according to the plan in the resource consent, the drainage from the outside of the AWT is supposed to go to the area between the two tracks. have I got that wrong?

Once the course proper is getting the runoff from the AWT, that should settle the dust.

Is it the Paparua stream that runs through the back carpark area? Or has that disappeared? They may not be allowed to run the water into that.

Oh I see now it's the 1400 and 1600. The 1600 looks a bit questionable with that turn so soon after?

Is there evidence for these claims in the proposal? The proposed synthetic surface is advantageous, when compared to the current grass training surface, for many reasons including: • reduced horse injuries (through superior cushioning); • reduced on-going maintenance costs; • no requirement for irrigation; and • the elimination of dust (being a dust-free surface).

You'd think they'd have run it to the stream?

if you are not taking the piss, it IS the public grandstand! Now unused.

What are the two chutes? 1200 and 1400?

Looks about as good as it can get to me.

Synthetic track to be built at Riccarton Canterbury Jockey Club 6 November 2020 Preparations for construction of New Zealand’s second synthetic track will begin at Riccarton Park Racecourse on Monday 30 November 2020. The Board of the Canterbury Jockey Club (CJC), the Trustees of the Christchurch Racecourse and New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) announced today that work on the track would commence following the New Zealand Cup Meeting. In May the Government approved $20 million from the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) to construct two new synthetic tracks, one at Awapuni and the other at Riccarton Park. Following discussions between NZTR and the CJC, arrangements have now been finalised to allow construction to begin, with the new track expected to be operational by 1 August 2021. CJC Chairman Gordon Fulton welcomed the announcement, saying the establishment of a synthetic racetrack inside the turf Course Proper at Riccarton Park is a significant advancement for training, trialling, and racing in the South. “It enhances this historic venue and cements its future as one of New Zealand’s critical racecourses. The decision reflects the Canterbury Jockey Clubs commitment to the intent of the Messara report as the blueprint to revitalise racing in our country,” Fulton said. Mr Fulton also placed on record the appreciation of the industry to the Trustees of the Christchurch Racecourse without whose support the project could not proceed. Peter Cordner, Chairman of the Trustees, said the project met the requirements of the Trust. “The synthetic track will be a great asset for the Canterbury Jockey Club and thoroughbred racing in the South Island,” he said. NZTR CEO Bernard Saundry also welcomed the project saying it was a positive move for South Island racing and the industry overall. New Zealand’s first synthetic track at Cambridge, which received $6.5m in PGF funding, is now operational, with trials scheduled to be held on 24 November. “Feedback from trainers, jockeys and trackwork riders, in fact anyone who has had the opportunity to view or work on the track, has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic,” Saundry said. “We are looking forward to hearing similar feedback from stakeholders based at Riccarton once the new track there is operational next season.”

Trained by my BIL. And won the Wellington Cup on him after that. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-YMWrw-AOU

Cripes. I was just going to send you a horse. I might have to come too. At my age and stage 10 a morning would do and back in the togs by 7.30?

Hope he gets to enjoy a couple of bourbons tonight once he drives the truck home.