curious

Here is the actual rule. You'd think the RIB could at least transpose it correctly. 656 (1) A Rider who rides or presents himself to ride a horse, or any other Licenceholder who has carried out, is carrying out, or is likely to carry out, a Safety Sensitive Activity at a Racecourse, Training Facility or Trainer’s Premises shall thereby be deemed to have consented to a Sample being obtained from him by or under the supervision of a Registered Medical Practitioner or by an Authorised Person if and whenever the Rider is required by a Stipendiary Steward or Investigator to permit such a Sample to be so obtained. [Amended 1 December 2013] [Amended 1 August 2014]

The first and the last on opening day for Freda would be pleasing!

Yes. It's known as colonisation. Hasn't worked very well in the long term anywhere I can think of. Can't see it working in racing. Not a good look.

Seems like a good outcome both for racing and the community.

Yes. If I'm going to pay for my horse to be educated, I'd rather pay for it to be educated for a career it can actually pursue.

I'm not sure that training as a hurdler or steeple-chaser is a lot of use for post-racing activities. Those horses need to be re-educated for the likes of show-jumping and eventing in my experience, much the same as one which has never jumped at all. If you want to prepare them for those careers, would they not be better to be specifically educated for them? I still don't see the point.

I don't see what the point would be in qualifying jumpers and having races for them that aren't jumping races?

Fucking awesome. I've played it three times in a row. Louder each time. He's in the wrong game!

Exactly. Where in this is the assistance for Rochelle's welfare? In a criminal case, that would certainly be part of it and participation may be required as part of the penalty. Here, they seem to have gone nuts on horse welfare (not wrongly) but where is the human welfare concern in this industry?

Yes. That suggests it's not open and shut on the evidence and they need the lawyer to make the case fly.

Don't know but you'd assume it would have been ordered under the circumstances wouldn't you?

What is open and shut about it? The horse was vetted the day it arrived at Paul's stable and was in his care. There is a tentative diagnosis of colitis which is difficult to treat successfully and can often lead to euthanasia which is what promptly happened. It's not clear if he may have had some prior responsibility of care but that will no doubt become clear soon enough as justice takes its course.

Be a waste of time anyway. He well knows the rules about digital communications and the line between expressing a critical opinion and breaching the law. If you've seen any of his mayoral media he has said much worse about the capabilities and achievements of various politicians.

What is the matter with them? They are either badly confused, dementia comes to mind, or have absolutely no business nous. Why do they think that the tracks that they don't own - clubs and communities do - are their biggest asset? Isn't the racing product NZTR's biggest asset? Isn't that what generates their revenue? Isn't that what they are supposed to tend to through improving things like handicapping, programming, personnel development and care, integrity, retaining horses, ensuring race day surfaces are safe and consistent and that the race day product is competitive and builds revenue?

Yes well underway last I was there 2 weeks ago. Still not sure why that would mean closing the course proper unless they need to dig it up to run drainage or something?

Surely not interfering with the main track? And supposed to be finished by June isn't it?

Meeting News CD Changes to Venues and Licences May/June TABNZ has approved the following requests in respect to venues and licences: 21 May 2022: Now Rangitikei RC (formerly Manawatu RC) to race at Trentham (formerly Awapuni) 2 June 2022: Feilding JC to race at Woodville (no licence change but venue was formerly Awapuni)) 11 June 2022: Now Manawatu RC (formerly Rangitikei RC) to race at Trentham (formerly Awapuni)

What problem?

Read the penalty guidelines. Quite consistent imo.

Not flash up here either. Just had a look, but after Wanganui this week, there are two highweights programmed in the entire North Island between now and the end of July.

What is boring about it?

I think the SI racing programme is mostly still grass but there will be a series of meetings on the AWT over winter which will provide opportunities for horses that prefer better footing during that time and lessen the wear and tear on grass tracks over winter. What I am trying to understand is what the issue is with the AWT at the moment? There doesn't seem to be any problem with it. The Opex is hardly an issue when the same applies to every track in the country. None come close to paying their way from racing earnings alone.

Yes, there were trials there 22/3. My feedback says there is no issue. If there is, what is it?

What trials have been cancelled? None scheduled there till 26 April. What's supposedly wrong with it?

Yes. Not quite down to 15s but 13+ down the back and no-one else moved. Top ride.