curious

When you look at what has been pretty much a model of transparency by the government on Covid-19 and compare it really is a shocker. That's whether or not you agree with the government decisions and reporting etc. Everyone knows what is going on and there are high approval ratings. You'd think they would learn something at RITA from that and maybe take a leaf out of that book.

How did you go?

I'm surprised that if they consulted with 56 trainers nation wide, that most of the CD ones wouldn't have thought that it would be a good option.

That would be nice but even as a temporary measure for the current situation it would make some sense with respect to providing reasonable winter footing for a few of those early meetings.

Foxton has a grandstand. Also new plastic rail, brand new jockeys rooms, showers, stipes and JCA room, kitchen etc. plus refurbished tea room etc.

critical of what?

Don't get your point. In the good old days, our Derby was run that week too.

Can't see 40k stakes for supporting races. More like 14k and say 50k for the Guineas if lucky. Unless they borrow or steal the money.

It may be the making of some. Of course they could fly. Back in the day when clubs were reliant on the turnover they generated, they often offered travel subsidies and not just for big races. You have to remember that these horses are immature, many have not been away from home before. They have to cope with an unfamiliar environment for a week or so. Most will have been in work a good part of the winter and are still learning. They are not machines. You can't just bring them home, change the oil, fill them up with petrol and expect them to roar into life as soon as they get home. I've seen plenty of young horses go to Riccarton in November, race well and not go on. I think it is a legitimate concern for a Northern horse that's eligible for the Millions. He was just making the point that it can be a tough call.

Well the writer got it wrong. It was Pike that said that if you watch the interview. I can see that it may be difficult with some young horses at least to be at peak for a mile in November and again in January, especially when some are still only 2 at Guineas time. That said, it wouldn't make any difference where the races are in that respect. However there is probably an argument that a big week long trip south in November would take a lot more out of some horses than a race on their door step.

Is there no SI representation on the executive or Canterbury and other South Island branch representation any more that would have had input to Pike's articulation of the position?

https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/sport/2020/04/racing-plans-to-move-cup-and-show-week-traditions-to-auckland-a-kick-in-the-teeth-for-south-island.html

https://loveracing.nz/News/30200/BernardsBriefing-24April.aspx

I'm sure he consulted with them but how many are left?

Nope. McKenzie says in his interview with Aidan that costs have exceeded revenue the last 6 or 7 weeks. That's presumably after the wage subsidy and a turnover of around $27m a week. Not quite sure how the geniuses have done that?

So, the circulated protocols are not final and their is no go ahead to resume anything yet.

Anyway, we shouldn't get too excited about the protocols yet. This from Bernard late yesterday. They may have jumped the gun: This afternoon we were advised by WorkSafe that the guidance we have shared with the industry today may still require further updates as a result of their continuing to work through their endorsement process.

70% alcohol.

Just a word of caution before you rush off ordering these products. You may want to check with your vet or other medical professional about the two recommended disinfectants here. Bio-Kleen is advertised as antibacterial but not viricidal and Germshield is NH4Cl based and seems unlikely to be very effective on corona virus. I've checked with a vet who concurs but I'm not a vet or medical professional. I'd say that Virkon, widely available from most farm stores may be a better bet (or maybe meths).

Maybe after the bubbly break while they are feeling a little jolly they could consider releasing the half-year report?

I think I'm one of the 3 questions.

It is? I thought that about summed it up and it's shrinking now isn't it from that?

Pike ramps up action by trainers and gets invitation to Wednesday conference call By Barry Lichter • 24 April 2020 New Zealand Trainers’ Association president Tony Pike has tightened the screws on the Racing Industry Transition Agency by recommending today that trainers delay bringing horses back into work until it gets answers to key questions on the sustainability of the industry. Pike said he had gained huge support from trainers, owners and breeders since revealing yesterday RITA had shrugged off his attempts to discover, among other things, whether there would be enough stake money to justify owners racing their horses after lockdown ends on Monday. The pressure of possible action by trainers has subsequently led to Pike receiving an invitation from RITA to join a conference call with the code CEOs on Wednesday after its board meeting. Pike says he has been given no undertaking that RITA will divulge what prize money distributions will be made for the remaining two months of the season and the start of the new season. “But hopefully we’ll find out a lot more about the position we are in and what they can do to fix a broken business.” Pike said since he sent out his initial newsletter he had received the backing of countless trainers, the NZ Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association and the NZ Racehorse Owners’ Federation, who were also requesting information from RITA. “RITA have made it clear there will not be answers to the questions raised in our letter until after their board meeting next Wednesday. We wanted answers by midday on Monday and when they said this was not possible they were made aware of our dissatisfaction.’’ In a second letter to trainers this afternoon Pike says: “Clearly RITA has no regard or respect for trainers who are desperate to bring their horses back into work and get their businesses underway after the four-week level four lockdown. “We know your horses must be jumping out of their skin – and your staff keen to start earning money again. “However, due to the lack of transparency and information from RITA, there is much uncertainty around the distribution of funds to the codes for stakes and indeed whether or not RITA is actually even solvent. This gives us no confidence at all in their operation and management of the livelihoods of stakeholders. “We therefore recommend you put off bringing horses back into work until we hear answers to our questions. “Many leading trainers have advised they are not prepared to take the risk of bringing horses back to their stables, when there is a chance they will only have to turn them out again as the stake levels may not justify an owner’s expense.” AddThis Sharing Buttons Share to Facebook

I think they've done a fantastic job with this! Hope trainers, training centres etc. are ready and stake money and draft programmes are now forthcoming.

Not anymore.