curious

Oh, so you noted that "P" was the letter of the month to begin 2020? Well done for subscribing. Suggest you get in now through the end of the financial year because the resounding success is likely to result in significant increases inubscription rates from April 1. There may also be an increased limitation on subscription numbers because it's starting to affect pricing unlike the BP.

And way above the 5% Pattern race target at 5.8%. Probably unsustainable as the total number of races declines. Ironic that this is a result of breeder orchestrated strategies.

5 under warning actually including the Auckland Cup and Telegraph.

oops the above was supposed to be in response to the above from CS

And it was April 25 not April 29. Barry got that wrong. Where is he these days?

A false start was declared after it became apparent PINMEDOWN had not been loaded into its barrier stall. ROGER THAT immediately returned to the Birdcage and was declared a late scratching at 4.38pm with all remaining horses returning to the start to undergo veterinary examinations. SENTIMENTAL MISS and JUSTAMAIZ were subsequently declared late scratchings on veterinary advice at 4.42pm. As a result this race started 16 minutes late at 4.49pm...... Following the race an investigation was opened into the circumstances surrounding the starting incident with the starter Mr T Harrison being stood down from his duties for the remaining two races. After taking evidence from a number of parties the inquiry was adjourned to a later date.

They can certainly put on a show!

I think the above is the consultation doc from a year ago. Final report attached. Phase 1_NZTR_VenuePlan FINAL.pdf

It came from the Tron. What do you think?

How did that work?

Yeahh I tried that but now I'm getting this and I don't recall searching for a new coat.

The problem is that NZTR doesn't make a cent out of Kurow or any other thoroughbred race meeting anymore. I remember Greg Purcell pointing out the first time I met him that the most successful meetings thoroughbred racing runs are the ones they don't have. All the money they operate on and distribute to clubs toward stakes and costs for racemeetings are now earned from overseas and sports racing revenue and now RITA are borrowing to provide even that. Integrity costs come from pokies. 12 years or so ago, they pretty much payed their own way. Unless they get a more self-sufficient business model in place then soon it won't really matter how many people some clubs get on course, how good their tracks are, or all the volunteer contributions or whether new people are attracted to the game. There just won't be one.

Yes. That appears to be the case. If the intent is to encourage oncoming traffic to check their speed, then it would seem a bit of a stretch for sure.

and this: "it is not illegal in NZ. I recall many years ago, someone was charge with obstructing police or some such. The judge ruled that for the charge to succeed,there had to be an unwarranted presumption of guilt in respect of the person who was warned, and threw it out. And the question was why should it be illegal to warn a mate of drug testing or an ACC bus en route. Is that illegal too?

Good plan. Can't find any traffic laws to suggest that it is. Only this: In New Zealand, a motorist is not allowed to flash car lights 'dazzling, confusing or distracting other motorists'.The fine for an offence of this kind is $150. Be difficult to consider a speed camera warning flash meets those criteria I'd say.

I think that's a bit rough. Shit happens in this business.

Do you think it's a basic right to flash your lights at oncoming traffic to warn them when they are approaching a speed camera?

Doesn't sound too promising does it? Meeting News West Coast Racemeetings in January 2020 - Update Earlier this season the Kumara track incurred damage in a number of areas due to wild pigs getting on to the surface. Remedial work has been hampered by significant and regular rainfall. In recent weeks NZTR, Club and RIU representatives have made two trips to inspect the condition of the Kumara track as well as the Reefton and Greymouth tracks. Currently it is still the intention to run the four meetings as scheduled, however this will be dependent on any further rainfall and the improvement of the racing surface at Kumara. A further inspection at Kumara will take place on Sunday 29 December with another communication being made either that day or on Monday 30 December.

Don't be dumb. The horse was not scratched. It ran and was disqualified for not carrying the required weight. Never mind.

I don't know. The report just said secondary complications following surgery in relation to the paddock accident. The fact that they brought in Ric Redden from the US suggests to me that may well have been laminitis. The original injury was to a forefoot and sole as I recall. A second surgery was performed after Ric had returned to the US as I understand.

Why would it be a late scratching? Doesn't make sense to me. That's not how the rules work.

A merry one to you too fishy. We still unfortunately have a share in some property down your way so may be seeing you sometime in the New Year.

Best wishes. 2 years ago this week from a heart valve replacement and Christmas in IC. Barry can probably confirm that it has worked well and I can still demolish a plate of whitebait.

Thanks for sharing that young fella