curious

Are you saying that the stipes are blind and can't count? They change the whip rules then feature this pic on their website.

They do it elsewhere, no problem and don't they have HD video these days? Unless of course the pigeon drops dead carrying it across Cook Strait and it takes search and rescue a month to find it.

Nothing to do with the Messara report. Just they've closed the tracks without spending the money he recommended on the remaining venues and they seemingly randomly changed the closed venues from what he recommended.

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Appoints New CEO New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) is pleased to confirm the appointment of Matt Ballesty to the position of CEO, effective 5 March 2025. Ballesty is a highly respected senior executive who has more than 30 years’ experience in high performance leadership as well as strategic commercial development and execution. “This is a homecoming,” said Ballesty of taking on the new role. “I’ve been passionate about racing for a long time as both an enthusiast and an owner and I can’t wait to get stuck into the hard work of further developing thoroughbred racing in New Zealand.” Ballesty has a vast commercial career, and although a New Zealand-Australian citizen, has held a number of senior executive roles internationally across Australia, Macau and Canada. Matt has also undertaken studies at the New Zealand Institute of Directors and was a board member with Heart of the City Auckland NZTR Chair Russell Warwick said Ballesty’s unique skill set makes him ideal to lead the organisation. “The racing industry is going through a period of significant change and Matt is the perfect candidate to ensure that every person contributing to the industry continues to play a key role in the future,” Warwick said. “This appointment is about securing the legacy of the racing industry in the long term. We could not be happier to have someone of Matt’s calibre holding the reins at this critical point.” In addition to his impressive corporate background, Ballesty has also demonstrated his strength in connecting key stakeholders across every part of the businesses he has worked in. “The success of the racing industry has always been built on the hard work done at a grassroots level by generations of Kiwis,” said Ballesty. “What excites me most is the opportunity to meet the people around the country who contribute to making the racing industry what it is today. Everyone from the breeders, trainers, owners and jockeys, right through to the clubs, play a critical role in creating a vibrant community and sport that continues to excel on the global stage.” The arrival of Ballesty was also welcomed by Dean Shannon, the Chief Executive for Entain Australia and New Zealand, a key strategic partner for NZTR. “Matt is a genuinely good human who’s fully committed to ensuring that the racing industry reaches its full potential in New Zealand,” said Shannon. “We can’t wait to see what he brings to the table in the coming years.” Corporate Communications New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Contact: Catlyn Calder +64 027 252 2803 nztrcommunications@nztr.co.nz

Another of our best 3yos off to Oz.

You always have maidens and first starters even in 2yo Group races don't you?

Agree. It's sustainable if owners want to continue to cough up sweepstakes. Not sure I like the idea of industry funding being used in any way but then Entain can do what they like with their money too.

I'm not the trainer or rider but maybe wanted to make sure she had a good stretch out to ready her for the next assignment?

You could probably take a bit of a line through Sesimbra which would align with the rest of my preliminary assessment.

Can't imagine Colin would sell but as they say, money talks.

https://loveracing.nz/News/48228/PivotalTensensationalinGoreGuineasromp.aspx

Yes. Who said it was worn? I didn't see or hear that.

How do you?

Another huge win. Impressive. Untested. Big congrats to Sam and Colin. Will she be wanted for the Kiwi? Or will they prefer to stick to the Group race options? Or, off to Oz with most of our other best 3yos?

Yes, key role in the NRB. One area of NZTR that seems to have pretty much always operated efficiently and effectively. Hopefully, they can find the right person for the job.

Yes. It's that vision I was relying on. Watched it several times. He would have had to take up and shift in 4-5 horse widths and wouldn't have won if he had done so imo.

If the gap had gone the other way and opened a fraction, the horse was bolting and it was all over rover. Everyone would be saying what a brilliant ride.

I beg to differ and I backed Rox @$7. The gap was there (just) when he made the decision about the 400. Kennedy then shifted out slightly making the gap impassable. On that track especially, it is also easier to keep the horse balanced easing out than cutting back in on the turn. Had he then cut back to the inside, he would have lost too much balance and momentum to win imo.

She's a he.

Ever ridden a horse at 60 clicks when a leather broke Newmarket? I have and I fell off too. Probably my piss poor riding. HAPPY FIELD (N Hailey) - Lost its rider passing the 1300 metres after the right stirrup leather broke. N Hailey was stood down requiring a medical clearance prior to riding next. Underwent a post-race veterinary examination which revealed no abnormalities.

Pigeons are on leave.

Clipped heels didn't it?

Totally agree. Atrocious maltreatment which deserved a greater penalty imo. That's what caught my attention.

OK. Thanks Gamma. I'm not a trotting person, so not really up with the play but spotted this thread. Just remembered him being suspended but think that was overturned despite a Supreme Court ruling upholding it? Sounds like an appropriate result in the end.

Wasn't that a year ago?