curious

No idea. They are free though if you get a good graduate student to do them as an assessment task

Yes. I don't think we have any data on soft tissue injury rates for here, at least not reported. Also, I agree that the report suggests that the primary issue is track maintenance standards and race day preparation, not track make up.

Included is a comprehensive track discussion document produced by Professor Chris Rogers and the team at Massey University. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ No images? Click here NZTR Introduces Quality Assurance Programme for Synthetic Racing Surfaces At the commencement of the 2024 synthetic track racing season, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) commissioned Professor Chris Rogers, and the team at Massey University, to produce a comprehensive track discussion document. The objective was to consolidate the latest international research on racing surfaces, with a particular focus on the physical properties of synthetic tracks and how surface management influences hoof-surface interaction. The document provides a detailed summary of the physical characteristics of New Zealand’s synthetic tracks, current maintenance practices, and performance metrics. It also draws on global literature to contextualise New Zealand’s synthetic racing environment and describes the physical properties of synthetic racing surfaces, as well as how management can alter the hoof- surface interaction. Key Findings from the International Literature and Domestic Racing Venue Engagement: · Different track surfaces exhibit distinct hoof-loading profiles. Synthetic tracks demonstrate a more acute end to the deceleration phase of the hoof compared to turf tracks. · Horses adapt limb tension at impact based on their previous experience with a given surface. · Injury rates on New Zealand synthetic tracks are in line with international benchmarks, though slightly higher than those observed on domestic turf surfaces. · Horses are recording faster speeds on synthetic tracks compared to turf tracks during the synthetic season. · Like turf tracks, synthetic surfaces are responsive to environmental conditions such as temperature, as well as to maintenance and preparation protocols. NZTR to Implement Quality Assurance Programme One of the key recommendations from the Massey University report is the establishment of a coordinated NZTR Quality Assurance Programme. This initiative aims to ensure a consistent and uniform racing surface at the three synthetic venues: Cambridge, Awapuni, and Riccarton Park Racecourses. “The goal of commissioning this document was to ensure that our maintenance and preparation practices were best practice internationally, and to also understand further what factors alter the surface and how we can manage these effects more consistently” said NZTR COO Darin Balcombe. “The development of a quality assurance programme will provide all synthetic venues with consistent management practices, leading to improved track performance. “This coordinated approach will provide industry participants with confidence that each synthetic track is being prepared to its optimal specification, in alignment with the report’s recommendations and Martin Collins’ international best practices,” said Balcombe. https://nztr.co.nz/sites/nztrindustry/files/2025-05/Synthetic track surfaces review_v4_6.pdf Corporate Communications New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing nztrcommunications@nztr.co.nz Synthetic track surfaces review_v4_6.pdf

I assume that GRNZ has reached out to the othe other codes to ask them for what help they think they need or would like? I haven't seen any requests like that.

Hmmm....

Well if it were me, and he showed up on Gavelhouse say, I'd be keen, Probably get him vetted and try to buy but I doubt I'd go to 5 figures, let alone 6. It's your site, you can do what you like.

Not at all, but I might be better at assessing ability based on performance. I love this type of horse but he hasn't won a race in 2 years and that was a 2400 maiden. Not sure why you put it up here.

Looks like that's what suits but even beyond 2000? He's only performed at 2400+ though. Where's the proposed programme?

@ 2400 +? Just can't see where they've outlined that.

Are there any races for him in Victoria in the next few months? I can't see any prospective programme for him.

Rain on the day, so yes the right decision. 35mms there yesterday. https://loveracing.nz/Common/SystemTemplates/Modal/Video.aspx?v=http%3a%2f%2fwww.racingreplays.co.nz%2fmedia%2f202505%2fM2_TAUR_R04_280525.mp4&i=%2fCommon%2fImage.ashx%3fw%3d565%26h%3d314%26a%3d1%26o%3d1%26z%3d1%26bg%3deeeeee%26p%3dhttp%3a%2f%2fwww.racingreplays.co.nz%2fmedia%2f202505%2fM2_TAUR_R04_280525.jpg&r=Race 4 - TIERRA MAIDEN 3YO&rs=1&jwsource=cl

I agree. I think Entain are doing both. That is handing the codes money and suggesting ways they could use that to enhance wagering revenue. Entain are a highly successful international betting and gaming company that have or are buying a little wagering business here in NZ. That doesn't need NZ racing for it to be successful for them, and I don't see much sign of the codes adding anything to it that Entain might want or need to keep longer term.

If you'd rather buy a beginner pony for your grand kids that's wasn't a racehorse, here's a nice one though past his competition prime. https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/sports/equestrian/horses-ponies/ponies/listing/5338596549

You can't seem to get through your head that the thoroughbreds and standardbreds ARE kids actual ponies, and in most cases, a lot cheaper ones for parents and kids than a top show pony, eventer, or show-jumper.

Well if you enter a mini Cooper in a Ferrari race, more fool you. I suppose you'd also complain if you entered a 10 start maiden in a Group 1 and it got beaten?

It was definitely a pony under the rules for these races. The same but stricter criteria than for pony showing and other equestrian events. Of course it's a race. I'm sure the ponies and riders as well as the spectators think so. You are talking a lot of nonsense. Pony • Mount can be up to 148cms or 14.2h – any full height pony requires an RAS height certificate. • All mounts are to be aged 4 years and over. • All Thoroughbred and Standardbred Pony entries must be entered with their racing name included and/or breeding if unnamed for racing – or brands provided if unknown. • Any Thoroughbred or Standardbred Pony entry must not have raced or been in race training within the past 6 months. • Any Thoroughbred Pony entry must be showing as retired on LOVERACING.NZ. • Any Standardbred Pony entry must be showing as retired on hrnz.co.nz. • Every Thoroughbred and Standardbred Pony entry must provide a current RAS height card as proof of 148cm or under.

What do you mean? They are all ponies up to 14.2hh with RAS height certificates.

It's impossible to understand. Why would you add meetings when a KPI like starters per race is in decline? No attempt to do anything but tweak the abysmal programming issues. And yes, instead of the above spiel, what about giving participants a bit of detail has to how this decision was arrived and the analysis supporting claims like "maximising wagering, increasing returns to the code and building long-term sustainability", so we can try and grasp the logic? This sort of thing completely belies their claims to be improving transparency to participants.

2025–26 Thoroughbred Racing Calendar Announced New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) has welcomed the release of the final racing calendar for the 2025–26 season, which features an increase in overall racemeetings, a strengthened Sunday schedule and strategic adjustments to enhance wagering opportunities in both New Zealand and Australia. A total of 308 Thoroughbred racemeetings are scheduled for the 2025–26 season, eight more than the current season, reflecting NZTR’s commitment to growing engagement opportunities while balancing statutory obligations and wagering goals. Among the most significant shifts is a continued expansion of Sunday racing, with Thoroughbred meetings increasing from 64 this season to 68 next season and 18 Sundays featuring dual Thoroughbred meetings (up from 14). The calendar also signals a sharp lift in Friday meetings, increasing from 33 to 49 Thoroughbred racedays, with a modest reduction in Thursday fixtures to accommodate the shift. “We are expecting these adjustments to drive improved wagering performance and greater returns for our code,” said NZTR CEO Matt Ballesty. “The increase in meetings shows our commitment to trying new approaches that we believe will deliver real benefits for the wider industry.” In line with efforts to increase visibility in the Australian wagering market, NZTR, Entain and TAB NZ have worked collaboratively to identify race timings that will deliver higher exposure and returns across both countries. “The five-year minimum funding guarantee from Entain gives us a unique opportunity to test what delivers the best results, and this season’s calendar has been shaped with that in mind,” said Ballesty. “It’s designed to support both local participants and international opportunities, with a clear focus on maximising wagering, increasing returns to the code and building long-term sustainability.” The Christmas/New Year racing schedule will follow a similar pattern to recent seasons, incorporating enhancements on the previous year, and reflecting alignment to the Strategic Summer Calendar - a cornerstone of New Zealand’s major summer raceday period. “We’re grateful to our Clubs and industry stakeholders for their constructive engagement throughout the consultation process,” said Ballesty. “We look forward to the period ahead and extend our best wishes to all Clubs, participants and stakeholders for a successful and progressive 2025–26 racing season,” he said. The calendar, developed in consultation with Clubs, Recognised Industry Organisations, TAB NZ and Entain, has been approved by the TAB NZ Dates Committee in accordance with the Racing Industry Act 2020. Corporate Communications New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Contact: Emma Thompson +64 21 071 2929 nztrcommunications@nztr.co.nz

This is the track that Awapuni reckoned they were going to replicate. Foxton yesterday.

Ellerslie Saturday. 2mm rain and no irrigation during the week and the rail is off? 25% moisture? Something is definitely not right with it?

Nic Yuen?

BELLO MIO (H Hassman) - When questioned regarding performance, rider advised that the gelding never travelled well and was disappointing.