curious

Sure if they can get away with it and recapture the predicted overseas revenue. As I've said, I think they've pulled the wrong rein here but only time will tell.

104.76% cf. NZTAB 106.33%. As I said, not competitive.

2/1

Just looking at the All Black test tomorrow, not that I really bet on sports. NZTAB 1.30 All Blacks outright. Spreadex and others 2/5 - $1.40. Competitive? That's a huge difference isn't it?

So, why are they wasting time and money on this? Makes little sense to me. There seems to be no feasible objective from GRNZ. It's just making them look sillier than they have already been. As was noted, the check and balance is to unelect the members that introduced or voted for the legislation. That's how democracies work isn't it?

Sounds like they don't have a case here?

If that is in response to my question, the Levin Classic is no longer G1 and the others are not 3yo races. Many are reluctant to try even the best 3yos against older horses at that time of year, especially under handicap conditions.

What G1 3yo races (other than middle distance) are there here during that time frame?

I wouldn't think any of our very best would stay here after the guineas races. There's nothing left in the pattern here for them after that unless they are middle distance prospects. Have to go to Oz if they are G1 level and potential top broodmare or stallion prospects don't they?

And I would add that there are signs of this from some in racing's current leadership. It just needs to spread.

Back to this on leadership. This just popped up on my screen. I think I agree. It's what we need. Collaboration works when: Vision is bigger than ego. Everyone has something to gain. The mission is clearly defined. Parameters are established. Leadership is shared. No one keeps score. People play by established ground rules. Folks take time to get to know one another as people. Strengths are leveraged. It’s okay to put on the brakes as needed. Dissent is encouraged and accepted. Contributions are recognized.

👍

Long way to go. Have to see what the online monopoly does I guess?

Header should read 12% I think? The other detail to come out of the half-yearly report was that Australian NGR had fallen 7 per cent year-on-year, while New Zealand’s has increased 12 per cent.

Photo: Sonna Studios NZ punters get fair shake with TAB’s Punters Promise & betcha Guarantee Entain Australia & NZ 13 August 2025 Sports and racing fans in New Zealand have the opportunity to back their favourite team or horse to win their fair share with today's expansion of Minimum Bet Limits for TAB and betcha customers. Minimum Bet Limits (also known as MBLs) mean a customer is able to bet to win at least a certain amount on a betting option. The voluntary MBLs announced today go above and beyond the limits in place in Australian racing and, in the case of sports, provide a new level of consumer protection in the sports betting industry. “We launched Punters Promise in 2022 for our TAB racing fans across all three racing codes, but today we’re supercharging it,” Entain Australia and New Zealand’s General Manager – Trading, Nick Conway said. “The $2,000 MBL for New Zealand racing extends to $5,000 for New Zealand thoroughbred racing on a Saturday, as well as Friday night harness and other big Group one harness racing days like NZ Trotting Cup Day. “There's nothing more exciting than placing a long-range bet on a horse to win one of NZ's racing carnivals feature races, and now thoroughbred and racing futures markets are included in TAB's Punters Promise with a $2,000 MBL in place as soon as the market is open.” Voluntary MBLs are also in place for Australian racing, with $2,000 MBLs on Australian metropolitan thoroughbred meetings, $1,000 on harness racing and the remainder of Australian thoroughbreds, and $500 on Australian greyhound racing. The major gamechanger is for sports punters. The most popular sports – football, basketball, rugby union, rugby league and more – are now covered by TAB’s Punters Promise and the new ‘betcha Guarantee’ with customers able to bet to win $1,000 in the top two or three betting options in the most popular tournaments, leagues and international fixtures. For example, a TAB or betcha customer can bet $400 on their favourite Warriors player to score a try at odds of $3.50 returning $1,400 – a $1,000 profit on their $400 bet. There are some variations between sports and leagues, with bet-to-win limits for UFC exclusive to betcha Guarantee, and New Zealand representative matches (such as Tall Blacks or New Zealand football national team matches) exclusive to Punters Promise. “The sports, tournaments and markets we have chosen for the Punters Promise and betcha Guarantee cover 75 percent of our sports turnover, so we'll have our work cut out for us making sure the odds are as accurate as possible,” Conway said. “We recognise and appreciate the privilege of being the exclusive betting operator for New Zealand. These new and expanded initiatives – alongside our pledge to provide the same fair odds in New Zealand that we have on our brands in the highly competitive Australian betting market – shows our commitment to striking a fair balance between the punter and the operator.”

That turn really needs reshaping but I think there's a big pond in the way? Also, you'd then have to move the finish line, stand and everything further down the straight which might be a bit of a mission!

It's a very tight turn as it is without the recamber. As I said, suits some horses probably not others that increase speed by lengthening rather than increasing stride rate. Trainers and connections know that and mostly won't run some horses there although might be tempted to give it a go because of the money. Awapuni might end up the better track if they've got the drainage sorted, though I think it would be a better bet to not rush back next month and give it the spring root development time.

I think the only thing time has done is let them recognise the 2 issues. One, the matted root structure due to the wrong grass types and realising that the only way to keep it safe is lots of water and aeration and presenting about a S5 all the time. And secondly the camber issue on the home turn which they haven't bothered to fix but that will take time if they do. Perhaps a year or two to end up with a track that is fair and suits most horses.

Has it though?

I'd say he means a 2 win spread between OZ and NZ for G1 2yo wins, for an even money bet?

How? Why?

I'd be happy to hold the bet for you. Maybe invest it in Entain shares in the mean time?

Sorry meant Entain NZTAB.

Oh ok thanks. Nothing to do with Entain/TABNZ then.

I'd say if they gave the NZ business away tomorrow, or sold it for $1, there'd hardly be a blip in the share price. If there was, it would probablt go up.