curious

Are you saying it's ok to shag it as long as you wear protection CS?

A very talented rider and horseman. Good luck to him.

Welcome Thomarse (check your spelling) to the real world, though I'm not convinced you can live in it.

He appears to be in very deep trouble. It's interesting to note that there has been nothing further on Pike's apparent attempt to mislead Queensland stewards on a similar charge nor his apparent admission of similar breaches in NZ.

p.s. I don't know, but I suspect the resident veterinarian on the other channel would say the effectiveness of magnetic blankets and boots is equivalent to sprinkling hundreds and thousands on them. Perhaps, he'll sign up to this cesspit and confirm or otherwise.

Nope. Specific to shock wave therapy which seems to have a painkilling/numbing effect lasting at least 3-4 days after administration. It is completely banned in some US jurisdictions and up to 3 weeks in advance of racing in others. Very hard to police though, especially in the NZ context where many horses are trained from private facilities rather than being stabled at the track and anyone can buy and use the gear. Can't recall an investigation or prosecution for violation here?

Yep. NZ rule: 653 A horse that has been subjected to any form of shock wave therapy shall be ineligible to Race or participate in any trial (including a jump- out or test for certification purposes) in the seven days immediately following such treatment.

Definitely a worry even if they do find the money for a Strathayr or two. I assume Reefton has managed to find a tractor and plough now and then?

More seriously, with Audible out, I like Hofburg and Gronkowski.

All of them.

Eden Park can do it, FMG Stadium as well. And look where the turf is grown - Karaka! As Mehrts said last night about AMI Stadium as the Crusaders thrashed the Canes, 25 years ago in those conditions, the jerseys would be unrecognisable after 20 minutes play, yet there was hardly a spec of mud on them and traction was excellent throughout. Yet, we are still racing on 30+ year old turf technology. Motz Stabilised Turf This patented system has natural grass grown in a synthetic mat. The roots system develops extra stability as it is grown in a tough plastic mesh, backed by a biodegradable fabric. The stability increases as the roots of the grass entwine with the synthetic matrix and root-zone below. Turf for the playing field is grown in a nursery at a turf farm in Karaka, Auckland, before it is used on the field. Being a multisport playing field, the No. 1 field needs to be changed out for each different type of sport whether it is cricket, rugby, league or football. In the summer cricket season the field has a portable wicket tray and for all other sports this is wicket is replaced with a StrathAyr portable sand tray to be similar to the rest of the playing surface. FMG Stadium

That's a pretty old document and there have been a few cancellations on Strathayr's since. However, two of the main advantages are longevity and drainage. The longevity alone should make them cost effective as a replacement for existing tracks. The mesh resists compaction. The table on page 6 is telling. It suggests that the estimated life of a standard turf track is 10-15 years cf. 25-30 years for a Strathayr. How many major (or minor for that matter) NZ tracks have been relaid in the last 10-15 years? That is why they are all stuffed along with the rest of the game. Yet we are still wasting money, including reserves, on stakes and not re-investing a cent relaying tracks. Do that for 30 years and you end up with what you've paid for. Infrastructure that can no longer either produce the revenue for reasonable stakes, or that to maintain itself.

It's a pity they didn't provide the rationale for these changes (other than the likes of "It is felt that the changes will encourage greater participation" which doesn't sound too robust to me). I can't make even an iota of sense of them. Perhaps someone with more handicapping nous can explain?

Quite agree. You're even allowed to bet on things like Blues' super rugby games, so why not amateur riders' races?

Is there any word on whether the RIU are following up with an investigation on this?

In many professions, doing so is an ethical obligation. Should racing be different? Watch or know someone's cheating and mum's the word? No wonder punters and funding are fleeing NZ racing.

Is Messara still continuing with the job, or have the NZRB cronies run him off?

Given I've met Moncur briefly on one occasion, I'm not sure why you would think he is my friend. I barely know him. You seem to have had a much stronger relationship with the man. Anyway, keep coming up with crazy ideas. Maybe move the Kentucky Derby from Louisville to New York. Seven times the population there you know.

Nah. Wasn't putting a person down, just a stupid idea or behaviour. Reefton needs to swallow those sour grapes. The Molloy boys can take a bit of light-hearted ribbing anyway and usually give it back with at least equal force.

Track was fast. http://www.drf.com/news/justify-comes-out-running-104-beyer-debut