curious

I could probably still swing up on one of those!

OK. Next question:) Why's the big screen so small and so far away? You'd need binoculars to watch it from the stand wouldn't you, or is there another one?

What's the demolition site?

I think you won on her at Riverton then Trentham Muz. She was then unplaced next start for JF Grylls.

Isn't that what the greyhounds thought or acted as if?

They can lay off where they like can't they?

And a 17.5% take-out. Be hard to bet into that, not that I bet tote anyway at 15.5%

For the first time in years, I've started watching a bit of live trackside in recent weeks. I notice that pre-race, they seem to get commentator selections for each race and even list those onscreen. I'm not clear yet whether those are the announcer's assessment of the best winning chances in order (usually 4), or their assessment of the best betting propositions. Probably not the latter because they sometimes comment that the price has changed markedly. Have they always done that and do they do that in other jurisdictions? I've never heard it here or elsewhere when on course or on replays. So, what is the purpose of it? Wouldn't you expect the race announcer to take a neutral position? Are they allowed to bet?

I think it's hard to say for sure without clear vision from the inside but it sure looks like multiple backhanders down the flank to me.

What's incomprehensible about it? 70% are opposed to whip use. Many of those are racing participants. Talk about turning a blind eye.

Unfortunately, the 70-80% opposed to whip use as it is, include a lot of people who like and are engaged in racing. I'm certain that's not sustainable.

The problem you have is that it's not a minority. It's 70-80% of the public - the electorate - based on NZ and Oz research. Ignore it at your peril.

Put your specs on or get some new ones.

That is already enforceable but is not. The rule probably needs strengthening. I've suggested it but deaf ears. a Rider must not use his or her whip: forward of the Rider’s horse’s shoulder or in the vicinity of its head;

Do you mean if there's a complete ban eventually? What about if NZ adopted say, the BHA rules or similar, including penalties?

good hores come an go, but there's some that stay with you. Lol. Did you mean that or is there a typo in there?

I did notice today that NZTR have this on their Welfare pages. So, it seems they do at least recognise that a ban is on the cards, though I wish they would be a bit more pro-active about it and at least bring the rules and penalties here into line with widespread international standards. New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s vision for thoroughbred welfare “A thoroughbred should be provided a good life, with the care and conditions that will allow the horse to thrive and perform to its natural abilities.” New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing recognises that animal welfare perception concerning whip use is creating on-going debate internationally. The call for a ban on whip use in racing is gaining momentum with many within the industry agreeing it is not a matter of whether this will occur, rather when. Until that time NZTR will continue to ensure that the provisions and guidelines around whip use are enforced.

I agree and that is not counted as a strike with the whip under current or likely coming rules. A rider may at their discretion use the whip with a slapping motion down the shoulder, with the whip hand remaining on the reins, at any time.

Believe me, he was using the whip all the way down the straight. Hands never left the reins though. https://loveracing.nz/Common/SystemTemplates/Modal/Video.aspx?v=http%3a%2f%2fwww.racingreplays.co.nz%2fmedia%2f201407%2f20140719TARA07_BB.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%2f201407%2f20140719TARA07_BB.jpg&r=Race 7 - WAIKATO STUD OPUNAKE CUP&rs=1

Didn't need the whip either.. lol!

Back riding RACEDAY!! Unfortunately for now it's only on the simulator horse and a bit tough that it was a 2000m race first up!! Very puffed that will... By Nicci_2025 01 23_16 41 47_1_980.mp4

Might be worth a separate thread to notify these. I'd never have seen the Betcha one either though will use it just in the course of my normal betting.

Possibly, but it's hard to say that it didn't become unbalanced because it lost traction. If she was out on the used trial ground, she may have wanted to get back in on the new smoother footing?

It appears a significant slip. Quite a large chunk of turf dislodged. And there was evidently a second slip mark. If it was on the inside of the trial track, why would that be more slippery than anywhere else? Rougher maybe but surely not more slippery. Also, if it were then you'd hardly think the jockeys would be ok to ride if they only had a 10m strip they could safely ride on there, though if that was the plan then it makes some sense that the stipes overrode them because that would clearly make continuing such that stewards could not be satisfied that the track was in a "suitable condition that riders could ride in a safe and competitive manner, so the decision was made to abandon the meeting."

Graeme?