curious

I wonder how saline their irrigation water is. In my experience, salt completely buggers up moisture meter readings. Those are all over the place but if they just guess the track readings or report what they want to, then it could be those not the moisture readings that are out of whack.

Hmmm. Still a S6 this morning. Race Day Weather: Overcast Track: Soft 6 Moisture Meter: 50.1% Rail: True Rainfall: No Rain Last 24 Hours | 9mm Rain Last 7 Days Irrigation: N/A Weather and Track updated at 6.57am Saturday 9 November

Soft 7 this morning after 18mms irrigation.

Great clip. Love it!

26C is hardly an issue is it? NZTR have a HOT WEATHER POLICY but it only kicks in for forecast temps above 30C doesn't it?

I agree. I think he has forgotten “Hanlon’s Razor” – the rule that one should never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.

Yes. I showed a race to a group of non-racing friends and colleagues who were alarmed by the whip use and some of whom would probably race a horse with me if it weren't for the whip use. None realised that the whip was not being used directly on the horse every stride. The aesthetic is important to our SLO. Hands back on the reins between strikes and preferably 2 or 3 strikes between to allow the horse to respond is imperative.

It won't stop unless they significantly increase penalties and include disqualification as other major racing jurisdictions do.

NZTR to Launch Independent Review Into Synthetic Track Performance New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) has today announced an independent review into the performance of the country's three synthetic racetracks. The review, to be led by Massey University, will involve independent world-leading experts from the Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory, based out of The University of Kentucky. The review will analyse all existing data as well as carry out additional testing to better understand the performance of New Zealand’s synthetic tracks. The current stated objectives of the review are: · Provide a concise summary of the hoof limb interaction on synthetic and turf tracks based on the published literature · Provide a description of the synthetic tracks in New Zealand, their physical properties, the management techniques employed and the current metrics on horse use and performance Analysis by Massey University of the 2023/24 racing season revealed that New Zealand remains one of the safest horse racing jurisdictions in the world, with a fracture rate on turf tracks of 0.37 per 1,000 starts. While still world leading, the fracture rate on synthetic tracks appears higher than turf at 0.81 per 1,000 starts. Although the data pool remains small due to the limited number of starts when compared to turf tracks, it is hoped the review will help explain the disparities as well as highlight areas of improvement. This in turn should lead to improved track performance and help alleviate any industry concerns. “The review is part of our commitment to industry stakeholders to seek continuous improvement and investigate any concerns,” says NZTR Chief Operating Officer, Darin Balcombe. “NZTR is aware of the concerns raised which is why we are engaging the experts to lead this review and identify what we can do to improve conditions at Cambridge, Awapuni and Riccarton." Chief Technology Officer, Kaleb Dempsey from the Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory is due to fly out to begin work within the next few weeks. He will be followed by Professor Mick Petersen in early 2025. Prof. Petersen is a highly regarded world expert in racetrack surfaces and is the Director of the Racetrack Safety Program at the University of Kentucky. The report is expected to be published mid-2025. Corporate Communications New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Contact: Catlyn Calder +64 27 252 2803 nztrcommunications@nztr.co.nz

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/532941/melbourne-cup-activists-want-to-stop-the-race-that-stops-two-nations?fbclid=IwY2xjawGXKfVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHTFC50vfONDr75ftK7UUiBZfF0RlXC6gimpSQAuAQ6sRsNTnwxbxgN3qzA_aem_YWZ85a0lGgRl7RuEqKzOQg

Don't the experts say, go at the clocktower?

You got that headpost right Chief.

What? Why don't they just mow it with a flail mower? Surely that's what they routinely use to avoid that problem?

A Message from NZTR regarding Te Rapa's Return to Racing ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ No images? Click here New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing [NZTR] would like to confirm the 'Return to Racing' for Te Rapa Racecourse. Following the Club's abandonment on Monday 28 October, a great deal of work has been undertaken to ensure the track is ready for racing this Saturday including: · Verti-draining the entire circumference of the track · Irrigation throughout the week · Dragging a mesh gate on the inside 18m to stand up any prone grass which was then mowed · Rail to be moved out to 6m for Saturday’s meeting Following this work, 14 horses were galloped over the course proper on Monday 4 November, ridden by senior riders Joe Doyle, Ryan Elliot, Michael McNab, George Rooke, Courtney Barnes, Masa Hashizume and Donovan Mansour, to ensure the track was fit to return to racing this Saturday 9 November. NZTR COO Darin Balcombe was in attendance this morning alongside the RIB and Club officials to inspect the surface and collect feedback from the senior riders. "All representative in attendance this morning were pleased with how the track performed, including the senior riders who were all very happy with the surface." Balcombe said. "The Club has completed several measures over the past week and there were no issues with the surface this morning, giving us full confidence in the track and their ability to race successfully this weekend." Corporate Communications New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Contact: Catlyn Calder +64 27 263 0276 nztrcommunications@nztr.co.nz

Definitely. Very poor for our biggest race days. Almost unwatchable.

Sorry. My data doesn't agree. Please put yours up here that shows that.

Yeahh and they get upset by social media comment although their advisors on that recommend accurate and prompt data and info as mitigation.

Nor results data except on a meeting by meeting basis. Even the handicappers apparently don't have that available on an annualised basis and it's a low priority for IT to provide it.

Might be, but I rang Justine to try and get the Massey fatality data, but NZTR won't release it. Professor Chris Rogers @Massey wouldn't provide it either but said they expected to publish before the end of the year. I get the sense they don't think that stake holders have the wherewithal to interpret data correctly. In other words, they think we are thick and treat us like that.

Your message did not reach some or all of the intended recipients. Subject: Equine Mortality Review Panel Sent: 2/11/2024 9:18 am The following recipient(s) cannot be reached: 'Alice.Riggins@nztr.co.nz.' on 2/11/2024 9:18 am Server error: '553 5.1.3 specifications. d9443c01a7336-211056ee490sm25111245ad.18 - gsmtp'

Thanks. Will do.

Equine Mortality Formation of the NZTR Equine Mortality Review Panel When a horse is humanely euthanised because of a racing injury or otherwise dies at a race meeting, heightened scrutiny is warranted. In May 2023, NZTR formed the NZTR Equine Mortality Review Panel whose role is to examine the circumstances of every equine fatality in racing, trialling, and training and determine whether identifiable factors may have contributed to the horse’s death. Understanding that the circumstances leading to a horse’s death may be complex and multi-factorial, the panel’s broader purpose is to use findings and information gathered to recommend measures that may mitigate future risk and to educate all stakeholders in equine fatality prevention.

Could be. That would make sense. Who is on it or the chair? I'd like to talk to them.

This from the latest NZTR Racing Operations Report. Raceday & Trial Fatalities EMRP met on 22nd October to review race and trial cases to date this season. To date, we have 2 race day and 5 trial fatalities. ·To enable the EMRP to operate consistently it is imperative we collect as much information as possible and therefore the club's assistance is much appreciated in enabling post-mortems to be conducted.

Nope. Track Specifications Main Track: One mile oval with 6 ½ and 1 ¼ chutes Homestretch: 90 feet wide Backstretch: 85 feet wide 5% banking on turns 6” Sandy Loam Cushion 8” compacted 10” clay base