curious

I agree. She's 5-8 lengths shy of Orchestral and not up to the best in Oz.

The rule is for a nasal bleed (epistaxis) unless they are confident that it is caused by trauma. So, any other cause including EIPH.

Lightning.

MUSTANG VALLEY (D Mansour) - Returned to the enclosure with blood present in the right nostril. Underwent a post-race veterinary examination including an endoscopic examination which found the mare to have suffered an episode of Epistaxis. MUSTANG VALLEY shall not be ridden in exercise for a period of two months or start in any race or trial for a period of three months, and then only after a satisfactory gallop of at least 1000 metres in the presence of a Veterinarian.

Left the apostrophe out in the process too! Opie's. Good thing Miss J is banned.

In case it disappears over there.

I see that scoobs has got a bit of a serve from wph on this over there.

We are also improving the transparency and communication of information about the synthetic tracks by moving to publish the Clegg hammer readings prior to raceday for all synthetic track meetings. Clegg hammer record the level of compaction of the synthetic profile. The publication of these readings will give comfort that the tracks are where they need to be and avoid speculation and misinformation filling the void. As noted above, the synthetic tracks are susceptible to variations in temperature and can become tighter with extremely cold weather. They do, therefore, require constant attention (just as turf tracks do) to ensure they remain in the best condition for racing and training, and are not (and have never been considered to be) a low maintenance solution, with their preparation depending on the proposed use (e.g. racing or training) and weather conditions. Accordingly, NZTR subsidises the extra cost of the maintenance of the synthetic tracks to ensure Clubs can maintain them to the level that is required.

Spoil sport.

That's a brilliant idea.

Good Morning Southland Races Abandoned After a track inspection this morning (Friday) by club officials and an RIB representative the Southland races at Ascot Park on Sunday have been abandoned. The track is currently water-logged and the 1600m start point unusable due to surface water. More information will follow in terms of any possible rescheduling. Kind Regards Matt Ivil Racing Coordinator New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing p: +64 4 576 6241, f: +64 4 568 8866 a: 18 Dick St, Cambridge, 3432 LOVERACING.NZ

The heralded announcement which says nothing.

NZTR would like to provide an update on recent developments concerning the Avondale Jockey Club and the future of the Avondale racetrack. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ No images? Click here NZTR and Avondale Jockey Club Endorse Memorandum of Understanding New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) would like to provide an update on recent developments concerning the Avondale Jockey Club (AJC) and the future of the Avondale racetrack. In recent months, NZTR and AJC have been working together to discuss the future of the Avondale racecourse once racing concludes at the venue after the 2025/26 season. On 16 September 2024 NZTR and AJC signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines shared intentions and the collaborative process both parties will follow in the coming months to attempt to finalise an agreement on the future of the racecourse. “NZTR and AJC have worked together in good faith to reach an agreement on the future of the Club’s racecourse.” – Bruce Sharrock, CEO NZTR “We are pleased with the progress throughout our conversations as we work to mutually agree on the pathway forward.” Avondale Jockey Club will host a members-only forum 21 October to discuss the MOU with their membership, alongside NZTR representatives, and will answer any questions concerning the process at that time. NZTR would like to thank AJC as we work toward the best outcome for the Club, West Auckland and broader racing communities. Corporate Communications New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Contact: Catlyn Calder +64 27 252 2803 nztrcommunications@nztr.co.nz

Timaru Races Postponed Until Tuesday After a Thursday afternoon track inspection by the RIB and the South Canterbury RC Track Manager the decision has been made to postpone tomorrow’s races until Tuesday 8 October. Currently there is water pooling at the 1600m start point and also in areas between the 800m and 400m. The forecast for tomorrow is for significant rain. The fields remain the same and all scratchings will be reinstated. Please note the new start times.

His disqualification start was deferred to today in order for him to meet his engagement obligations yesterday. So, in the interim, he could ride at the trials I think.

So, you don't know that it wasn't?

Hobson's choice?

Only from the RIB as far as I know. They basically said it was the responsibility of NZTR and the clubs though in my view they are ultimately responsible to ensure that tracks are safe to race on race-mornings. 57 noms for 8 races at Marton on Sunday.

Btw, where did you hear that they said it was ok? If they did, they must not have been too convincing.

I doubt it will be used again without major reconstruction.

Bruce Sherwin on handicapping might be an exception?

With a bit of help from WTR and the CJC, certainly. But that has always been the case pretty much.

Injury statistics cast shadow over taxpayer-backed synthetic racetracks Kevin Norquay September 29, 2024 Horses in training at Cambridge, which was the first New Zealand track resurfaced.CHRISTEL YARDLEY/STUFF New multimillion-dollar taxpayer-funded synthetic racetracks are injuring racehorses more than traditional turf tracks, Massey University research has found. Racing Minister Winston Peters delivered $20 million of funding on three poly tracks (Cambridge, Awapuni in Palmerston North, and Riccarton) as part of racing’s $72.5m Covid emergency support package. The cash was intended to give racing clubs certainty they would not be rained off, and safer footing for valuable race horses. Now Massey University statistics and an investigation by concerned owner Colin Wightman have cast a safety shadow over the technology. Racing Minister Winston Peters helped push for poly tracks.ROBERT KITCHIN / THE POST New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) on Friday released a copy of the university study into the performance and maintenance of synthetic surfaces to the Sunday Star-Times. “As of the end of the 2023/24 racing season, we have now had sufficient starters on synthetics tracks to be able to compare the relative race-day fracture rate between turf and synthetic tracks,” NZTR said. Preliminary data based on official race-day records indicated a higher injury rate on synthetic than turf tracks. Overall, injuries on synthetic tracks are more than 40% higher than for turf tracks at 3.22 per 1000 starts, versus 2.21. Awapuni racecourse in 2023, as work begins on track resurfacing.Warwick Smith / Manawatū Standard ADVERTISEMENT Fatality rates are also higher on synthetic tracks, off a small data set. “We must also be mindful of the relatively low sample size for the three synthetic tracks, which can easily distort the statistics,” NZTR said. “The synthetic track with the greatest data set is Cambridge, which is operating at around the same rate as a turf venue, at 0.52 per 1000 starters … internationally, it is still relatively low. “For comparison, the fatality rates in the USA and UK are 0.97 and 0.80, respectively. All on flat racing surfaces. Bruce Sharrock is chief executive of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing.Andy Jackson / Taranaki Daily News “NZTR … are committed to ongoing monitoring of the performance and safety of all synthetic tracks.” Wightman last week released his own investigation, saying in his view the poly surface has been laid too thinly over the hard base surface, compromising safety. NZTR chief executive Bruce Sharrock said at the time he was reviewing Wightman’s report, which he said contained “several factual inaccuracies”. Wightman said he was asked to conduct a private investigation “on behalf of many owners who have approached me with grave concerns about the safety of our 3 poly tracks”. What he found at Riccarton, he said, “was a serious issue of human and animal welfare”. Colin Wightman speaking at an anti-media protest. CHRIS SKELTON / Stuff “The primary concern is the growing number of horses that have broken their legs [various complications] on Raceday through lack of cushion and consistency on these tracks, many resulting in the horses being put down.” The welfare of racehorses is the responsibility of the Racing Integrity Board (RIB), which has officials at all events. In serious situations, the Ministry of Primary Industries may assist in an investigation. RIB said the principal responsibility for the maintenance and preparation of the track rested with the clubs, while NZTR monitored track performance, collected data and worked with clubs on maintenance strategies to enhance performance. Eliot Forbes is chief executive of the Racing Integrity Board.Supplied RIB chief executive Eliot Forbes said stewards had advised that from their observations the Awapuni track has generally met performance expectations. “They have not identified any serious health and safety concerns relating to the racing surface and more specifically have not had critical issues of that nature raised with them by riders on race day,” he said. But with RIB committed to animal safety “it had engaged with NZTR regarding the issues that have been raised relating to the Awapuni track and the other synthetic surfaces”. “NZTR advise that they have been in discussions with the responsible clubs and have also been in contact with the manufacturer of the synthetic surface regarding these claims. Taiki Yanagida died after a fall at Cambridge’s poly track.TRISH DUNELL / Stuff “NZTR have assured us of their commitment to ensuring track safety and promptly addressing any potential issues.” MPI director of compliance and response Glen Burrell said the ministry’s animal welfare department had not received “any complaints regarding racehorses on poly tracks”. “MPI strongly encourages any member of the public who is aware of animal ill-treatment or cruelty to report it to the MPI animal welfare complaints freephone 0800 00 83 33.” Jockey Taiki Yanagida died on the Cambridge track in 2022, when his mount was checked and fell. An independent report found no fault with the track in that instance, NZTR said. The coroner is yet to investigate his death. Palmerston North MP Tangi Utikere.Warwick Smith / Stuff Tangi Utikere, MP for Palmerston North and Labour’s racing spokesperson, said concerns about the Awapuni track “have been brought to my attention”. “I have written to the Racing Integrity Board (RIB) seeking reassurances that any serious health and safety concerns relating to the safety of the Awapuni track have been considered and addressed,” he said. What do you think? Email sundayletters@stuff.co.nz. Please include your full name and address. -