curious

And sorting penalties which would probably need to allow for post race video review as elsewhere.

I'm pleased to say that the new whip rules about to be released for consultation include prohibition of whip use on the flank and overhand use down the shoulder.

What result? A racing media interview that asks the hard logical questions?

I'd just add that if it were a decently informed interviewer talking to Wilcox, they would have asked that very question when Wilcox mentioned it. It was the first thing that popped into my head. How did it happen that grass was used in the first place?

I believe that I read/heard that the grass mix choice was made in consultation with local experts, remembering that they chose to seed it themselves from scratch, not lay pre-grown turf as is more usual for Strathayr tracks, so I think they managed that themselves, rather than it being done by Strathayr.

Surely not if the grass is properly rooted. It seems the problem stemmed primarily from one of the 5 rye varieties chosen for the mix. It evidently tends to spread roots laterally just below the surface. Whether or not they can manage that with continuous mechanical intervention, or whether it will have to be sprayed and reseeded remains to be seen. Until it's tested under racing conditions in similar weather conditions to those when the problems occurred, I don't think we will know. It seems to me that fully reseeding without that rye grass variety might have been a safer option.

I can see why Matt Cartwright said it could do with a bit more grass covering.

Looks like a sand track with a few sprigs of grass here and there?

??????

Might be the case for Strathayrs. If you look at the MV data you post above a G4 was 22.5%

Latest update An Update - Getting Lauren To The Winning Post With Her Cancer Battle 14 September 2024 We are pleased to announce that, with over 315 donations in just over 24 hours, $80,000 has been successfully raised for Lauren's unfunded cancer treatment (Ipilimumab), which will begin in a few weeks. It was truly a team effort! Te Akau is beyond proud of our industry and the extraordinary people who have rallied behind Lauren. Your generosity has not only brought hope to one of our own but also shown the true heart of our racing community. In times like these, the selflessness of people like you reminds us all of the incredible power of compassion, and we are deeply, deeply grateful for that support. Together with Lauren, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. Your support is more than just financial—it’s a lifeline of hope, courage, and love as she embarks on this journey. We will be standing by her every step of the way, wishing her strength and healing. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts—your kindness will never be forgotten and will make a world of difference during this time. Together, you've helped Lauren get a stride closer to the winning post in her battle. Forever grateful, the team at Te Akau Racing 🧡

Same but only on gallops, pretty much every day. 25 bets today.

Nope. Only an open industry 1300 there. Where did you hear that or are you being facetious?

I've NEVER had a deposit offer from NZTAB and aside from the initial account opening offer and the account balance languishing @ $1 for a while, none from Betcha either.

Not sure what we disagree on. Safe tracks and racing for horses and riders surely include the jumps and safety and integrity of racing on them.

I agree. Exactly the same issues, though the public perception is stronger and the infrastructure non-investment includes not just the tracks but the jumps themselves. While they have made some strides wefare wise on rehoming, there seem to be no initiatives on other key matters like whip-use rules and the safety of jumps racing.

Yes. The proposal essentially gave 3 options. Do nothing which 90% don't want. Come up with a plan to wind it down, or a plan to re-energise it.

Lucky they are not subject to FBT.

What about it?

Important but this was Entain, not NZTR.

Very good, tidy, succinct presentation by Cameron Rodger and Lachlan Fitt with plenty of question time and and a hot lunch after. Some notable points. Betcha goes live today. They've been getting about 200 new accounts daily since the soft launch but expect that to jump to about 1200 once the advertising starts. Very much aimed at the under 35 market who make up a large portion of those opening overseas betting accounts. Big emphasis on attracting FTBs (first time bettors), so new business. From Betcha and across the board. Their estimate of lost revenue overseas was 150-200m. Non-committal about the ring-fence legislation though suggested they were hopeful. Still working on media improvements but Trackside now available in 85% of homes cf. 25% when they took over. First of 7,000 new terminals have arrived ahead of schedule. They'll be rolled out next March. Also all new terminals for on-course and off-course operators. Much simpler and anyone with a TAB account should be able to operate them straight away. New app now going well after an initial customer satisfaction crash. On a range of metrics that's now higher than the old app. Very open to feedback. One floor question was about the blackbooker system currently sending individual emails for each horse instead of the old system daily combined. Sounded like they'd get that sorted straight away. Keen on getting people oncourse, especially FTBs for the experience, both social and wagering. I'll post more if I think of it but still very much work in progress.

https://www.aucklandracing.co.nz/press-release-update-on-penetrometer-readings-of-ellerslies-strathayr-track/

Agree on the sound but the facilities were fucking freezing last time I was there.

Just had a walk from about the 100 to 200. Good 4 I'd say.

Don't think they would have had too many bills to pay for her. She paid theirs, no?