curious

That bar was my fave hangout at Ellerslie. Doesn't look overly busy either?

Looks crowded there?

Took Huey's advice and had 40k on To Bravery Born.

Are the red thins on their heads part of the uniform?

FO only. That way I know I have value against my pricing. Bet tote for many years in another jurisdiction with no FO but very time-consuming having to monitor right up to start time. Now bets are usually on at least the day before. 3 winners today so far. 2 backed well over SP even after deductions. The other about the same.

She looks nice.

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