curious

I'm getting 10mms of rain in Hastings yesterday, none today since midnight. Surely that couldn't have flooded a newly renovated track?

Meeting News Hawke’s Bay Abandoned Today After heavy overnight rain and surface water on the track the meeting at Hawke’s Bay has been abandoned- further information to follow.

Yes but not for Pukekohe. Further to this in conjunction with the relevant Clubs, NZTR will immediately look at purchasing a permanent set of starting gates at three strategic venues that do not have adequate permanent gates, being Te Rapa Racecourse, RACE Awapuni and RACE Trentham.

I got as far as this message, but then thought what if I can't figure how to stop all that shit? Pass providers can automatically add related passes, promotions, offers and more to your existing passes, which can be controlled on your device in Wallet settings. I don't usually carry a phone on course any way, never when I'm working around horses, and if I'm betting, all my bets are placed before I go on course and the phone is usually in the car.

Speaking of which, NZTR just told me I could get my licence via either my google or apple wallet. What are they? Mine is leather.

If they think they are going to race on it this year, at a minimum they have to test it with some serious gallops under similar conditions to those where the problems occurred. Half a dozen gallops at 3/4 pace aren't a hell of a lot of use imo.

Aren't they still doing that?

Yeahh that doesn't make a lot of sense with the likes of Kennedy and Parmar already committed at Oamaru.

Good idea. I thought ATR came into being in 2021. Just now deciding to buy gates for Pukekohe when that is where they have held most of their racing seems a bit belated. Better late than never I guess.

I guess the reinstated meeting can't count since you specified the 17th?

Here's your chance Huey. It’s time to recognise New Zealand’s most dedicated and devoted Stablehands and Strappers as we call for nominations for the 2023-24 New Zealand Stablehand of the Year Award. We are delighted to announce this year's Award will be sponsored by Saddlery Warehouse Cambridge & Tauranga. Lisa Anderson and her team are passionate supporters of the racing industry and are excited to be celebrating the unsung heroes of our sport. This highly sought-after award will again be presented at the 2023-24 New Zealand Thoroughbred Horse of the Year Awards, taking place at Mystery Creek Events Centre, Hamilton on Sunday 8 September. We understand how busy you are, so we have again made the nomination process very easy. It's as simple as filling out the online form linked below. For more information, or for help filling out the online nomination form, please contact Sarah Young via email sarah.young@nztr.co.nz or call 027 819 6509 and she will guide you through the nomination process. Three winners will be chosen - one from each of the major regions (Northern, Central and Southern), with each receiving $2500 prize money, flights/travel, accommodation and tickets to the Awards evening, with the overall winner receiving an additional $2500. Nominations close 5pm, Wednesday 31st July. This is your chance to show your appreciation and acknowledge your stable star's contribution by nominating them today! We look forward to receiving your nominations. To purchase tickets to the Awards, or for further information, visit nztr.co.nz/awards The team at New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing.

Not at the CJC. They just carry on using the supposedly faulty gates.

Exactly, thereby increasing field sizes. It's not rocket science.

Send one to the NZTAB as well. During Royal Ascot, they were totally confused about whether the meetings were today or tomorrow which I think usually starts at midnight.

And instead of abandoning, why did they not implement the flag start protocol as per the starters manual? That way, connections still get a crack at the stakes instead of a big bill for nought, jockeys their riding fees, punters a winner or two, attendees, something to watch, and the club and caterers some return for their efforts.

I still don't understand how ATR can have their own gates at Ellerslie, spend 50mil on a track there, and not be able to afford a set of gates for Pukekohe where they now hold most of their meetings?

Does Pukekohe not have their own gates?

Looks like it.

And the idea of racing in September without allowing time for the bulk of spring root development makes little sense to me given the history. Sounds so much like more of the same mistakes they made last year.

Good thread. Pretty much nails it.

You've lost me. An optimal foal crop size is key to a viable breeding industry. Increasing it beyond that will affect the supply and demand putting downward pressure on sales prices, stud fees, broodmare values etc. Growth in the racing industry which might increase demand, is driven primarily by wagering growth, which as far as I can see isn't happening and NZTR are showing no signs of helping it.

Yes, exactly Wingman. With no increase in stakes planned for the next 4 years and no improvement in racing opportunities because of the tracks, handicapping and programming in particular, more owners are likely to pull pin or reduce their commitment and that may mean the foal crop size in fact becomes more than optimal and will need to reduce. The only surprise to me in his comments is that he has not targeted the Members' Council which make the board appointments.

You mean the breeding industry?

Growth of what?