curious

Yes but they could do the same thing before grass meetings routinely. From memory, the CJC recently did, although they won't run full trial meetings on the grass track.

The other thing that it raises is the possibility of running 2 or 3 trial heats on race days like this before the meeting but do so on a regular basis. That might mitigate the dearth of grass trials and thereby reduce owner costs. Because full sets of gates are available larger heats can also be run where required.

Well they've ended up with 17 noms for 2 heats before the races tomorrow. 2yo heat was deleted.

A priority for this year in the SOI. One of the 5 main focus areas is "ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE REVENUE GROWTH" Under that, a key strategy is: Develop a flexible and responsive strategic planning process to optimise race programming, pattern races and stakes in order to maximise wagering revenue. I wonder where they are at with that.

Yes, that was my point really. Keep the premier level and merge the industry and feature levels into one, with stakes adjusted accordingly. That would be a start to sorting the programming issues and wouldn't cost a cent.

No I don't. They've ignored the issue for years and it goes back to well before the AWT's were even mooted, though that seems to have worsened the programming issues along with the persistence with tiered racing as it is currently structured.

I can't see them spinning anything at all.

At least they have the Foxton option next week.

Fair point. It's not like the maiden fields are oversubscribed and you'd need starting points, though some will need trials for education. Also begs the question what the inept programmers are doing programming synthetic trials when there is little trainer demand.

Anyone spotted the trial fields for Riccarton tomorrow? Seems to have mysteriously disappeared off the calendar but no notice from NZTR to date.

Probably doesn't make any difference anyway and it's definitely painful and cruel. https://theconversation.com/10-reasons-to-stop-whipping-racehorses-including-new-research-revealing-the-likely-pain-it-causes-149271

Certainly is cruel. And as far as I know doesn't make them go any faster than they can. If you have some evidence suggesting otherwise I'd be interested to consider it.

I did get it

Did you mean proceed?

Meeting News Te Aroha Races Abandoned - Update Te Aroha races have been abandoned today due to surface water on the track. This meeting will not be re-scheduled for Monday, however NZTR are looking at other options including the possibility of racing at Te Aroha on Thursday.

That may be, but it doesn't make it acceptable in a professional sports presentation imo.

I remember looking that up some time ago because I thought it was a strange use of the word. Cambridge says, "AFTERMATH definition: 1. the period that follows an unpleasant event or accident, and the effects that it causes."

Some of us may have the wrong filters?

What restrictions? The one clear day one?

Do you mean the "racing" industry?

Correct but the above quote is not the main reason.

Natural Horse Nz “My friend is the dreaded 'Meatman' and its him who collects the unwanted foals that are not quite so sweet after weaning, especially the Colts, so off they all go to Market where no-one wants them... He buys them! The old mares who cant produce a foal next year, so as she,s no longer any use off she goes to Market as well... He buys her! The unwanted Oldies who going to be too costly to provide for so they are offered as 'Companions' after many years of service, and if no-one wants them then off they go to Market... He buys them! Then there,s the 'Project' horse, this poor soul has been through so many homes via Social Media and within weeks he,s back into a market yet again... He buys them! I love my friend and trust me he really does try to re-home many of the sad cases he buys from the markets but there are so many that go to be killed and really do end up in the worst kind of end for any horse, to be shot by a stranger in a scary place that smells of death.... He says... Dont breed if you cant feed... He says.. Please have your Old horse pts at home... He says.. Never offer a horse 'Free to Good home' as he,ll end up shooting it after he,s bought it in a market somewhere... I Love my friend, but I,d love to see him out of business and its only the stupid fools that keep him supplied..... Nuff said ..