curious

https://loveracing.nz/News/44430/GoRacinghelpingkidsStandTallwithAnnarehab.aspx

Possibly because of a lack of confidence in the safety of the track?

I'd say 18 months for that if they don't take any shortcuts like Ellerslie did. But what tracks are left in the bay to accommodate the racing in the interim?

I thought Cameron George said they didn't have the money nor available tracks to fully renovate any more at the moment? Does the board not talk to senior management?

I don't know really. They used to be. Certainly in the track inspections. Freda will know what is usual.

Following a shower of rain which occurred after the running of Race 4, a delegation of Riders approached Stewards regarding a potential safety concern with moisture on what they considered to be a firm racing surface. A track inspection was undertaken involving Jockeys, Stewards and the Track Manager. Following this inspection a meeting was convened involving Stewards, Jockeys and Club representatives. Whilst this meeting was in progress further heavy rain commenced to fall, with the remainder of the meeting being abandoned due to safety concerns.

To quote one of NZ's best trainers "You couldn't make this up". Meeting News Hawke's Bay RI Races 5-8 Abandoned Races 5 - 8 at Hastings today have been abandoned due to the state of the track. NZTR will look to find a suitable replacement date for the Gr2 Lowland Stakes and the 3yo SW+P 1300m races lost as a result of the abandonment.

Only thing I disagree with is the "slowly".

That probably should have said per 1000 race starts.

Per race start. https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/275280/equine-injury-numbers-point-to-near-record-safe-year

By track surface Dirt: 1.43 Turf: 1.13 Synthetic: 0.97

Correct. The problem is you don't know who is right and who is wrong until after the fact. And what exactly are the qualifications of the Regional Track Advisors? Seems like it was simply that they were currently working in track manager roles, even though the performance of the tracks they were managing was well below par.

Only thing I can think is maybe they were told that while they were walking!

A lawsuit brought by a group of bettors against trainer Bob Baffert is residing in its third venue. Now it's the subject of whether a different judge should be assigned. The case was brought by plaintiffs who want compensation for wagers left uncashed after, they allege, Medina Spirit was wrongfully entered and won the 2021 Kentucky Derby (G1) only to be disqualified after testing positive for betamethasone. The suit originated in California in 2021 but was soon voluntarily dismissed and refiled in New Jersey. Baffert has asked the claims be summarily dismissed as a matter of law.

Darrin Balcombe said this about it last October: Te Aroha Racecourse We recently completed the final phase of the 'Return to Racing' Policy for Te Aroha Racecourse, concluding in successful trials held on the surface on 12 October. This sets the stage for a return to racing on 1 November. Bart Cowan, our Regional Track Advisor, played a pivotal role in ensuring the track has reached the required safety standards. We're now focusing on implementing long-term plans to maintain and continue to enhance the track's quality. The first twelve months after reopening will feature a lighter racing schedule to facilitate essential maintenance, ensuring Te Aroha Racecourse remains a safe, competitive venue for our participants and fans.

It says this in the above report. Have you seen any evidence of that? How would they have determined that from walking the track? Something doesn't add up. The learnings from the track walk were that grass growth and root strength have exceeded expectations, with roots grown down to 230mms in some areas.

Probably needs an extra year to be safe for racing and the experimental nature also means, even then, the required process and maintenance is untested. You can't really blame Strathayr because Ellerslie tried to save a few bucks on a $50 million project by deviating from the true and tested methodology.

https://www.aucklandracing.co.nz/update-on-the-strathayr-track-project/ Seeding never been tried before on a Strathayr, so they took a big risk imo.

I thought they sowed the turf, not laid it?

Like the roots have formed a mat below the turf layer without penetrating the sand mix layer? That's what it sort of sounded like when they talked about surface tension. Would you line one up on it?

Or a small stable for that matter.

Do you mean mat on top from mowing debris?

Looks pretty good. What are the holes in the photos? Of course, the question is, would you risk one on it with a bit of rain about, at racing speeds, changing ground etc., especially with the reported injuries from Karaka night?

Sharrock thinks you should go on there and be positive about your horse's chance so that the person in the pub with a tenner in his hand says they sound confident and put on 20. Of course, if he understood wagering, he'd know if the person loses 20 on that bet, it's 20 they won't risk later. Pretty much no impact on turnover/ revenue.

If the foot comes right he likely will. He's back riding a bit of work isn't he?