curious

Yes. It occurred to me after I wrote that, I missed another important thing which you mention. So, maybe add in an independent review of the stakes allocation strategy with the objective of aligning the race stakes more closely in direct proportion to the wagering revenue generated from the events. That way the horses, connections and clubs might feel more fairly rewarded for their contribution to the product.

Probably not much looking at the production quality. How they think that is likely to improve any licence holder's skills and abilities is beyond me. I was expecting a series of workshops that we could choose from relative to the licence we hold or an online conference with presentations from leading trainers, jockeys, track riders etc. from around the world, not a slapped together propaganda promo about how well we are doing. Like everything else it's all talk and do nothing. Probably too busy getting settled in the new facilities at Cambridge. If you notice any changes in the quality of the trackwork riding, or changes in training methods or how stablehands are handling the horses in coming weeks Freda, do let us know.

According to Sharrock, they have an extra $10m for stakes next year. Heavens knows where that is coming from. If they want to fix /change anything, why not allocate that money to track infrastructure and substantive independent reviews of the programming and handicapping systems and actually implement some change. As I said more talk after decades of it, doesn't give most of us much hope.

They won't do anything perfect from day1 if they don't DO anything. What we continue to get is not new either. It's been the same for decades. It's all talk and hope, as Sharrock says, that they can find another pot of gold somewhere.

Anything worth doing is also worth doing well! I wonder when that will be.

It does make me wonder though why we can't utilise some home grown expertise to do similar guest spots at the apprentice schools. CWJ springs to mind while he's on the sidelines.

http://i1.cmail19.com/ei/y/3D/55A/5F8/150854/csfinal/CorporateEmail-banner-9900000000079e3c.png Russell Warwick to Join the NZTR Board The New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) Members’ Council has appointed Russell Warwick as a Director Elect of the NZTR Board, effective 1 August 2024. Russell Warwick brings a wealth of industry knowledge and administrative experience to the appointment. As the General Manager of Westbury Stud, Warwick’s ability to lead one of NZ’s elite breeding and racing programmes made him an excellent candidate to join the NZTR Board. In what is widely viewed as one of the most exciting times in New Zealand Racing history, Warwick is grateful for the opportunity. “The industry has made excellent headway in recent times, but there is still a lot of work to do. I really enjoy being able to give back to the industry, and timing wise, I feel I can offer a constructive view as we look to inspire a new generation of stakeholders and encourage further growth within the business.” When speaking to his potential contribution, Warwick sees the work of the NZTR Board as setting the industry up for longterm success. “If we can align our operational infrastructure and policies with the financial parameters that NZTR, TAB NZ, Entain and NZ Bloodstock have introduced, it is going to be a very exciting time to be involved in racing.” “It’s not only the immediate success of the industry which should be our sole focus, but it is critical that we develop a sustainable structure for the long-term future of the sport.” Warwick gave high praise to the current NZTR Board and the work which they have done in recent times. “I would like to compliment the current NZTR Board for the terrific job that has been done to this point. They are a very skilled group of administrators and I am looking forward to having the opportunity to add further value." NZTR Members’ Council Chair Jeff McCall is confident Russell will be a great addition to the Board. “After receiving several strong applications, we are pleased to welcome Russell to the NZTR Board.” “His lifetime of industry experience and business management makes him a great addition to the Board, and we look forward to his contribution following Chairman Cameron George’s departure in July” As previously reported, NZTR Chairman Cameron George will depart the NZTR Board on 31 July, 2024. As a Director Elect, Warwick will attend Board and Committee meetings ahead of his appointment but will not receive voting rights until 1 August 2024. Corporate Communications New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Contact: Catlyn Calder +64 027 252 2803 nztrcommunications@nztr.co.nz http://i1.cmail19.com/static/eb/master/13-the-blueprint-3/images/socialmedia/facebook-brandcolor-medium-circle.pnghttp://i2.cmail19.com/static/eb/master/13-the-blueprint-3/images/socialmedia/linkedin-brandcolor-medium-circle.pnghttp://i5.cmail19.com/static/eb/master/13-the-blueprint-3/images/socialmedia/website-brandcolor-medium-circle.png

Great to see and hear. Thanks for posting.

Do you mean the regional track advisors, some of whom have been responsible themselves for some of the biggest f ups?

I'm told they didn't.

There was no irrigation applied during the week according to club reports. How can you say it was over watered?

And a massive 63 acceptances for the Awapuni poly meeting today.

Yes. Works fine on my android (Samsung)

I just hope this equipment he says they've been investing in includes a couple of ploughs and the people investment includes a few who can operate them.

Sharrock did say on Weigh In there'd be no surprises!

Agree. It's certainly not a "plan" as it is labelled. Just "we understand", "if" and "when". What a crock of shit if they are serious about their stated objectives. Developing a 5-year programme for reconstruction and/or upgrading of our key venues and a budget for undertaking the necessary work, and developing the order of priority for undertaking each identified track reconstruction/update Continuing to advance discussions on potential Bay of Plenty and Waikato Regional solutions and supporting clubs in in Canterbury and the Central Districts in an endeavour to agree regional solutions for racing, trials, and training in their regions, considering the expected impact of the synthetic tracks at Riccarton Park and Awapuni. Encouraging clubs to work together in regions to deliver a sustainable footprint of racetracks and customer facilities Where the fluck is all that. This is just more airy fairy nonsense.

What strategy?

Yes. That's what he said, a 10% increase from $91m. But wait, the guaranteed all code funding level from Entain only increases by $5m. So where on earth are NZTR getting the extra from, especially if they plan to also increase the funding component allocated to fixing tracks. I might be confused. If so, someone will hopefully straighten me out but based on the record, there's a fair chance that it is Sharrock that is muddled up. The minimum level for 2023-24 will be NZ$170m (£86m/€99m/US$107m), up 36% on the current financial year. The 2024-24 figure will be NZ$175m, then NZ$180m in 2025-26, NZ$185m in 2026-27 and NZ$200m for 2027-28.

Yes, didn't seem to be any explanation of that on Weigh In this week when he was on. I wondered if he might have been canvassing for jockey agencies to build his sports management business.

I think if anything like the projected revenue growth comes within that time frame it won't be from TABNZ revenue from NZ racing. And unless it comes from elsewhere, we could see stakes halved from then. Just saying.

Though that won't do much for the average starter number KPI will it?

The trough is a problem or could be. Entain probably don't care if they drive NZ revenue or drive revenue for Laddies and Neds. All the same for them but not for TABNZ and NZ racing stakes. Just saying.

Quite possibly but that will be up to the codes and TABNZ to agree won't it?