curious

Safer than turf too based on catastrophic injury data (US). In the Jockey Club Equine Injury Database (EID) for the year 2022, injuries on dirt were 1.44 per 1,000 horse starts. Turf injuries were 0.99 per 1,000. Injuries on synthetic were vastly diminished with 0.41 per 1000. This data shows that synthetic surfaces are 3.5 times safer than dirt and 2.2 times safer than turf. These statistics are compelling in showing the exponential safety of today's synthetic surfaces over dirt and turf.

The proof will be in the eating I guess, with regular jumpouts at Rangiora now underway. You'd expect a general improvement in strike rates for Canterbury trainers as a result, wouldn't you? A measurable outcome.

Looks like they are recognising there that synthetics are some times safer.

Totally right but the NZTR SOI says "NZTR Board and management will continue to relentlessly improve the presentation and preparation of all facets of our industry, which is paramount to improving wagering growth. Do nothing about it in a number of areas, despite the spiel to that effect.

New CEO. Buy now?

From a local trainer today, summarising their season. "the strike rate I’d like to see come down, but we were forced to run horses due to a lack of trials."

Needs a deep furrow plough and a good fallow, wheat cover crop and resow in the autumn, by the sound of it.

Racing Te Aroha Although work deeper into the profile was completed post the transfer of the 7 July raceday, compaction has continued to be an issue with slow progress being made with the Te Aroha track, due to completing this work during the wetter months. The Club are currently completing further deep aeration work. In conjunction with Racing Te Aroha, the decision has been made to not race their next scheduled race meeting on Sunday 1 September. Transferring the Pakuranga Hunt Cup day is devastating for the Club, but an early decision to move the meeting will allow connections of prospective runners to plan with some certainty. The track surface and profile functionality is being closely monitored and regularly tested before confirming when the track will be ready to return to racing. Please note the following changes have been made to the Racing Schedule: Te Aroha Meeting 1 September 2024 This meeting is unable to be held at Te Aroha due to on-going work on the track. This meeting is deleted from the Calendar. WTR@Te Rapa Saturday 24 August 2024 The Pakuranga Hunt Cup (4800m) and an Open Hurdle (3200m) have been added to this programme. Both races remain at $60,000. Egmont RC – Sunday 25 August 2024 The Jumps Races will now both be 0-1 win jumps races for a stake of $30,000. These races will be divided into a separate race for maidens ($20,000) and winners ($30,000) if numbers permit. Matamata Meeting – Wednesday 4 September – Additions/Changes Open 1600m ($50,000) – Race Added R75 1200m ($40,000) – Race Added R65 1400m ($40,000) – Replaces R60 1400m NZTR/Clubs will look to divide maiden races around this period if numbers warrant it and there is space in the programme.

We are light years behind in equine welfare. A review released July 31 by the office of New York State Gaming Commission equine medical director Dr. Scott Palmer examined 17 equine fatalities at Saratoga Race Course last summer and generated a series of recommendations. Since last summer's breakdowns, which the NYSGC said took place during unprecedented inclement weather at Saratoga, safer racing has ensued there and at other Thoroughbred racing venues operated by the New York Racing Association. Equine fatalities across the country have also dropped since the full implementation of Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority rules. Some of the key NYSGC recommendations, which the regulator has posted online with its full review, include: Use of objective real-time measurements of the racing surfaces to monitor the variability of moisture content. Real-time testing of the composition of the racing surface to detect loss of fine materials. Installation of a synthetic racing surface at Saratoga, presumably to complement its turf and dirt courses, to provide a safe racing surface and maintain field size when races are moved off the grass. Require attending veterinarian exams before high-speed exercise and veterinarian's list horses to be examined before workouts, whether currently on the list or in the past. Use of HISA data to generate an epidemiologic risk factor report that will quantify risk for individual horses—information that can be shared with trainers to obtain a current real-time risk assessment for their horses. Modify the HISA intra-articular injection reporting system and improve compliance for reporting medication to HISA. Create a requirement to report nonfatal musculoskeletal injuries to HISA and provide a convenient and reliable electronic system for the accurate reporting of nonfatal injuries. Modify the racing necropsy standard operating procedure for use in horses that perish in New York to consistently reflect the appropriate level of detail to determine the presence of pre-existing orthopedic conditions. Join with the ongoing study in progress in Kentucky and Virginia by placing sensors on all horses racing at NYRA racetracks to identify horses that are candidates for a lameness examination and routine or advanced imaging. Have New York racing stakeholders invest in a comprehensive equine safety program that includes the acquisition of advanced imaging equipment (positron emission tomography scanner and a standing computed tomography scanner) to be located at the Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists adjacent to Belmont Park. Improve the NYRA ship-in protocol (a NYRA house rule) to require that no horse can attempt high-speed exercise over a NYRA racing or training surface prior to notification of the racing office of their intention to do so. Add procedures to allow notifications to prevent horses that are on the veterinarian's list in other jurisdictions from training on a NYRA property prior to examination by a NYRA regulatory veterinarian. The NYGSC report indicated that its recommendations are being developed or are to be considered. "Dr. Scott Palmer's analysis of the 2023 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course enhances our understanding of the myriad factors that contribute to equine injuries sustained during training or racing," said Pat McKenna, vice president of communications for NYRA. "Continuously improving equine safety is an organizational imperative at NYRA that motivates all aspects of the operation and informs every decision around the evolving training and racing infrastructure at both Saratoga Race Course and Belmont Park. That's why NYRA is embracing all-weather surfaces, biometric wearable technology, artificial intelligence and advanced equine imaging to further mitigate risk and ensure the safest possible environment for racing and training. NYRA thanks Dr. Palmer and the New York State Gaming Commission for investing the time and resources necessary to develop a comprehensive review of the 2023 summer meet."

There's some wisdom in here. "Cauthen had done something that people always talk about doing, but never quite manage. He had quit at the top.

Or maybe those are two different awards?

It's weird. At the top it says: Page 2 of 6 1. JOCKEY PREMIERSHIP AWARD* Managed by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing The jockey who has accumulated the highest number of race wins in NZ races during the season under review. The winner must have been licensed as a Jockey by NZTR for all or part of the season under review. Further down it says: 13. JOCKEY OF THE YEAR* Managed by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Finalists: a. The jockey whose mounts in the season under review have won most Group and Listed races in NZ b. The jockey whose mounts in the season under review have won most stake money in NZ c. The NZ Jockeys’ Premiership winner in the season under review d. Not more than two nominees nominated by the NZJA from outside of the above finalists Finalists must have been domiciled in New Zealand for more than half of the season under review. Selection of winner: Each member of the Voting Panel nominates one finalist. The winner is the Jockey with the highest number of total votes submitted to the Auditor by the Voting Panel before the prescribed deadline (see Voting Paper).

Oh. Here it is. OWNER OF THE YEAR* Managed by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Finalists: Finalists comprise owners, whose New Zealand-based horses, which are sole, partnership, company or registered syndicate-owned, have earned the highest points in all races in New Zealand and Pattern Races anywhere else in the world determined by the points system. The number of finalists for Owner of the Year is at the discretion of the Recommendations Panel. Definition of Owner: 1. An Owner must be registered on NZTR’s database of Owners and an active Owner for the season under review 2. A Trainer must hold an NZ Trainer’s Licence in the season under review. 3. A Syndicate Manager(s) is included as part of each individually named syndicate. 4. In the event that ownership of a horse changes during the season under review that horse will score points for each respective owner while under their ownership. Page 5 of 6 Points are allocated as follows: First Second Third Group One 12 8 6 Group Two 10 6 4 Group Three 9 5 3 Listed 8 4 2 PJR 8 4 2 Open Hdcp 6 R85 4 R75 3 R65 2 Maiden 1 Where NZTR has details of an owner’s percentage ownership in each syndicate, all these percentages are added together. Selection of winner: Each member of the Voting Panel nominates one finalist. The winner is the Owner with the highest number of total votes submitted to the Auditor by the Voting Panel before the prescribed deadline (see Voting Paper)

Yeah. That's a bit odd isn't it? OWNER PREMIERSHIP AWARD* Managed by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing The owner who has accumulated the highest number of points under the specified criteria during the season under review. That surely could be a syndicate but I can't see how the points are awarded? Anyone found that?1

13. JOCKEY OF THE YEAR* Managed by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Finalists: a. The jockey whose mounts in the season under review have won most Group and Listed races in NZ b. The jockey whose mounts in the season under review have won most stake money in NZ c. The NZ Jockeys’ Premiership winner in the season under review d. Not more than two nominees nominated by the NZJA from outside of the above finalists Finalists must have been domiciled in New Zealand for more than half of the season under review. Selection of winner: Each member of the Voting Panel nominates one finalist. The winner is the Jockey with the highest number of total votes submitted to the Auditor by the Voting Panel before the prescribed deadline (see Voting Paper)

Went well. https://www.facebook.com/61552503600931/videos/1004760424305197

I suppose you could argue that Tokyo Tycoon would get some credit for his G1 Sistema performance despite ultimately losing the race.

You'd have to ask them wouldn't you?

Not a bad idea though it would take away the anticipation.

It would be a travesty and pretty much the end of the pattern if awards go to restricted listed winners ahead of Group race winners.

They must have read that. Riding Fees 25 July 2024 Rule 331(1) states: The riding fees payable to Riders shall be as from time to time determined and published by NZTR, unless there is a special arrangement providing for larger remuneration. NZTR consults with the NZ Jockeys Association in the determination of Rider fees. Key changes: • Increases in Flat and Jumps Riding fees – supported by a subsidy from NZTR. • Aim of the NZTR subsidy is to support riders and assist in retaining them in New Zealand and for jumps jockeys, in particular, to try to increase the number of riders. • Riding fee will now be paid for any scratchings post 7.30am on raceday. Flat Riding Fee Owners $185 NZTR $15 Total $200 Jumps Race Riding Fee Owners $265 NZTR $135 Total $400 The table below outlines the current and pending fees (all GST excl.): Fee 1 Aug 2022 – 31 July 2024 1 August 2024 – 31 July 2026 Flat Riding Fee $176.00 $200.00 Rider Engagement Fee $88.00 $88.00 Trials Riding Fee $72.00 $80.00 Trials Riding Fee (Apprentice) $47.00 $52.00 Jumps Race Riding Fee $242.00 $400.00 Jumps Rider Engagement Fee $121.00 $121.00 Jumps Trials Riding Fee $107.00 $118.00 Minimum Ride Allowance $66.00 $66.00 Issued by the Office of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing 18 Dick Street, Cambridge 3434 Tel: 0508 RACING office@nztr.co.nz

First set of 4 jumpouts there tomorrow to test the new gates and the system. A lot of people have supported this, notably Darin Balcombe and NZTR. Very well done to all who have contributed.

Minority? I thought something like 70% of the public opposed the use of whips in horse racing. I have half a dozen people that would race a horse with me if the rules either banned whips or made them illegal to use for encouragement.

'No Effect' Thresholds To Purse Accounts Round Out Final Day Of National HBPA Conference Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 2:22 pm | Back to: Top News Updated: July 27, 2024 at 2:46 pm Ron Moquett | Denis Blake/NHBPA On Friday–the final day of the National HBPA Conference at Prairie Meadows–a panel entitled “Establishing No-Effect Thresholds and the Importance for the Industry” was led by practicing equine veterinarian and researcher Dr. Clara Fenger. She cited the Horseracing Integrity & Safety Authority's enabling legislation that HISA-covered horses “should compete only when they are free from the influence of medications …” (her emphasis added). Fenger's point: Testing many substances to limit of detection–if the lab can find it, it's a violation, no matter how tiny the amount and whether it impacts the horse's performance or not –actually goes against the federal law that set up the HISA corporation. She said HISA has justified not having more threshold levels by saying that certain substances have no business being in a racehorse at any level. Also on the panel were Dr. Thomas Tobin, a pioneer in equine testing, and Dr. Rob Holland, another equine practitioner who globally consults on infectious diseases. The discussion also featured horse trainer Ron Moquett, who shared his own story on environmental transfer. All four made the case that horse racing must adopt “no-effect” thresholds in racehorse testing for substances that are readily present in the environment. Such policy requires science-based testing levels, below which any trace level findings are disregarded because they have no pharmacological effect on a horse. Tobin for years has been using the term “irrelevant” findings. The National HBPA and its CEO Eric Hamelback have been the leading advocates for no-effect thresholds, saying it is unfair to sanction trainers and penalize their owners when horses are disqualified from purse money for the presence of a tiny amount of a substance they couldn't have prevented. The National HBPA currently has a petition before the Federal Trade Commission asking the federal agency, which is tasked with overseeing HISA, to enact such policies. Tobin has been working on no-effect thresholds since 1994. That work includes this year publishing documentation and recommendation of a methamphetamine threshold of 1 nanogram per milliliter of plasma. He referenced research published in 2019 that showed blood levels testing as high as 88.4 ng/mL with no signs of neuron-stimulation or cardio effect. A coalition of researchers that includes Tobin and Fenger has published research recommending testing thresholds for a dozen substances that have been showing up in horses seemingly through environmental or human transfer. As an example: One recommendation awaiting publication is for the heavily prescribed painkiller Tramadol, with Tobin observing a Kentucky trainer served a suspension for a finding of less than 3 ng/mL of urine. “There was absolutely no possibility of pharmacological effect,” Tobin said. “I have proposed that anything below 50 nanograms per mL of Tramadol as a metabolite in urine should not be considered of any significance.” Holland said every horse that races could potentially pick up trace levels of a prohibited substance from 20 to 30 different–and routine–contact points. Those might include not just the trainer or groom but a van driver, a horse drinking out of another horse's water bucket in the test barn, the prior horse in that stall in the receiving barn, pony riders and outriders, the test-barn employee known as the “pee-catcher”, veterinarians and many others. Even dogs and cats around a barn. Holland also said as part of an investigation into the risks of environmental contamination, they swabbed 12 stalls at a track that has a large yearling sale and all 12 tested for Dexamethasone and Acepromazine, which are not allowed to be in a horse's system for a race. He said one of the swabs was high enough that it would have triggered an adverse finding in a racehorse. Even with thorough cleaning, he said the honeycomb design of the stall floor mats made it impossible to eliminate all the dirt. “That stall should be subject to a $25,000 fine and two years where you can't compete,” Moquett joked, “if they treated the racetracks like they treat the trainers.” Dr. Rob Holland | Denis Blake/NHBPA Added Holland: “That's why we have to explain these things to people: There are things that are out of your control as a trainer. Like the stall they assign to you. You clean it the best you can, but sometimes you're still going to have a problem. And this is what the data is showing.” He said the diabetes medication Metformin, for which HIWU has called a number of adverse findings, lends itself to environmental transfer. Metformin is given daily to humans in large doses and is excreted in its original form. That's a problem given a backstretch habit of humans urinating in a stall when a bathroom isn't handy, he said. “The fact that 20 to 30 individual contacts could occur, and that's the No. 3 drug in the world to treat humans, your odds of getting urine environmental transfer are getting higher and higher with Metformin,” Holland said. “I give a lot of tracks credit. They saw there weren't enough bathrooms so they put Port-A-Potties everywhere. The problem with Port-A-Potties is how do you wash your hands?” Holland also is involved in a project testing the water at racetracks. “Metformin, caffeine, codeine, Tramadol–many of these medications at low levels are coming out of your water sources, because they can't get it out of the treatment plant areas,” he said. “We're building a database for this. It could have added meaning. If (your horse) came in contact with Metformin from an individual but you're also drinking low-levels in your water, that could be enough to get you over the threshold level for a test in a racing situation.” Moquett, who is on HISA's Horsemen's Advisory Group, learned the hard way how easy it can be for a horse to pick up a substance banned for racing. He was cited in November by the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) for his horse Speed Bias having a post-test finding for a local anesthetic. Through spending a lot of money and effort, Moquett was ultimately held blameless, though the horse remained disqualified from purse money. What happened is that Moquett had a different horse castrated in a stall nine days earlier, with the veterinarian using the same anesthetic to inject the testicles–all duly reported to HISA–before Speed Bias shipped in to run out of the same stall. Fortunately for Moquett, the track's barn video documented the effort the trainer's crew underwent to strip, clean and sanitize the stall–on three separate occasions, he said. Moquett said his big concern is the erosion of confidence in the sport by treating irrelevant levels of substances common in the environment as major rule violations. “We're trying to explain to the people in charge to set levels, to where you're not catching and accusing for things that have no effect on racing,” he said. Moquett stressed that trainers also must make it clear to employees that “it's not OK to urinate in the stalls. It's not OK to take your Red Bull in (the stall) with you. It's not OK to put your coffee cup in a feed tub…. I hate to say this, but if there's someone on Metformin for blood pressure (working for him or asking about a job), I'm going to have to try to find someone who may not be.” Fenger praised the National HBPA and its affiliates for providing funding for the threshold studies. Moquett encouraged HBPA affiliates to keep the money coming, saying, “Probably more than anything going on today, the work they're doing has the biggest effect on the outcome of our sport.” Regarding Purse Accounts: Trust But Verify The presentation called “Show Me The Money” featured Gunner LaCour, president of CHRIMS Inc., which specializes in pari-mutuel distributions, settlements, editing and reporting and the only independent provider of settlements in the United States. LaCour, who started the company in California with the Thoroughbred Owners of California as a stakeholder, said that whether horsemen's groups opt to use his non-profit or another company, they should enlist a company that can provide daily audits to ensure horsemen are getting all the purse money to which they are entitled in an increasing complicated environment. LaCour said it's important for horsemen to know all their revenue streams and every aspect of those streams–or they risk literally leaving money on the table. He said roadblocks to achieving that knowledge can be lack of data, relying on a racing commission, alternative gaming revenue can be tougher to determine, lack of time and resources and simply long-standing relationships with tracks might make such accounting seem unnecessary. “All of these can lead to potential of distribution discrepancies, even if there is no intent,” he said. “Trust but verify. You can have these great relationships with these tracks… or maybe just get rid of the first two words, just verify. Make sure your horsemen are getting everything they're entitled to… Be proactive, instead of reactive. Know the data. If you understand your data, that's power. Make sure you're staying on top of it.” Allen Poindexter | Denis Blake/NHBPA 'Living Legend' Poindexter Interviewed Also on Friday during the National HBPA awards luncheon, Iowa HBPA executive director Jon Moss interviewed owner-breeder Allen Poindexter for the National HBPA's Living Legend series. Poindexter's runners include multiple stakes-winning horses at Prairie Meadows and other tracks across the country, with his stable earnings exceeding $18 million. In 1991, Poindexter started a plumbing, heating and air-conditioning business called Allen's Mechanical. “It was very successful from the start,” he said. “So, I was able to buy a horse out of the field, and his name was No Tomorrow. I took him to Oaklawn and got Scooter Dickey to be my trainer. We ran him the first time for $8,000 claiming. He went wire to wire with Pat Day aboard. So I was hooked. We ran him back for $16,000 claiming. He goes wire to wire once again. So, now I'm really hooked.”