The Centaur

VJA Update: Michael Walker has been brought out of his induced coma and is communicating with Doctors. He will be transferred from ICU into a ward today. 10:47 AM · Aug 5, 2022

Hard to get any information on Taiki. Probably means bad news. One has to think of his mother flying in.

Given the Packer family's long involvement with racing I thought I would post this from the Sydney Morning Herald James Packer’s $250,000 gift to free Julian Assange By Kishor Napier-Raman and Charlotte Grieve August 1, 2022 — 5.00am Perhaps James Packer’s been a secret progressive this whole time. CBD can reveal the billionaire has donated a whopping $250,000 to the campaign to free Julian Assange from prison and bring him home to Australia. The whistleblower and Wikileaks founder has been incarcerated in London’s Belmarsh prison since 2019, while he fights efforts to be extradited to the United States where he faces espionage charges that could have him jailed for 175 years. James Packer is the latest high-profile voice to call for Julian Assange’s release. James Packer is the latest high-profile voice to call for Julian Assange’s release.CREDIT:AAP, AP “Of course I support Julian Assange. What has happened to him is outrageous,” Packer said. “A lot of fine people who I am privileged to know are working around the clock for his freedom. I will continue to support him. Whatever it takes.” After his exit from Crown Resorts, Packer is now on a 10-year mission to “rehabilitate his reputation” (his words) – which seemingly involves splashing out on causes close to his heart. In the past, that’s included issues such as bringing down the monarchy – in Australia at least: he famously gave $250,000 to the Australian Republic Movement in 2016. And now, it seems, freeing Assange, whose lengthy imprisonment has drawn sympathy from across the political aisle, and calls for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to intervene. A friend of Packer’s who has seen his generosity in action told CBD the donation was “fantastic”. “James has had something of a mid-life blossoming in terms of supporting great and progressive causes, and when someone of his heft puts his weight behind it, it makes all the difference to making actual progress,” the friend said. “Being a billionaire means a lot of people automatically think you have no heart. James has always had one.”

Sorry have no idea what is funny maybe I should get sense of humour.

Forgot about Levin yes they did have motor racing. The way I see it electric car racing hasn't really got off the ground yet. I would have thought based on the absence of noise there could have been some possibilities for racing to explore. Certainly as a novelty scooter racing at summer meetings a form of entertainment for younger public to get involved.

Electric vehicle racing could have been a useful partner with horse racing. Would seem a rather rash decision not based on commercial reality.

Like to hear from any golfers with regard the dumping of Racing Radio and the listening via phone out on the golf course.

I realise several clubs stage golf tornies for racing participants however clubs could go big combining some TAB betting plus extra sponsors all based around a formula of 18 holes Friday, 9 holes Saturday morning for the leaders and final show down at the races in the afternoon between top 2 or 3 based on some form of hitting on the inside of the track. The prize money would have to be generous governed by the degree of sponsors plus golf club support.

If NZTR had any people with business brains they would look at ways of strengthening the Golf/Racing relationship.

You don't seem capable looking too far. Waller originates from the area along with his wife and some staff. He has had good results with NZ clients and horses which to him would be more important than initial stake money.

The eviction coinciding with the All Weather track seems more than a coincidence. Therefore I'm merely speculating that the stables are needed in order for either Chris Waller or Te Akau to set up shop. Therefore merely a commercial decision and lets face it either of them setting up would be a boost to CD racing.

There is propaganda everywhere not just Maori. I note Willie Jackson also complaining. Willie Jackson ✔@WillieJLabour I was on Marae this morning dispelling Māori Party propaganda again. They are claiming that only 2% of spending is going to Māori in the Māori Health area which is total rubbish.

Look at Wellington. The government has hired an army of propagandists pushing forward various agendas. Matariki day should have been a celebration day whereby organisations such as Otaki M.R.C doing their bit. Yet I saw numerous instances it being used for propaganda mainly by the well paid Wellington bureaucrats.

As you have mentioned the key is the local community. If the sole Maori racing club in NZ (Aotearoa) can't come up with something for the day then something is wrong.

The disease is right thru racing. Take a look at Otaki tomorrow. Having had an absolute overkill of Maori propaganda this year I would have thought Otaki Maori Racing Club racing on Matariki holiday would have at least a race named around Matariki and make the day special. Instead the same old racenames e.g. Riverstone Cafe, Chris Ruten bloodstock, Harcourts Otaki etc. I doubt anything planned. No initiative at all.

From TAB..... We're writing to let you know that TAB Royal Oak is closing its doors on Sunday, 26 June.TAB Self Service Kiosks are available at Arthurs Bar in Onehunga.Your nearest Full Service TAB Stores are at the Auckland Trotting Club at Alexandra Park and Mt Roskill TAB. You can also bet online using your TAB account through tab.co.nz or the TAB Mobile app. *********************************************** Now I don't have a problem with TAB's closing but I do have a problem with management creaming millions "managing" non existent services. e.g Trackside Radio. With all the closures it would have made sense keeping radio in the hands of racing interests. You will notice TAB have made no effort to supplement the service in Royal Oak which is a major dining/takeaway/entertainment area. Shows TAB management is useless. By the way has the CEO Mr Tod I think the name is muttered a single word in the media on anything. I realize he may know nothing about racing or wagering but surely there must be something he can say.

They have been asked several times. e.g. https://www.stuff.co.nz/opinion/127288595/time-for-nz-government-to-stand-up-against-us-overreach-on-assange

Lawyer Jennifer Robinson spends time with her father, horse trainer Terry Robinson at their Berry property. Ms Robinson returned to Berry this week after spending the past six months defending WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. Picture: ADAM WRIGHT

Would they do something if Assange was a New Zealander? By playing the meek compliant role then Australia can treat us like sxxx thats why they send over the 501's and look at the problems we now have. Speaking out against the USA and UK is actually appreciated by the populations in those countries. Then again the "blues" beating the reds is probably more important in New Zealand

Shocking news. Its now war by progressives around the world. The lady key in Assanges defence is daughter of leading Australian country trainer Terry Robinson. Art Cadeau one of his successes. Perhaps racing people around the world can come together with support.

Lets just replace RSN “Trackside Radio has been pivotal in showcasing and promoting thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing to generations of racing fans and punters and I’m keen to ensure that it remains the station of choice into the future."

Open minded on your "analysis" What I can't understand is if Saundry is such an expert on radio where was he when consulting with the TAB was required. The other possibility is was he compromised with connections to SENZ or even RSN whereby allowing one of them to buy up the frequencies?

“RSN has been pivotal in showcasing and promoting thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing to generations of racing fans and punters and I’m keen to ensure that it remains the station of choice into the future." H'mm thats Saundry in Australia. What a hypocrite.

I note Bernard Saundry has been appointed CEO RSN Radio in Victoria. Is this the same Saundry the "great believer" in radio who failed to raise a murmur when TAB disposed of AM/FM radio. RSN is both online and AM. AS the racing legislation requires TAB to consult with NZTR and other codes on important decisions I had verified proof that no formal consultations had taken place. So I complained to the Racing Minister and my complaint went directly to him. However the response showed complete naivity just basically saying TAB can do what they like. However after going to the minister it was amazing how the TAB & NZTR reacted. Initially they just ignored me. After that even had a long personal meeting with the head of TAB broadcasting at their request.

Surely a track record. Fastest in the last 25 years Killarney and Hold It Harvey around 1:35.1