A Dogs Life

They did hire someone, but he couldn't solve it and it was put in the to hard basket. Then years later Paul Freeman started sorting it when he took over at Hatrick until they pushed him out. I'd put money on it if Paul was still in charge Hatrick it wouldn't have closed. Christchurch had track issues so put a plan into action and re did track, guess difference is they have leadership and vision.

Totally agree Nathan, I also have raised the same many times then cringed at dogs running, praying none got hurt. I see in the pending investigation at Hatrick also states they will look at Curator capability, the newest Curator resigned so they can't look at him now. I sure hope they can get it right. Palmy seems to be heading in the right direction now.

They also have 2 others involved as stated in article, 1 been the original builder, so I'm guessing he will look at depth of sand and the base condition plus many other aspects. Give them all a chance, hopefully they aren't just ticking the box. Time will tell and hopefully not to much time but it's worth time to get it right.

I have as well as lots of other trainers have said the same thing many a time, It is a serious conflict of interests If you, your wife/ partner / family members owns or trains the dogs as has been the case at Wanganui and Palmy for a long time, going back Wanganui had 2 lure drivers that fell into that category. Up until Wanganui closed they still had 1 driver in that category. That's where the backup Lure driver should drive those races but it doesn't happen.

I'm pleased as it will hopefully fix the track properly, but I,m also devastated as will every trainer and all staff affected. If they were to dig it up and put down the right sand for our climate and get the cambers right or maybe a grass track is a better option? (Bundaberg has grass and looks great as does Hawera and others in Australia) If they invest the money and do it properly it will rate very well in the eyes of Grant Robertson and the public. I feel for the trainers that have to travel the extra distance to Palmerston to trial or the ones that now can't because they have day jobs and Sunday was their day of (how do they now trial?) Some trainers also only race at Wanganui or mostly race at Wanganui, this is devastating for them. I hope all trainers can hold on and not throw it in. Most importantly a speedy fix to Hatrick. Also how many abandoned meetings was our expert Nigel present at? how did they happen on his watch?

I can give you one reason, I've witnessed employee's and some trainers bullied by other staff at Hatrick, the bullied people went to management and every time the bully won, hence the reason some staff left or were pushed. Can't remember how many years back but at a members meeting Greg Kerr from GRNZ was present, he stood up after witnessing much infighting and bickering (common place) and said no other club had the bullying, undercurrents and back stabbing that Hatrick had. He actually employed a independent person to engage with trainers and staff to try sort issues, (I suspect many were to scared to speak up for fear of names leaked and retribution) Other trainers will remember this, those issues were still present till racing was suspended. I can see the need for help and support and the benefits to those needing it.

Very sad to hear on-track Wednesday that Frank has resigned, to confirm it wasn't gossip I looked on seek and sure enough his job's on there. Obviously Mark isn't interested in his old job and you can't blame him. The burning question is why have the board let him walk? do they not realize what an asset they have in Frank, he's been producing a good track, the trainers I've spoken to and heard talking are not happy and we are concerned.

100% Wanganui as stated on my Birth certificate, Passport, license etc. Like it's New Zealand not bloody aoeteora

Their is no magic number as to what are acceptable number of deaths as crashes happen, but GRNZ's move to fix all broken dogs possible, then send to re-homing is a huge plus. As long as the tracks are prepared to a high standard and consistent every time (which hasn't been happening) everything possible is been done. Your right, pet owners will either spend to save their pet or euthanize. Then you get the issue of the thousands of dogs that end up in council pounds and spca, the result is thousands are euthanized but Safe is ok with all these deaths, they just keep banging on at the Greyhounds. If they were to shut down the Greyhound racing the question is how many thousands of Greyhounds will end up euthanized? they haven't mentioned that.

That was a well run event and one of the better ones, how was Paul responsible for idiots that decided to fight? he couldn't be everywhere. Paul was good for Palmerston and Hatrick, he started seen what was going on but they got rid of him before he got rid of them! (not the first time that's happened at Hatrick) but that's another story. I believe Palmy club is one of the most financial, also doesn't have the back stabbing and politics. I find it hard to believe Paul would go to the effort and expense of taking dogs all the way to ChCh to spike dogs knowing how many dogs are swabbed.

Love him or hate him, or Lisa who isn't often visible at tracks, they make up the numbers in races, look at how few races were held when his kennel had the last illness and wasn't presenting dogs. Competition is healthy they say..... although pretty hard to compete with the numbers.

For those stating GRNZ has done nothing, I strongly suggest you read this report, at the end of the report is all the recommendations and actions, remedies Grnz has taken. You may actually be surprised as I was reading it. Why are so many spinning untruths they have done nothing? This report is easy to find for anyone who bothers to look on their website. What Grnz should do is throw this report to all the media they can. https://www.grnz.co.nz/Files/November%202020/2020%20Annual%20Report%20Compressed.pdf

Jacob I'm not sure where you get your information from, to state they have rehomed 0 dogs is absolute rubbish. I personally know general public that have adopted dogs from Nightrave and Gap that came from that trainer you refer to that supposedly has 700 dogs, I actually challenge you to approach Gap, May hounds and Nightrave and ask the total he has actually rehomed.

If nothing is wrong with Dead baiting then why isn't it allowed in training Greyhounds? Yet it's allowed training Other breeds. Please explain the difference as I'm failing to see any difference as is everyone I've spoken with. A dog is a dog. Agree GRNZ often don't act when clearly they should.