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.

Dead Baiting using a freshly gutted Hare on Seven Sharp 16th March 2021 dragged around by Hillary Barry! Luring Foxies then it's dragged by the horse WTF Why the hell has no one bought this up yet? Why the hell aren't NZGRA and the RIU jumping on this demanding action? The slightest mention of Dead baiting to do with a Greyhound and all hell breaks loose. Have these top people got no balls? Where the hell is that activist Aron Cross and his followers? or do they think this is ok? Do Spca think this is acceptable after trying to prosecute a large trainer for it. The public think it's ok because it's not for money or gambling and not greyhounds (the Facebook posts say) There is no difference! Dead Baiting regardless of the breed of dog is Dead Baiting and is illegal to do on a Greyhound. Talk about double standards and on national TV. My god people get onto this and demand answers and some action. Here is the link to Where Hillary drags it around, Prior someone else does it. It's all over Greyhound groups on FB yet nothing has happened, My god I'm stunned. Come on everyone get out of your comfort zone and demand answers and action. https://www.facebook.com/sevensharp/videos/1036005050260808/?t=176

I think the likely answer to your question is that numbers weren't capped as listed pre level change and an oversite. they should have taken the sales down, another oversite but that's only my take. I'm not on a witch hunt and say well done to PNGRC. the clubs need these event's.

Well said and your correct, the one's knocking the event have given no proof of total numbers, I asked them previously where their proof was but it fell on deaf ears. Isn't it fantastic to see public coming along, supporting the clubs and enjoying themselves. Stop the negativity, lets all work together, is that to much to ask?

Jacob, out of curiosity what problems do you feel haven't been addressed or solved?

Hi Cockyaleg, Yes I totally agree with everything you've said. 1. People do need to get of this stuck track that Greyhound Racing will end soon, They are just feeding the idiots rumor's. Instead support the industry and be proud, things are improving and Great Mates is testimony to this. 2.Your exactly right, The opposed just spout, Prove is required to make allegations as in over 100 at PNGRC. If I state something I back it up with facts, otherwise it's hearsay, or just your onion (which everyone is entitled to) But try been positive. 3. Swarbrick's bill will fail as it's just her and not the Greens pushing it. It's also not backed up with proven facts, only a few. 4. Agreed GRNZ have addressed criticism's and issues and done it well. Sometimes it's never enough for some people. 5. Yes the Wanganui Board have taken action, and I feel everyone is happy with the excellent standard the track is presented by Frank, they also have satisfactory addressed the other issues around Mark (personally I don't feel Mark should still be there but time will tell) I do disagree with you to a point that one That one man is to blame, How can the trainers or Board be responsible for how Mark presented the track to us? The trainers that chose to run their dogs perhaps didn't realize how bad the track was in trials, but definitely did on race days as did the stipes. But to the credit of Hatrick the board acted (well done) 6. Hell yes, lets all breath, relax and let things settle down and enjoy the club, socializing and racing . Transparency has been achieved, fairness won't happen with so many Cole dogs in one race. Overall the pursuit of sustainable racing has to be top of everyone's list. It's damn hard been a little guy and unfortunately some are throwing the towel in, that's sad but you can't blame them, but lets get behind the clubs, boards and NZGRA and support them, they need us, we need them. 7. I do agree with all you think on races except Ii think it should be capped at 3 dogs per trainer (family) in one race, that would probably increase Tab betting on the races that are dominated by one trainer, it would also make it a more level playing field and also ensure the industry would survive if the dominant trainer tipped over or pulled the pin, we saw the effects on racing when his kennel recently had kennel cough. I agree with everything else you propose re races and encourage you to put a motion forward to the clubs and NZGRA seen it's your idea, I feel you would have great support. Re the opposers taken to task, that's a difficult one, but intimidating businesses to pull sponsorship sucks. Bullies, well no one likes a bully, I hope I haven't come across as one with some of my comments as that's not my intention, I've merely pointed out facts. Time for everyone to build a bridge and walk over it for the good of the sport and wellbeing of everyone, Be Nice, times are tough and going to get tougher. Most off us have one thing in common, we Love our Greyhounds.

Yankiwi were you on the door with a counter? 100 people looks a lot in a place like PNGRC? Can you prove more than 100 were in attendance? If so do something about it. If not then good on them for holding a successful event. Personally I doubt more than 100 were in attendance, but didn't do a head count.

Aquaman I suggest you tell that to all the millions of family worldwide that have lost ones to Covid and the ones that have had it and not recovered fully. Personally I've lost friends overseas and have other friends that have also. NZ has been very lucky. But your entitled to your opinion.

Taupiri that is great news, Yankiwi was right. Onwards and upwards for Hatrick. Well done to the board, Frank will do them proud, Congrats to Frank.

Jacob, I agree and stated it wasn't 100% Marks fault, the board and ultimately GRNZ are at fault for allowing him to continue on his own dangerous path. He can't be told or reasoned with as you and everyone else is aware. I can assure you it's not just one or 2 people that will be boycotting the gutless sponsor's and my spend alone is considerable. I told one manager of a firm how much he's just lost with me alone, yeah he swallowed hard, If I was a sponser and was told I'd just lost out on $2500 in one of many spends I'd be upset, it's called KARMA. Look after those that look after us. Yes the industry has dirty problems but something the public aren't aware of mostly I believe. Pity Aaron Cross and safe don't put the same or any of their resources into the thousands and thousands of dogs put down each year by local Councils, Spca then the illegal Cage fighting. Much easier for them to target a few hundred dogs that also put to sleep from old age and illness.

Yankiwi I hope your right if the board are crazy enough to allow him back. Yes GRNZ won't want their dogs hurt and history shows Mark will do it again, let alone how he speaks and treats trainers, staff and others. Have seen him absolutely loose it and erupted at Erin ( the previous manager to the last) this was in front of a huge crowd of public, Friday night Christmas at the races, she tried to sack him but he wormed his way out off that having 4 weeks suspension on full pay!!! He does it over and over yet he continues to stay. Mark is a Cancer to Hatrick and was to Manawatu club and the welfare of others dogs. If the board allow him back this time I and a few other trainers and members will be supporting Paul's motion to sack the board with no confidence vote.