Nerina 2

Yes remember some wonderful winter track performers. Anyhow was one or anything by the sire Instinct. Van der Hum from Matangi not too bad either

In the final analysis if meetings are cancelled on a regular basis as in the past at least racing will continue on the AW track.As in heavy winter conditions same horses will handle the Polytrack and others won’t. I would imagine with proper work with the designed ripper machine and someone picking up the manure ,it will be better than no racing.The guy picking up the manure may suit an old pensioner like me.!No organic matter allowed,but on reflection my back not up to it.!

My last word on the Colgan suspension.Have heard from a close source that Danielle apologised to Vinnie while pulling their horses up.For what reason who would know.!Losing the ride on Concert Hall in the Taranaki Cup further punishment.

Have really enjoyed hearing the debate about the fine art of riding racehorses.My interest in racing started way back in time when my stepfather took me to watch Mainbrace win the Waikato Guineas.He took us round to the start where Grenville Hughes had one hell of a job getting him into the rudimentary stalls.I remember the starter yelling to Grenville “you’ve had your time ,take him to the outside”. They started outside the stalls,but went on to win one of his 17 on end.My interest was started that day and along with rugby my main sporting interest.When we were playing rugby my mates and I went to the races in the morning,until we had to leave to play our game. Not so much the Champagne Lawn,but trying to back a winner!! The jockeys I think are part of the great tapestry of the sport,and does sadden me at times when they are suspended.

In the Stewards Room when a jockey is on the mat to hear the enquiry is it all over for them if they plead guilty.Do they ever argue their case? We all have had good and bad days,but for jockeys the bad days are very hard on their pockets it seems.I realise racing has to be safe ,but they have a handful of trouble at times.All in all they do a great job,and they have my full admiration.

Sorry the Covetina Bay incident was in the Rich Hill Mile.

Getting back to V Colgan’s suspension.I have watched the replay two or three times ,am I wrong in saying he was chopped out of the gap he was heading for?It was obviously too small for the judiciary ,and Moana suffered lacerations,but can you or can’t you push into a gap.I saw Sam Collett do that on Covetina Bay in the Zabeel ,or push Opie out in that case.I would hate to go home from work being told don’t come back for 8 or 10 days ,and will also take $1000 of your money.!!

The inconsistency is appalling.Vinnie Colgan suspended for improving Moana into a gap that through apparent competitive riding closed on him.How is that different to the rails run of Rock on Wood in the Zabeel Classic that closed on Ryan Elliot although Opie was spoken to.,no suspension.Given that these decisions take away a jockey’s ability to earn a living ,they need to be able to have professional help in the Stewards Room.I have been an avid follower of racing for 70 yrs and the verdicts handed out at times astound me. To me most careless riding charges are really misjudgements,a difference to reckless,and dangerous riding.