Freda

I agree, and it is possible to be. both, surely? I refer specifically to former CJC CEO Dave Lloyd, an office-bearer at Te Aroha, Ellerslie, I think Macau ( stand to be corrected on that ) and the infamous Wuhan in China. As well, a former owner-breeder- trainer and with heavy involvement still with family interests in several horses . I'm sure not everyone agreed with him all the time but grassroots empathy was certainly not lacking. On a completely different tack, another former CEO, Lindsay Crocker attracted some criticism because he was NOT a horseman. But as far as I was concerned he was great, he was courteous, listened and took the time to be advised and act accordingly. I couldn't fault him.

I can think of plenty.

Interesting post, TAB. I think the accident to Judy Lawson at Rangiora in 2006 could have had a bearing on the fact that only Motukarara ran trials subsequent to that. Rangiora was closed for racing after that and despite valiant efforts from local stakeholders- who did, eventually, get trials back- racing has never been considered since then. And- digressing - I recall an amusing chat with Viv Jack about his experience with the RAF during the 2nd world war, when undergoing flight training. At one stage there must have been joint manoeuvers with our American allies. Gosh, I said, enthralled, that must have been exciting. Bloody dangerous more like, he quipped, the buggers had all the bells and whistles and no idea what to do with it!

great gumboots too.

Isn't it just more of the same?

You're not surprised surely. The talk at the track this morning in unrelenting rain was that it had to be wetter than Sunday if they were getting what we were..and the general consensus is that they would have to be off.

Thanks Chief, saved me hunting for the footage. What a genuine, good horse.

And Riccarton on May 1st. Appalling conditions.

I believe it is done overseas with the AWT's too.

So we won't be holding our breath then?

No.

NZ trained?

Don't profess to be an expert here, and as always happy to be corrected. But i would be very doubtful that 3 workouts would sufficiently impact changes in bone density and/or tensile strength. Better than nothing i guess....

You miss the point...and I wasn't being derogatory towards Craig at all. Bet there are plenty who wish they could live the same dream!

Yes...and illustrates that Chris Waller still retains an appreciation for a battler. Which gives me some small hope that his presence on this committee that has surfaced might stem the elitist stance that must inevitably come from the others.

Really? I must have missed that part.

Did you ask the jockey where he/ she left them? I had a rigmarole with a set of mine early this year...seems they found their way around numerous places, I was astounded that some bright spark hadn't thought, gosh, they're not mine....they eventually arrived but weeks later

Yes, Jess, I fear you might be right. I just hope that the boy from Foxton hasn't completely forgotten his origin.

Have to agree. And although Chris Waller would be the only one who has any idea about the issues trainers face, I just wonder whether he has been away from the coalface a bit long from a grass roots perspective. I have enormous respect for what he has achieved, hopefully he can still have some valid input. As for the others....not doubting their motives, or generosity in giving their time pro-bono...but more breeding influence? Really?

Let it go.

Yep. At least then, he was.

Come on guys, this is really tedious

That's him. I had a horse for him once

Yes. There are well-known variations in track conditions from track to track..e.g. a 4 at Riverton bears little resemblance to a 4 at Riccarton. Stats alone can be very misleading.

Yes.