Freda

He will. A horse I trained for him some years ago was sold on to HK, no trouble at all to receive the percentage. Which, unless it is written into whatever contractual obligation there is, remains a gentleman's agreement.

And so good to see success go to the smaller trainers

Oh dear. Hope it's all good to go now

Having a canter around this morning

I must add they weren't sedated...but they were certainly swabbed.

You must think horses are delicate flowers if you think a morning gallop will make one iota of difference. Roman Consul galloped a mile before winning a big handicap at Ellerslie. And I'm pretty sure Eric Ropiha schooled Fans before the Melbourne Cup.

Yes. How do you think Brett McDonald got caught when Chris Dell was seriously hurt when the trial runner he was on broke front legs and fell?

Yes.

No one ever has.

Actually no, I was pleasant and polite as I try to be always in those sort of situations. The other response i save for special occasions.

But that same betting agency has yet to implement any real changes that might improve turnover to the extent that revenue improves. I had occasion to chat with the now-departed B Sharrock at Ashburton one day, and brought up the matter of throwing money at stakes but doing little to improve other facets that have been discussed to death here. He said, in all seriousness, that research had shown that increasing stakes was the best way to achieve that. Dunno what research but at that point I felt the conversation was going nowhere so bid him good day.

Well, they were right if that is the case.

Wrt barrier certificates I think so. You used to be able to get barrier certificates from the old wooden gates but not now, the overhead ones must be used and licensed riders. That was the problem with a horse I inherited as he wouldn't accept the overhead gates and there was no opportunity to work with him in those gates other than at trials or official jumpouts. So I had to send him to Wingatui where those gates were available any time wanted.

No, apparently they all worked on her and she refused flatly. Once everyone had given up and decision made she went in on her own! I think Donovan was on at some stage. I don't think trackwork riders can ride at jumpouts? have to be licensed. For example my lad could ride if needed, as he is a ticketed amateur jockey.

Yes, absolutely. In the very early days of Channel X [ Dave and Ange ] there was a Q & A session, once a week/month, not sure as I wasn't around. But someone from NZTR would answer genuine queries and I think it was a really good option. Probably keeping it courteous might have been a problem, otherwise there would have been no reason for the section to be removed.

Usually before the first, I believe.

I'll add a bit more; after asking a few questions of several [ just to be absolutely fair ] including ANOTHER barrier staff member...yes, there was provisional approval from the office, but as the barrier staff weren't consulted approval was not given from them. As was said to me, if the request had been for help before the first, even though it meant extra time which isn't re-imbursed, the barrier boys might have been ok to help. But to rock up at the races and expect it to happen halfway through the day, no.

Oh. No, I don't think there are comments as long as the animal loads, even if reluctantly or is difficult to handle. But there is now a 90 sec time limit after which horses must not be persevered with. Reportedly this directive was Entain-driven, as they are not pleased with the unprofessional look/ loss of turnover when races are running consistently late with poorly educated horses holding up the starts.

Er...what offending races?

I'll put my 2 cents in here. When I first read the comments from Colin I tended to be sympathetic. Mentioned to my staff member who also is a permanent barrier attendant. He said ' its a c##t of an animal, an absolute mutt and that's why its called Ears Back. It has always been a pig at the gates but the new 90 sec rule has caught it out, there isn't time to spend on her anymore. It went to the jumpouts and couldn't even get a barrier certificate there. There was no approval from the gate staff, if he thinks we were going to fuck around BETWEEN races and risk being over time for the next, he's even sillier than people think. And as for after the last of ten races, is he for real? The horse doesn't want to do it, its never been happy about doing it.' So that is pretty much word for word in response.

All good points and quite correct. Now, as CEO's are charged with carrying out Board policies by and large, as well as being proactive, the new bloke will have to have an in-depth understanding of these issues raised above, and the strength of personality to get things done despite the apparent lack of understanding of this Board. Should we be running a book on the likelihood of this?

I couldn't see a heel clip either, although it can be very hard to pick. It looked to me as if the horse lost its back end first. Your observation about the unusual tail carriage might be relevant?

Excellent analysis. I will add that one major difference between 'then' and 'now' is the H&S laws which affect us all, not just in racing.

Sadly, yes.

That's the burning question. Does he even know about these matters?