Freda

Can only speculate, but in the case of falls, apparently the landing isn't as forgiving as on a wet turf track...for horse or rider. Also ( quoting my English lad ) the take off is much more risky as there is less grip/traction than on grass. Schooling is done still, at a steadier pace of course.

As an aside, I note that Belmont, in Perth, is considering installing a Strathayr inside their main turf course.

Yes, I read about AWT jumps racing in France somewhere, but can't find any reference to it at all at the moment. The fatalities [ 13 ] and other injuries incurred in the first seven weeks of starting jump racing on AWT's in the UK caused the cancellation of the concept, and although it could be argued that technology and therefore the surfaces have improved since, there is no desire to revisit that.

It was tried, the big names brought their horses, Henderson, Pipe, but it was a failure and wasn't persevered with. Some will run bumpers on the Aw but no racing jumping. Schooling may take place however.

I was asked a question earlier. What about the jumpers? My own opinion is that jumping in the south is kaput [ sadly ]. But, given poor betting on those events, and the reality that - under the venue plan - Oamaru, Timaru and Riverton are to be 'dispensed with ' once the AWT is operational, there will be precious few opportunities for not just jumpers but for the genuine, winter galloper. It is hard to make a case for jumping events at Dunedin only, when Riccarton will be [ presumably ] running the majority of winter meetings on the AW. Or will there be a turf/AW day where jumpers go round on the turf and the rest on the AW ? possible, but I can't really see that happening, numbers wouldn't justify that at all.

That would be attributed to training/ stabling operations.

'It is only an asset if it returns enough profit to keep up the operational costs, maintenance and return on capital. Surely someone has done those numbers?' Seems not.

Well said

I said, I always stand to be corrected. So, that means you think we'll see less action? I can hardly wait...

Maybe. Always stand to be corrected. But the 'detail' didn't translate into positive action, though, did it?

Good on them, at least, for putting out the report, far better than the last two mobs.

Exactly. Which is my point about the AWT's, which seems to be taken as an inference that I am against them. I'm not, not at all, but I don't see the sense in a bankrupt industry throwing taxpayers' money at a supposition. As far as the sale of trialled horses - I think that MM's concern is valid, just that it is not the only driver of our dropping revenue. Certainly, nice young horses retained here to race and bet on, would help maintain interest and boost revenue...and the dregs that are left, definitely lack the excitement factor. A levy on sales has been suggested, I'm not sure whether I think that would help a great deal. I guess some funding is better than none.. but they would have to be bloody big levies to get us out of the shit we are in now.

I'm referring to the Asian market for educated horses. Huge numbers at trial days, with the nicer performers off overseas, never to grace our racetracks. Few of those winners will remain to add interest to local fields.

I can certainly confirm it wasn't you who made that comment. As for the rest of your post..? You've missed the point completely. None of the factors about which you speak can be shown to increase punters' losses - which is the only measurement of revenue. And, without a significant increase in betting revenue, we are still sliding down the slope to oblivion.

I'm not entirely sure that horse exports are the total cause of our malaise, definitely one problem for sure, but brought about by the trainwreck that is NZ racing - IMO. A vibrant industry would have no need to flog off its assets....but those assets depart in ever-increasing numbers, with no financial recompense for the structures that developed them. I suspect that is your concern, as well as the 'dumbing down' of the remaining 'product' . TAB [dis]function, handicapping, programming, stakes allocation, track maintenance, integrity, rider/trainer education, horse welfare, are issues that all have their part in the thing not working. All matters that have been tossed around here and elsewhere by some very intelligent and enlightened posters...but given little heed by those who really should take notice.

Agree with the above comments; I haven't heard any 'business case' to justify costs, as far as Riccarton is concerned it seems the biggest driver for support from trainers is the provision of a top-class training surface. That, and less travel. While a long, cold trip home from Oamaru in the winter is not particularly enjoyable - and becomes less so when the transport bill arrives- that, by itself, can't justify the expenses incurred. But most either haven't considered cost or don't care. One said to me ' they don't give a sh## if I go broke, why should I care if they do? I'll take it while I've got the opportunity. '

Sounds reasonable.

Preaching to the converted, K.

Cannabis.

You are both correct inasmuch as due process....but, my thoughts are that the apathy referred to facilitates an ' old boys club ' because nobody gives a toss, or is too busy, to follow these things up. Curious will be well aware given a situation he faced recently..not implying that there was any 'corruption' involved, just no one on their tail.

True enough.

its not just balls/gumption, its the sheer cussedness needed to put up with the obfuscation that will accompany any attempt to correct this very undemocratic practice.

Tiered racing is out of place in NZ ( imo ), there isn't the population of horses or the geography to implement it well, as in Australia. Anomalies crop up all the time. But it is the ratings of the opposition that dictate the level of penalty, not the stake necessarily. Allweather racing will ( or should have ) it's own separate ratings, as with hurdlers and chasers, such as happens in other jurisdictions. I agree it's not well done and just typifies our broken systems.

Old Boy's Club.

Ok, have to apologize here. Apparently there was a notice to advise that clubs could host groups of 100 if they could do so safely.