Freda

Apparently the staff couldn't see the marker peg from their position, although it was obvious from the TV perspective. The rail was in a different position from the previous meeting, and the tractor driver positioned the barriers at the same spot. Different driver apparently, and then when attempting to re-position, the gates got jack-knifed. You couldn't script it. At least the starter was held accountable [ for a change ], what the attending stipe was achieving round at the start, god knows.

The marker post appeared to be trying to hide in the hedge. Still visible, though. Wonder who [ finally ] noticed that the gates were misplaced?

D5, overnight shower, now a D4.

Yeah...Reefton will recall when they were advised to put x amount of water on a firmish Reefton track by the said gentleman. The local specialist ( farmer) flatly refused, that is a waste of time he said and it will only make things worse. The day went ahead without incident.

For sure...but they absolutely poured the water on.

Happens to everyone. The bigger operations, generally can weather things a bit better, more ammunition..but - swings and roundabouts.

Its pretty warm.

Bloody hell, Chris pissed would be safer than most of the muppets out there. ( Which doesnt justify making exceptions, I do realise )

No.

!!!

It's a kinda cross-over from your 'fillies' thread...yet another example of overall lack of foresight and organisation.

It has been going on for a while, and will only happen more and more. It's not just stakes - although, god knows, that is bad enough - but the programming and dates, and the pervading lack of professionalism, accountability, and the jobs-for-the- boys culture.

Slow 9 ? wow, that's hard to fathom with 33% moisture reading by Monday. Nevertheless, the track looks in great nick at the moment, a far cry from the previous offering, good effort from the team. Long may it be sustained.

Well, yes, exactly. What is the reason for the further penalty?

Any further information on this? My understanding is that he was given the option of counselling, or not, with a longer stand down if not undertaken. The longer option is nearly up....so, what has changed?

Never good to see horses come to grief...and a breakdown as well. I have to wonder whether 'chasing on such fast ground was instrumental in the accidents.

I agree, there seems to be a tendency ( in NZ anyway) to 'dumb down' the differential in the aptitudes of horses.

This one does, he's a super guy although he never pushes his - or any - faith. He is a Salvation Army officer. He is available to offer support or arrange counselling at any time. I think, as a result of Andrew's popularity, a north island version has been installed as well.

Bottom line, both tracks have been reconstructed in the last twenty or so years. Riccarton will overlook the flaws in its turf track and concentrate on the AWT. That's all well and good, but the turf track issues remain. Rangiora has been for the chop since its own rebuild was less than ideal. A loyal group of locals have done an enormous amount of fundraising and voluntary work ( as is the case with many country or community venues) but support from the wider industry has not been forthcoming. The Cjc has given token assistance but , after assuming ownership of a portion of the land assets, the main aim has been to capitalise that asset, so financial support has been minimal.

Soil structure is very different at both venues, Rangiora is light, free draining soil, and the minimal staffing there makes maintenance matters very testing.

The verti-draining was already scheduled. Apparently water was applied Friday/Saturday, a strong norwester nullified that on Sunday, and of course, watering is not allowed the day before.

I'm guessing overnight rain on a firm track... but will know more later.

I would have thought so too. He has undergone counselling/rehab before, with the help of racecourse chaplain Andrew McKerrow. I have no doubt Andrew would be the first to stand up and offer help again - but, in the end, the effort has to come from the individual. I also know he is very keen to get the record, he's only nine away, be a real shame if he lets it slip away.

Shame, but yes. However, although these guys and gals are professional athletes and ( should be) accustomed to being in the public arena, most of we ordinary mortals have little idea what it is like, and the pressures involved, with such a public lifestyle.

Superb track at Timaru yesterday.