Freda

Yes, I agree, spanks of 'keeping out the peasants' . Anyway, with today's modern systems of communication, etc, one doesn't need to be on course to do, or organise, something nefarious.

OK, I get it now.

I've had both abusive phonecalls and emails from Leo [ quite a few years ago ] one of the threats being that ' he will rub me out, I have friends in high places'. So, with that threat in mind, I showed some evidence to the Racecourse D at the time. A friend of mine, also on the end of some colourful vernacular, had the presence of mind to record the abuse on his phone and also played it to the same Racecourse D....who laughed. So, for that reason, I am pleased he has been 'muzzled' for now. But, from the other side of the fence, I can't see how the RIU have any jurisdiction at all over an unlicensed person. I don't get it.

Another hypothetical question - given that the subject of the discussion is an 'unlicensed person ' what right does the RIU have to take any action at all? And how can he be obliged to pay a fine and costs ? surely, he can just give them the middle finger and walk away?

Stop wriggling. You've apologized and asked for the post to be removed ( beats me why but there it is) so I should think that would protect you against whatever action you think might happen. What a storm in a thimble.

Effing hope so.

I'll try and find out...how, I don't know, because there won't be an honest answer if it is not a good look. As far as pre-race goes, they only test Grp and listed race runners as far as I know, and I can't think of one here this year in the pre-lockdown period. None after, obviously. Hard for the officials at Riccarton, though, as there is no allocation of stalls. They wander around aimlessly asking ' have you seen xxx ' Definitely swabbing post -race, though I can't answer as to what happens to those swabs. I would like to think all is above board. I remember, a few years ago, having the constabulary at the stables one race morning to test a runner in a listed sprint. We wandered out to the yards, caught the subject, took bloods, and off they went. I could have done anything to him once they'd left the premises! I told the vet at the races later that we brought out the drugs once they'd gone...but he knew me well and just rolled his eyes.

Possibly...not sure, I'm often 'touting' for interested parties.

She won her maiden on a good track, but with a quarter-crack that has dogged her from day one, very firm ground would not be a great idea.

Yes, she is good to follow...and developing all the time. She was an underwhelming youngster.

Glad the faithful had some luck! She deserved the change in fortune, is developing into a very genuine little racehorse....and doesn't Tina handle her well?

Likewise, all the best, Fasthorse.

I fear you are right. The nom/acc fees removal is a huge benefit to owners for all that, far too long coming and hopefully maintained. But a few hundred k off the top would make things a lot more sustainable.

Back to stakes....they look pretty good considering the free starts are still in place ( so far...,) But is this model likely to be sustainable?

Conghua looks an amazing complex....but the dragon is flexing its muscles like never before. Trust it at your peril.

Reported the comments to justify the phonecall made. That is not the crux of my post, suggest you read it again.

I saw a discussion elsewhere about the 'outsourcing ' apparently mentioned in the b/s from McKenzie in his valedictory press release. The only reference to 'overseas content' that I can see in that release is to BIUC money yet to come, as well as the PoC tax which will, I assume, hit everyone. The amounts to be realised from those sources would appear to be insignificant, given that the majority of overseas providers are already paying on a voluntary basis. I don't get 'outsourcing' or 'partnering' from that. I emailed Saundry yesterday with some of my concerns, but have yet to receive a reply. A fellow trainer told me yesterday that she spoke to him about the proposed race distances for the resumption, she had issues with the intended 800m and 1000m events . She said she found Bernard to be pleasant to speak to, and in the context of the conversation, he asked what a normal time frame might be for readying a horse to race. She indicated that a period of about six weeks of conditioning work would be undertaken before speeding up to galloping. And then, he wanted to know, do you gallop every day? At this point she was lost for words. As she pointed out to me, that is akin to the CEO of Fonterra thinking that milk was blue.

It would seem [ lack of ] accountability is found right up to Ministerial level...so not much show there.

Quite. Dont forget, we are upgrading selected tracks with all the dosh realised from selling the others. How's that going again?

Not exactly...Rick Donnelly, who is the assistant starter, has been covering for Kevin Ogden who is off injured. I agree, the starting seemed to be a chapter of mismanagement all day. I've always thought Rick does a better job.. .although there was the Hokitika number debacle come to think of it...

Tina is a quality rider, but there have been plenty of others, who, over time, have tried the inside when track conditions are testing. Sometimes it works, sometimes not...but Riccarton isn't the only track where there can be a charge for the outside. My peeve at the moment is not the track, but the average performance from the barrier staff [of which I am normally very supportive ] which led to my little mare being placed on a 'warning' for her barrier manners through no fault of her own.

The rail was out, so the 'inside' strip was actually the middle of the track....which is often the best portion. Dont assume that a blueprint can be followed for future use....the track was a glue pot yesterday, quite different from the sludge of the first day back and conditions vary markedly from day to day. It's just trial and error when rain affected.

I tend to agree. The Winter Cup is reinstated but what appeal, overall, without the two Nationals will the meeting have? As for an Invercargill meeting in July - and Dean a Southlander, ffs - has he forgotten how close to the south pole the blasted place is ? Or that southern racing ceased in that area after Easter for good reason?

Great post.

It sure is. However, the open entry model ( which I personally favour, although not like this ) does ameliorate the stupid scenario we have had with 65 r horses balloted and eliminated time after time, with higher rating fields going to post with 5, 6, 8 runners. While this system is in vogue ratings penalties have been capped so as not to disadvantage those winners off a low mark.