Freda

I see R.V staff are now to leg on the jockeys, trainers not allowed im birdcages to reduce contacts. I can just see Millsy and Jim legging on the riders....

I see. You'd think there might have been some communication? It's the possible absence of funds to do the ' funding' that is making me nervous. And yes, I take Curious' point about safe level training under level 3. Do-able, but the operating practices of many that I watched in the last few days made me cringe. Yes, too, to Mustang Kenny.

Wasn't that going to be ' out ' today? Am I a little premature being nervous?

Yeah. I think Mardi's model makes the best sense of any. Certainly, those in charge have no effing idea

What with?

Do you mean, the govt should throw the Nztab on the open market, pull all its funding and require the Tab to operate as a fully commercial entity, paying levies, licensing, and all associated taxes? What a good idea. I'm not sure, however, that any savvy business would take on the basket case that is NZTAB.

But we have no idea what the terms of her contract were.

Seamus and Pat were choirboys. Seamus decides he needs to go to confession, but Pat, not on your nellie, he waits outside for his buddy. Father, begins Seamus , I have sinned. I have been having impure thoughts about one of the girls, and it's becoming a problem for me. Who's the girl? asks the priest. Is it Mary O'Connor? I cannot say, Father. Bridget Murphy? No, Father, I'm not saying. Naimh Browne? My lips are sealed, Father. Well, Seamus, our choirboys must be above reproach. Ten Hail Mary's and you're suspended from choir for six weeks. Outside, Pat waits impatiently. What did you get, Seamus? Six weeks holiday and three good leads for the weekend.....!

Of course not. But if this crisis doesn't jolt a few synapses into gear and help their owners realise that the whole structure has to change, then more of the same wil produce more of the same.

Your jokes? I suppose they're better than nothing ....! Seriously, yes, you are lucky to be in a rural environment, I'd love to be in a remote slice of our paradise, but practicality decrees otherwise. I am very fortunate though, to live right across the road from the stables/ racetrack, so there is an illusion of open space, and as it is definitely ' in my area' I can get plenty of exercise/fresh air quite legitimately. I have to go over the road to feed the cats and tend the chooks, clean out the henhouse, etc; and the dogs require their exercise too...so no cabin fever at all. In fact, I have to confess that I am finding the reduction in traffic, clowns on the road, student parties, etc, very peaceful. It's alarming though to see all the expressions of boredom from some of the local young - and some not so young - who do absolutely nothing apart from sleep, drink and smoke weed, and complain.

They can afford to. They get paid megadollars for betting licenses, and receive taxes and gaming duties too.

Not entirely racing related...but how are we all doing during this time of restriction? Many are finding the situation difficult, others have adapted really well. What have members done to adjust?

Hope you're right.

Yeah, 'fraid I agree there.

If, however, Rita is insolvent, there will be nothing in the bin to competely comply with any contractual obligations. But, again, more knowledgeable commentators than moi will know how these situations work.

I'm not that au fait with employment laws...but I surmise that it might be cheaper to keep staff on with subsidy than to lay off and fork out redundancy.

Hmm. Same staff numbers then.

Yes, I guess the likes of casual bar staff etc are factored in...but it seems a lot considering other clubs would have similar operating costs? Awapuni - although it hosts other clubs - has a lot of meetings, but Ellerslie with three months virtually doing nothing wrt racing seens to have a very large contingent. I know the track staff numbers here are considered to be inadequate, with some of the guys very frustrated at the difficulty of finishing one task before being rushed off to the next.

Ha. No. More than any other club with the exception of Auckland, if I haven't missed something. And I know they are not heavy on the track staff either.

Couldn't find them earlier.

Agree here, for what it's worth. Our PM is an admirable communicator, but slack - read nonexistent - border controls and very low testing numbers have allowed the spread of covid-19 far more readily than should have happened. I agree lockdown has and will cause economic pain for years, however I dont think there was any choice. But what an unenviable place to be, whoever's turn it was. Agree also, despite what many are thinking will happen, that racing should ( rightfully) be at the end of the queue for money. They've been on the tit for years and show no comprehension just how well they've been treated. Good discussion.

I'll refrain from commenting on that.....! Brighthill and Pencarrow two...

Yes, and a couple of studs.

Ooops....just found one. City Care.

Neither has any other company that I have entered to have a look.