Freda

I can't recall ever seeing anything.

Gee, so my adviser was not correct.

Apparently that is the reason given for the hellish programming; the south island is considered 'one ' region hence the need to be away for 3 days to target a race that suits. The numbers ( so I'm told ) reflect exactly that.

Yes, that's right enough unfortunately.

A few patches not doing well but I don't see a horse safety issue with that. Most of it is very thick and looks good.

No, it isn't. Canterbury/S.I racing generally seems much stronger than the C.D but there does seem to be a mission to squeeze out the south. If centralized to Riccarton/Ashburton management will be pleased, is the impression i get, but I really hope I'm badly wrong.

In the weeks preceding....means not this week past but before that. I could see the sprinklers just pouring it on from my kitchen window. When the dogs and I went around last Sunday we got wet feet.

Actually, so did I. I think I can recall McAnulty holding forth about it?

There has been plenty of water applied in the weeks preceding.

We've just been reading about them

Yeah, Chief, but there isn't the clear difference in process from N.I to S.I that exists here.

Delightful outlook.!

I've just had an idea. Cheaper than the other one, and likely to be much more fun. A series with points earned by winners of selected races over the recent Coast circuit and including the Chatham Island Cup winner. Final to be held on the beach at Rapahoe. North Islanders ineligible apart from Kenny Rae, he has a S.I passport. No quarantine required, winner[s] paid in blue cod and crayfish.

Unless there is a rational explanation forthcoming, it just shows how disconnected NZTR are from reality.

Hmm....I've been wondering too. And, wrt blood count, I've assumed the reference is to hemoglobin levels? If not, what exactly?

Interesting recollections, TAB. I recall being at Omoto races one year, the jockeys had to head south to Central in the middle of the then 4 day Coast circuit, most went through via the Lake Coleridge road , and then had to drive back. What a mission. Mentioned the potential risk driving/riding/driving/riding, all the while watching weight and negotiating holiday traffic to boot, to a local official enjoying the racing. He shrugged. They don't have to do it, he said, goes with the territory. Sure, it does, but highlights the complete disconnect of management from reality. BTW just to be a nitpicker, La Bella Nera is Parsons-owned and bred. A Cantabrian through and through.

No, but similar clearance!

I did think it looked rather neat and tidy for vandalism.

A friend of mine was taking her little dog for a run on the [ renovated ] track and it came back with green feet and tummy. This was in '98.

Yes.

In reality, it is certainly more noticeable - Gavelhouse has made a huge difference in that direction - but I recall sitting in a trainers' meeting years ago and discussing the merits, or otherwise, of accepting second-hand horses to train. But as Doomed has stated, many gain confidence from a different regime, and can take that improved form onwards.

The Telegraph keeps moving, makes it hard to retain relevance much less plan year on year.

The head post

But Japanese research with treadmill exercise in very young horses confirms the above.

I've had first hand experience of older horses struggling with soundness as a direct result of the give-them-time idea. I had a long reply all crafted and the cat jumped in my knee and I lost it. Can't bring it back either.