Freda

As pointed out elsewhere most horses bleed, many go undetected however so the real incidence isn't known. Figures of 90+ % have been bandied about though. So, while it is distressing to see a horse with blood streaming from both nostrils, it does need to be kept in perspective.

No, we reckon they came out of someone's garden along the road.

Apprentice mentor Jason Laking was injured this morning riding trackwork, as he does regularly. His mount flipped over backwards, pinning him underneath. A long wait for the ambulance and even longer waiting to clear the track. Suspected broken pelvis, ribs, and internal injuries as yet undisclosed. With all the recent discussion about poor jockeys, just bear in mind that even the 'poorest' put themselves in danger every day. Their job is not to be taken lightly.

Actually, no, it was Andre Gillett! A wee story about Batesy...he was staying up the road with one D.Browne, and was late this particular morning. Not that that was unusual. I read him the whole nine yards...unreliable, letting people down, unfair to the others who CAN get here on time, life lessons..etc..etc.. He listened patiently to my tirade, and when I stopped for breath, pulled his hand from behind his back and presented me with a bunch of flowers. Sorry, mate, he said. What can one say to that?

Yes, very strict, as you say, nowhere to hide. An excellent system, well managed and gets results. Was talking to Kylie recently, each step along the way has to be satisfactory or you go no further.

You weren't surprised?

Preformance gets right up my nose.

No.

Yeah. Spot the Kiwi. And I don't see it improving any time soon. Of interest, isn't it great to see Jaylah Kennedy and Logan Bates going so well in Victoria?

It's pretty obvious knowledge is lacking, the sanitised reports trotted out after each abandonment are embarrassingly similar, rinse and repeat has been a comment from elsewhere . But international knowledge and skills must surely be available?

I wonder if Hitabell might get a look-in?

I've always thought he was over-rated. Yes, certainly has ability, but adulated, and spoilt, while still just a kid - probably the lack of quality seniors has a bit to do with that - and it hasn't done his attitude any good. He would still be in Aus if the goods were there. The imports are giving us a bit more choice thank goodness.

We know the answer to that.

Are you BOAY'S Miss Jools?

Haven't looked and won't comment on this - but lack of ability to read a race is sadly very prevalent in judicial rooms. Jockeys used to get pulled up for poor decisions, i recall Bruce Craik ( stipe) taking all the riders in the room bar the winner and and giving them a ticking off for stupidity. Doesn't happen now - although a couple of years ago, our head stipe did tell a jumps rider he should have let the reins go.

There is a new position advertised for NZTR...Racing Coordinator i think it was turned...yet more Empire building, money down the drain for more unnecessary salaries. And the Hurunui picnic raceday yesterday in North Canterbury went ahead with huge support, great success and not a fkwt from head office in sight.

Yes.

Depends on the amount of use it gets. Mine, and most of those I knew back in the day had brand new gear. Some that had had very little use, such as a particular weight of saddle, might be 'second-hand' in the early stages of a young riders career, but certainly not in poor condition. And they would always upgrade once they became busier. One trainer used to give the boys her credit card to go to Garrards and get what they needed. It was the rule then that trainers provided both gear and accommodation, and all costs when travelling. One of my lads used to take his girlfriend along too, it took me a wee while to click on to just why his accom. costs and/or plane fares were rather excessive!

When I had my apprentices I provided gear and was responsible for the condition of. Not the cleaning etc, but they had brand new stuff and could upgrade any time necessary.

Warren's style may be a bit more extreme than some, but it sure as hell doesn't stop them. Many from Sth A and elsewhere employ the same, or similar, style. Even the great Christophe Soumillon to drop a name.

Whoa, hold on there. The above-mentioned pair have, and have had, more skin in the game than you might care to realise. Their criticisms come from years in the game, years of experience that most have no idea about, and because they care, they see fit to voice their concerns from the perspective that they KNOW how it works when well managed. I can see why they stopped bothering.

Thing is, horses have been headed across the ditch for some years now. But it's not all about stakes, they have never been better thanks to Entain yet nothing has changed wrt programming really, nor has the overall sustainability situation been addressed. Despite the KM and Champions Days horses are still departing. None so blind....as the saying goes.

Great post.

I can't imagine why/how Orchidra would ever be at Riverton either! Might it be a typo meant to be Riccarton?

I recall The Swagger working at Riccarton on one of his trips, the rider [ which twin I'm not sure ] sporting very long boots, up past his knees, and a piece of alkathene for persuasion. And he needed - and got - plenty of it.