Freda

Yeah, can't quite see the train of thought there. But, again, the impact of a sales-promotion race series is being allowed to override the pattern race system. Wrong, selfish, and extremely shortsighted. I can fully understand why these northern trainers have jumped on that particular bandwagon. But, from a wider industry viewpoint, no thought as to potential impact. I have mentioned earlier that I didn't see the loss of the Guineas as a big turn-off for the wider party-going Cup week attendees. They wouldn't know or care about the significance of such a race. But the knock on effect could be enormous. No Guineas means less representation from north for supporting races, with a gradual degradation of field size, interest, and ultimately participation all round. Riccarton, for all its faults, is still the leading Sth Island club. With the inevitable contraction caused by Covid-19, it is more important than ever that Riccarton can stand up for the South. If it staggers, then Sth Island racing is gone. Do these self-entitled, short-sighted N.I trainers give a thought for the state of the industry once it is centred around the Waikato? The International pattern race people will not be allocating black type races for a NZ industry in one province.

Sure does.

Bloody hell. But, what upsets me [ as much as the possible demise of our beloved industry ] is the continued ability to spin bullshit. The lack of 'income' from NZ racing is held up to be the reason for the current malaise. Clearly, that is not the case. So, are the Rita people liars, or just plain incompetent? or both...

Ah, gotcha. The query earlier was referring to Pike/Nzta canvassing trainers, not NZTR.

So, 54 trainers were consulted , by Nztr/Rita, but not by NZTA. Have I I understood that correctly? And, therefore, 52 trainers were asked about the Guineas, and two weren't?

Yes, Andrew Carston and Pitty seem to have close connections. Pitty is always approachable and open, but as far as I am aware, the stance that it was, after all, just what northern trainers wanted disguised as a Covid-19 response seems to have eluded him. Certainly there was no open canvassing of stakeholders about this significant move.

That segment should have been sent separately. Human nature/comprehension skills mean that the ' all clear to resume training...etc ' sentence would have been seized upon with relief and the rest, largely not noticed. There has been no further advice from racing clubs that I have seen advising trainers not to rush their horses back too soon.

An email to all licensed trainers would have been the least he, or the executive, should have done. Didn't happen.

The northern ones I presume.

Well, there we were on 3 news, not much to do with travel restrictions, Pike wants the Guineas moved, is about all. He needs to realize he is representing all trainers, not just Waikato ones.

No idea, sorry. Not a good look, but a fair illustration of just how much pain there is out there. If minimum stakes drop further ( thats if there is any money at all ) and owners still have to pay starting fees, there must be a mutiny.

Once is bad enough..but to post this drivel twice...?

Virkon an excellent product, not cheap though - I understand anything with an alcohol component [ no idea of recommended dilution though ] , certainly meths, and also Janola, 20% solution. Check, but if acceptable, far cheaper than the recommended options.

It is good that Pike is highlighting matters - but he's five years too late. Okay, much longer, but he's hasn't been Mr T.A for that . It hasn't bothered him overmuch until now, apart from a few squeaks about shutting small tracks.

I think your ' non -tariff trade barrier ' sounded about right.

BTW that was in the Reefton river.

That's about as fashionable as I ever get.

You beat me to it....that, at least, is something.

Ha...now I know lockdown is REALLY getting to you.

As of right now, horses do not have permission from Govt. departments to resume race training.

Any information specific to training racehorses?

Before we were closed down, we[ my operation ] had already disinfected tie - up chains, washed all the bridles with virkon, etc. And, as I only have one staff/rider, he does all the tacking up and riding, and I wash/brush/rug the horses. Easy to keep a good distance apart. And plenty of handwashing around the stables, but, as there are only the two of us apart from a casual mucking-out person [ who is also a flatmate of mine ] there is really minimal risk. I can't comment upon the others, though. As many ride directly from their stables, the need for separate tie up areas is probably not a biggie here; can't comment about the other large centres, though, maybe they have the equipment to which you refer.

Nope.

Yeah. I've been told by two trainers that Riccarton track will be open for work on Tuesday. While it is possible, it is by no means certain. From the above , it is clear that those two trainers have been misinformed, and wherever they got their information, that source could diversify into writing childrens' fantasies. Because, if Pike et al don't know, nobody else will either.

Can't see much point. They don't yet have the information from MPI and other departments about training protocols, nor do they have figures from RITA to show funding levels. What else is there to discuss if those two points can't be covered first? Dates are irrelevant if there's no fekkn money.