Freda

We are also dependent on pokie funds, they, along with proceeds from sporting events are likely to be affected as well with fewer - or none - congregating in pubs and clubs. Think you've made a good point, Chief.

I think many participants will be way too complacent to comprehend the impact of both containment measures, and economic impact. A big shock, I reckon.

I don't think anyone will be putting their hands up. Most - those toeing the party line anyway - will be waiting anxiously to see how the Racing Bill plays out, so they can find out which clubs' assets will be assimilated into the fund for the 'greater good'.

I should think that the public bars would be the last place you would want to be.

I have been giving this a lot of thought, and more I do, the more complex it becomes. I think, initially, one would look at the open handicaps/black type races, and see if they are a good fit where they are. Fiddling with tradition is not a clever thing to do, so, those tried-and-true races should be left alone. Then, sort out a decent progression of two year old and three year old races, bearing in mind the need to fit in wherever possible with the important races nationally. Programmes could be padded out with races for those in training and available..a database should be easy enough to supply numbers/grades. Alternatively, call for open entries for specific distances, and make up the fields around those. Take into consideration distance progressions to allow sensible graduation. WTF does Riccarton persist with the god-awful 1800m distance, it's neither your arse nor your elbow, they can run 2500 -2800 anytime they wish, but don't. Think about time of the year. Track conditions and holiday periods all have a bearing on good fields and public interest. We've just had five racedays at Riccarton, I'd be very surprised if they were profitable in any shape or form. Small fields, rock hard ground, zero public interest. Midsummer meeting the only one held there over that period for years. A series or two? an 'industry' or 'provincial' series, culminating in a final? sprint, mile, middle-distance? Points system, doesn't need much dosh to make it interesting. Despite being respected for years as breeding quality stayers and classic horses, we don't anymore...but maybe a staying series with a final too? I live in hope.

I've never understood why a poster such as Thommo has such an effect. Personally? I find much of his content well worth debating. When it isn't, and he becomes irritating, i just move on. Those whom he really offends can block him, can't they? Why they feel the need to engage - and keep on doing so - and then disappear in a huff I find astounding. If a column in a newspaper doesn't take your fancy, do you throw the paper in the fire? or just turn the page to something more interesting.....I must be odd, but I can't see a problem. However, personal attacks, racist comment, etc, I don't think are acceptable anywhere, in public areas or media, even when free speech is the mantra.

Maybe, L, they have nothing to say?

I don't know. I used to be too shy to comment - years ago - but I grew out of that...

The indecent haste to use sires of 'fast' horses has eroded our once proud tradition of the classic/staying horse. Races like the St Leger become irrelevant.

Yes, although winning is always the point of the game! The wee mare found 1200 ( fresh) a tad sharp, and the gelding was lucky to finish in one piece when a portion of the running rail came adrift and took a piece out of his hindleg . Bloody amateurs.

It's easy to be critical.. .but i wouldn't find it easy to repair. The whole operation needs a rethink from top to bottom.

I agree..I know he upsets some, and has caused their departure. but he does bring up some very good topics.

No pressure.....

just wondering about the silence...

Are you sure you don't know my brother? That's the sort of shocker he comes up with regularly..and I should probably rephrase that too..ffs

..and the train of destruction rumbles on....

Agree, great to see. And was there ever any doubt that he would run the trip? Damsire Yamanin Vital.

I heard bits of Winston on the news last night, missed part of it, but - he still keeps plying the same line that all these small courses are not sustainable. He is just blind to the real facts surrounding so many of these clubs. I know Reefton supplied figures to [ I think ] NZTR to show that they, at least, were not a financial drag, but it just goes nowhere. A Hokitika office-holder, a former NZ First member who knew Winston well, had much dialogue with him earlier and was deluded into thinking that Winston would see reason and not require their track to be closed...but to no avail.

Lazy and poorly-informed. What is the worst, is that they seem to have no interest in being informed correctly. Everyone makes mistakes - my old man used to say, those who never made a mistake never made anything. There is no disgrace in getting something wrong, as long as one can accept one's error, and make a genuine attempt to put it right. But they don't.

Sounds great. One year I was at Kurow the footy club ran the bar....not sure if they still do. Just another example of how we have completely dropped the ball.

Mark left NZ for personal reasons, which was a real loss for all of us. His family situation became untenable - I imagine for both parties - so he has relocated. Definitely a plus for HK, and Tom can only benefit as well from having such a superlative model to watch.

Enlighten us when you find it?

The horse has been well looked after, and had his races carefully managed, to the credit of Chipperfield. But, the stock of Darci Brahma, although winning prolifically here, do not, as yet, look stellar in Australia. He does not deserve the bagging he has been getting, he is a very, very good horse. If he isn't up to the tough Aussie competition, well, he certainly isn't the first. The hiding he got in his first run over there couldn't have benefitted a horse who may just be on the delicate side.....and he clearly showed the pressure he felt when turning his head and lugging last time. Sore? possibly...but flattened looks a more likely scenario...and the All Star Mile would not be on my list for him. Something more modest to get his confidence back maybe - but all the best to connections regardless. And why do people jump on the blinkers option? plenty of horses, good and bad, wear them. One knowledgable commentator from way back was very critical of 'blinkers' being termed the 'badge of the cheat' . He reckoned that many good and game horses were not allowed blinkers because of this ill-thought comment. I think Alycidon was the horse he used as his example, one of the best and bravest of his time, but not effective without them.

I struggled to hear, too...but the bits I managed to collate sounded pretty good.

He's over there....so very likely.