Freda

Looked a grand day...I so miss not being over there. Well done to everyone !

Not necessarily - although some of the more recalcitrant ones are given too much leeway [ IMO ] on a raceday, they should be sent back to the trials until they get the idea - or find a new job. But compared with overseas, the number of attendants is well below what is needed I think. The U.S model has horses 'ponied' to the start and handed to attendants, you hardly ever see a problem [ well I haven't ], it seems to be very workable and keeps horses calm and not charging down to the gates out of control as well. Elsewhere, most every horse has an attendant, and in many areas, are kept close up behind the gates with a tape, not buggering around 200 yards or more away. Wouldn't keep in a determined escapee, but, again, I've never noticed a problem - unlike here.

And that is another facet of this issue; when clubs are penny-pinching on payrates and numbers of staff, it's not that easy to recruit more experienced horsemen [ who have better things to do with their time ] especially when they are considered ' unskilled workers'...ffs..

There would have to be a perception of inadequate performance for that to happen. It's clear that there is no comprension of that fact.

Winston would have been thrilled. They are silly enough to think they DO know - but don't - and arrogant in that they give no credence to those who do.

Agree with Reefton's summation...but, notwithstanding the goodwill inherent with both Reefton JC and Greymouth in offering to hold the day, the handling by NZTR is - again - inept. IMO. How could the track have been ok a week ago and not now? Clearly, it was never ok, so porkies [ no pun intended] rule again. As for the 'retention' of Kumara as a 'preferred' venue, despite being unable to race on it's track for four of the last five years....really?

With rain forecast...oh dear.

That's terrible management. Trainers/owners need surety over racedays/dates, it isn't cheap travelling horses, staff and connections to various places, a decision should have been made one way or another and stakeholders notified in timely fashion. No matter if the problem was pigs, tractors, or weather, it seems that no-one is prepared to be accountable for ANYTHING because they might have to cop the flak. My old man used to tell me that the person who never made a mistake, never made anything.

Exactly.

Agree with you on this, Kenny, the day at Kurow was also super and well attended by families . Just consider how the absence of racing at Westport and Nelson has negatively impacted betting in that region, and you have to be concerned how continued closures will affect still more areas. The Coast will be the next to go if the plans are implemented. Michael is of the opinion that the all weather track at Riccarton will save S.I racing, with the redundant race permits transferred there ....on that we differ.

Be interesting to see how a stressy Guillotine copes with Hong Kong.

That seems to be the plan, Kenny. No one at head office can be convinced otherwise.

What about 'P' - Plastic Princess.........?

Yes, I deleted my day's racing, read the b/S about the red hood, but couldn't go back to check. Didn't want to post without having correct facts...but clearly, told lies. Can forgive a human error but not porkies.

Hard to crucify someone on a genuine mistake...but the 'system' provides a valid set of protocols for avoiding such mistakes. Just more kangaroo court stuff from our completely inept management. Recently, a trainer was warned that a particular rider in his employ would be charged with 'incompetence' should he/she ride in a similar fashion again. That is opening a huge can of worms, the hapless rider would have plenty of mates, I'm thinking....but who would be a good enough race reader to fairly and honestly make that call? I'm struggling to think of one...recall Cameron George taking issue with CWJ for not being where he, Cameron, thought he should be....really ? the horse in question in that instance never went as well again... ...and, going back to another cracker, the highly-regarded Noel McCutcheon informing one David Walsh that ' the pace of the race is irrelevant ' ....seriously, where do these clowns come from?

Cheers

OK, thanks for that.

The NZTR venue plan ? I have seen it in print, but can't seem to locate it. When I tried the NZTR website, the only 'venue plan' that came up was for 2013....

And that's it in a nutshell.

Of course.

The excellent cruwd there yesterday didn't look too bothered about birdshit.

The grandstand is awful at Oamaru, have to agree, but the tie-ups and stabling areas are pretty good for a country area. Never fear, you won't have to endure the conditions much longer to watch the gallops as I gather it's down for closure [ don't know how that affects the harness folk though.] I'm very critical of the facilities for horses at Ashburton, they're terrible, but have to concur that the grandstand there is very comfortable, with it's glassed-in front offering a great view out of the weather. The one that confounds me though, is Rangiora...a nice, tidy course, pleasant surroundings, close to Christchurch....a shared facility , a part-interest in which was 'acquired' by the CJC some time ago, for the purpose, it would seem, of being flogged off for huge money. That doesn't look likely now, so we have a silly scenario with a viable course sitting idle [ from a galloping point ] with other courses needing funds spent to bring them up to scratch. I imagine the harness people will be quite happy to utilise this excellent venue; galloping's loss , through the all- pervading lack of vision inherent.

Great news - for the locals and the circuit as a whole.

I'm sick of my page being completely covered with Knobby Underwear....

Oh. I see. I took the rather snide comment to be directed at Andrew Carston - as the mare had been based at Latta's for a week or more [ I believe].