Freda

Yeah, yeah...all the above...but we are supposed to be in raptures because Rita is 'different' ....? and what, exactly, does Glenda gain by 'stitching J.A into a deal from which he can't be extracted..' ?

I'm sure they all know more than I do about such matters....but, if a position is 'disestablished' surely the old contract no longer applies?

Thats very true. Some years ago I trained two medium-sized geldings, one was unable to win carrying anywhere near topweight, despite being [ as I thought ] a pretty fair horse. Once started up a couple of grades and down to the bottom of the weights, he was very effective and won a black-type race. The other guy, although much inferior, could plug along and earn a dollar in highweights despite not being a big horse.

Luminaries? With J.A. leading them? Brilliant. However, as was pointed our to me, the show has to go on. TAB staff still have to get to the races, the functions of the whole operation must continue, he said, you can't just sack everyone in an instant and have nothing left.

Hmmm....

It sure will...but even if things work out well, I don't think we'll see much change for a fair while.

She sure is...they come, they go. At least here there is no conception that the girls aren't up to it. As a matter of interest I see Kayla Veenendaal is back in the ranks.

I know you are agin amateur races...just take the whips off them - what would be the problem with that? In S.Africa races are run without whips on occasion, and I ( personally) can see no reason why apprentices need whips either. Most flap around aimlessly, far better that they learn to balance their mounts and push them with energy and suitable body actions. Reduce the allowable limit for seniors and we might start to see some better riding.

Agree there.

Have to agree with you here...while more funding coming via Winston's changes will be welcome, what happens to that funding is open to conjecture when applied by the same failed business model....and the 'impartiality' of Sir P may be questionable. I hope I'm wrong.....but there isn't a mandate as far as I know for W.P to intervene with code issues. In fact, I'm sure I read a comment from him somewhere stating that ' now I've got the funding sorted, the plan is to step back and let the codes manage themselves.'....that really concerns me given the idiotic decisions that dog the industry.

I think its five max....but stand to be corrected. I sure did watch, recorded each day and was glued to the TV when work was finished. Obviously, Royal Ascot is the showpiece of all that is good about English racing, no doubt there is plenty not so grand, but yes, the jocks and the horses, off the bridle and still finding, and no excessive punishment with whips but still some very strong riding.

So do the rest of us who post, I'm sure..I know I do - I must have been asleep but I haven't seen any nastiness other than what Thommo gets served up with....!

Although not a punter, I've loved every minute of the five-day race extravaganza. Those classy horses, so many of them off the bridle a good way out but they just keep finding...and the limited whip use doesn't stop those riders from extracting everything from their mounts. Take note NZ.

Passed overnight. Any thoughts from BOAY ers about this change to the status quo?

Ffs...I'd like to read the Fallon autobiography....wonder how one would acquire a copy?

Because we are (supposed to be) horse lovers....and it is the right way to move.

Don't think they will....but I hope I'm wrong

Exactly....I seem to recall W.P stating that once the financial reforms are set up and running, he will step back and let the codes manage themselves. And, IMO, therein lies a other huge problem with the same inept lot in charge of the purse strings. There has been much advice/discussion with and about NZTR but no will to change, or even engage with some pretty good people has been seen.

Yep. And refuse to move.

I'm NOT a punter so not getting into this debate....however I am constantly gobsmacked as to how few senior riders have any idea how fast they are going.

Nevertheless...there would be NONE better than Pitty for rejuvenating a horse's career. I always reckoned he should have been sent Ombre Rose....and rekindled her confidence instead of butting heads in the Kelt Capital under the Te Akau banner.

Look out, Thommo...Crusher's comin' to get ya.....

As long as SOMETHING happens....anything....because the status quo is unsustainable.

Oh....ffs.....the Poms get it right with 20 plus runners....make them watch a few videos....

Well, whaddya know....All kosher again.