Freda

No, no....its lost whatever appeal it had ( to me ) in the days of Lord Module, etc....

The day whips are banned - or their use drastically reduced - there will be a good number of jockeys looking for a new job....

Now that is a good idea.

Poor Bart He did a great job when he was at Riccarton, he looks very uncomfortable spouting that b/s.

Simply awesome, what a brave girl.

I stand to be corrected....and as a horse lover of course the idea of a horse drowning in its blood is abhorrent...but I cant bring to mind any horse dying on a NZ track as a result of EIPH.

I do.

Yep, good on them indeed. That bone remodeling stuff, the name of which escapes me, I believe may be indicated in some cases too.

Looking at the Wingatui / Wellington fields, numbers look healthier down south than in the CD.

I'm not sure of the exact criteria - and I'm only asking a question - isn't NZ HOTY based on NZ form...?

It's always the way, that one fk-up outweighs the 99% of times when everything goes smoothly....but the point Thommo is making ( very well IMO ) is that the checks and balances aren't there to prevent the inevitable mistakes...and its not just the wrong colour paint or the omission of the baking powder, the lives of people and horses are on the line. That's why critique is so important, not to be dismissed with a ' I'd go to war with these guys' attitude.. as if they shouldn't have to EVER stand scrutiny.

Yes, you're right, and I didn't imply blanket criticism of the many decent blokes and girls who work very hard. But I think a few more attendants, even, would help avoid some of the dramas.

Good stuff Thommo. Couldn't agree more re. starting crews being employed by NZTR instead of by clubs...where not only is there not centralized control or training, even payment and conditions vary. Quite apart from this latest awful result, there have been plenty of instances when plain common sense would have avoided a balls-up.....the tape start in the steeplechase at Wellington, for one - the recent ( completely unnecessary) escape of the mare She's Gallant at Riccarton for another....the list just goes on. Then we have the situation where the chief stipe makes arbitrary decisions about which horses can be delayed and/or have a man up.....jockeys pointing out that they are in the wrong gate and being told to shut up....jockeys calling for assistance and being told we're too busy deal with it yourself....oh dear , professional....no.

Vic racing still looks bloody healthy compared to what we have to endure... but there is no doubt that the recently introduced POCT in Sth Aust has had a bad effect all round. Queensland stakeholders went on strike when their govt tried to introduce one, and thankfully their actions got some modifications to the original proposal.

Yeah. Cost him the Gt Northern on Jack Frost.

Can't say I noticed the irons...but I watched the race thinking bloody hell, Stu, don't kill the old chap at the start of the season, I bet the horse slept well.

Spot on, Reefton. The matter, though, as far as Aus rugby is concerned, is the content of Israel's contract. It appears he has not fulfilled his obligations in that respect and I guess they have the right to ditch him as a result.

Only from a Sth Island perspective, Jess....which is, of course, of little use to a Nth Island-based owner/breeder given travelling costs involved . However, I have handled and observed stock by Pure Champion and they are lovely types, beautiful heads and outlook and nice temperaments. Don't appear to be two year olds but we down here are waiting with hope and anticipation..! On the slightly more proven side, White Robe's Ghibellines seems to be ticking the boxes, he's a beautiful horse himself too. Dealing with the Andertons is always a pleasure and they are very reasonable in their charges. A Nth Island based trainer friend of mine decided to retire his nice mare, which he had left in my care, and decided on the very reasonably-priced Gallant Guru as her consort. Shane Anderton picked her up in his truck from the races at Riccarton and took her south at no charge...that's service for you! Agistment charges were also very reasonable indeed.

13.9 mill - 14.0 mill - shared between 3 codes and sports PLUS a fund for reducing gambling harm.....not going to be much to get excited about. How much for galloping, 3 - 4 mill ? Dont wish to be ungrateful....but what the hell will that achieve? Just another taxpayer subsidy.

Unfortunately my Aquarian persona can see merit in everyone's comments and points of view ..

One of your better efforts, Tommy

...which might be open to debate.

Hopefully?

Applies as much to NZ society generally ....great words.

Something that Mardigras would probably be much in favour of.