Freda

Delightful outlook.!

I've just had an idea. Cheaper than the other one, and likely to be much more fun. A series with points earned by winners of selected races over the recent Coast circuit and including the Chatham Island Cup winner. Final to be held on the beach at Rapahoe. North Islanders ineligible apart from Kenny Rae, he has a S.I passport. No quarantine required, winner[s] paid in blue cod and crayfish.

Unless there is a rational explanation forthcoming, it just shows how disconnected NZTR are from reality.

Hmm....I've been wondering too. And, wrt blood count, I've assumed the reference is to hemoglobin levels? If not, what exactly?

Interesting recollections, TAB. I recall being at Omoto races one year, the jockeys had to head south to Central in the middle of the then 4 day Coast circuit, most went through via the Lake Coleridge road , and then had to drive back. What a mission. Mentioned the potential risk driving/riding/driving/riding, all the while watching weight and negotiating holiday traffic to boot, to a local official enjoying the racing. He shrugged. They don't have to do it, he said, goes with the territory. Sure, it does, but highlights the complete disconnect of management from reality. BTW just to be a nitpicker, La Bella Nera is Parsons-owned and bred. A Cantabrian through and through.

No, but similar clearance!

I did think it looked rather neat and tidy for vandalism.

A friend of mine was taking her little dog for a run on the [ renovated ] track and it came back with green feet and tummy. This was in '98.

Yes.

In reality, it is certainly more noticeable - Gavelhouse has made a huge difference in that direction - but I recall sitting in a trainers' meeting years ago and discussing the merits, or otherwise, of accepting second-hand horses to train. But as Doomed has stated, many gain confidence from a different regime, and can take that improved form onwards.

The Telegraph keeps moving, makes it hard to retain relevance much less plan year on year.

The head post

But Japanese research with treadmill exercise in very young horses confirms the above.

I've had first hand experience of older horses struggling with soundness as a direct result of the give-them-time idea. I had a long reply all crafted and the cat jumped in my knee and I lost it. Can't bring it back either.

Yeah, I get that. Totally. But the practice of confining sales babies to small paddocks on their own to minimize potential injury, kicks, etc, doesn't appeal to me at all. They are a herd animal and social development and reaction and coordination aren't helped at all with this practice.

Not enough IMO.

Maybe.....they were still digesting Christmas pud?

Fair comment, depends who she gets 'tactical' advice from I guess but she's too sharp not to pick things up.

Notwithstanding the above discussion, I thought young Floor Moerman showed good balance and judgement in her first win yesterday at Riverton...and over a trip too. But still not a local, she's from the Netherlands.

Exactly.

And it will get worse. The word from one who WOULD know ( and I'm not saying who ) is that the system is to blame. Which concurs with my thoughts on the 30 pages of crap on another thread.

The 30 pages of b/s required for a 'slow work licence' isn't helping one iota either. IMO.

Kurow was the epitome of country racing, as usual. Well presented track, happy and substantial crowd and hospitable committee. Sharrock was on course, as he usually is these days, as were Peter and Dawn Williams, it would have been enjoyable even without Jing producing her result at her first start for us. One of the most genuine in his congratulations was previous trainer Kenny Moore, he's a thoroughly decent bloke and does love his horses.

It's pretty good, eh?

He's a polarizing character, is Colin, but has put an enormous amount of his own money up to support racing, he deserves any success he gets. Notwithstanding some of his comments, his stance on the safety of our polytracks has to be, in some shape or form, the reason for the recent survey by overseas experts. Without him stirring the pot it would be business as usual, nothing to see here. And great to see young trainer Sam Wynne doing what she is going to be very good at indeed.