Freda

That's your self-appointed task.

I was going to say arrogance, but that'll do.

No, she didn't. She pulled the tongue tie one.

In Aus the jockey weighs in, in public, surrounded by officials and cameras. I should think it difficult to impossible to slip something past that lot. As for your Auckland reference ...that is sorta my point, no?

Two very clued-up posters have repeatedly pointed out that funding is completely out of proportion to what is actually earned, raceday by raceday. I think most would agree for a bit extra to be retained for black-type stakes top up, but not at the cost of devastating the industry overall whic has happened for years now. Some time ago it was shown that smaller clubs were being selectively starved of their rightful turnover dues to prop up the bigger ones. It has been said, over and over, and neatly shown by Reefton above, that the small clubs are NOT the problem. Messara rightly woke up to the insolvency of NZ racing, and put forward a plan to generate funds to upgrade the product to attract more international betting. But, he was given flawed advice, there won't be anywhere near the funds required unless Avondale can be cashed up, and what chance of a slick new racing product when Te Rapa [ for one ] is scrapping about Greenfields - which isn't even a racetrack, I believe, just a potential modern training complex. The allweather at Cambridge is a different issue altogether, and has also struck a slowdown, I am told. So, what show is there at all? without funds from SOMEwhere to provide an upgraded track model, there won't be any extra betting generated, it's in free fall now, and the composition of MAC - Dean excepted - looks anything but ' impartial '. The RB is continuing to screw the product, Aus punters can't use our TAB [ why would they want to..? ] and plain common sense is ignored by those at the helm. I've been around racing longer than many and I can't ever recall so much waste and so much utter stupidity.

I think we are too late now....I am staggered to hear the opinions of so many non-racing people who think we just bash the hell out the horses.

I actually thought that Bernard seemed a decent bloke, he must be sick of peddling the same tired old b/s all the time. But, wouldn't you think that at some point, he must stop and think, hang on, there has to be a more logical forward plan than this? Your brother has repeatedly pointed out that when Winston's largesse was dished out to us, we wasted it - and very quickly things returned to woeful. The increase in stakes - held up now to be the saviour of all things- actually achieved diddly squat for the industry overall. And, as you have pointed out, any funds realised from trashing community racing [ and it will be stuff all ] will quickly be swallowed up - pissed against the wall, to quote - and there we will be again. How's the Cambridge allweather going? The Waikato clubs are scrapping amongst themselves...and when [ if ] the Greenfields project is completed, there has to be a real chance it will be smack bang in Cambridge suburbia before long. The allweather touted for Riccarton, has a mountain of hurdles to climb, resource consent and Ecan approval for starters before it can get underway...and as for Shane Jones' lolly scramble, I have to have doubts as to whether it will fall our way. Look elsewhere, Bernard, because what's under your nose ain't too impressive.

Spot on, Reefton.

It most certainly WASN'T a mint...and the object was clearly handed back. ..and for those who say it was a tongue-tie..the horse doesn't wear one. Handing something to a jockey is most definitely not permitted..unless a towel for wiping off sweat around at the barrier, or - on occasion - a water bottle. To think that this, in clear view of anyone who was watching trackside as well as those present, isn't concerning you? Our industry is in free fall, and this b/s is okay? There have been feelings that Weir and Currie across the ditch have been 'victimised' , partly as a result of their success...but, ffs, at least someone noticed. I haven't said the exchange was ' dodgy ' ....but for the incident to pass unquestioned is unbelievable. If I forget blinkers or side winkers, I'll get fined. FFS, it is considered unacceptable to even touch a jockey pre-weigh in - even shaking the hand of the winning rider, not done. Not here, anyway....we don't have any Frankies leaping into Sheikh Mo's arms.... I've had queries from across the ditch ' what sort of effing circus are you lot running? ' I have found it difficult to give a coherent answer. Thomas, you are usually all over the feds for missing stuff, being incompetent, call it what you like, but your attitude is very odd over this biso. Have you been told to STFU ? by any chance? Remember, in matters involving the public's perception, justice must not only be done, it must be SEEN to be done.

Maybe so, they can come off ...saddles get re-adjusted sometimes also, as do bridles but horses don't go round to the start without them !

But, the jock then gave whatever-it-was, back.

Actually, that is not the allowed procedure any more, as it was years ago. The tongue tie must be fitted at saddling.

Fantastic.

oooo....the mind boggles....

A comment - and not a criticism of Otaki in general - while I am a staunch supporter of one-day country clubs, with the vista of rural NZ often showing in the background....snow-capped mountains, sheep peacefully grazing...such views add to the appeal of country racing, IMO. But a tatty wire fence and a weedy paddock isn't the appropriate background for a Grp 1.....also, JMO.

I was locked out of my account at the start of the new operation. After three weeks of trying to both email and ring the helpdesk, I finally got through and got the account unlocked . Took most of the funds out, leaving just a few dollars in for a few token bets. Had a couple of little wagers over the next week, then didn't bother for a while. Tried last week, and was told ' incorrect password'. Went to the 'reset password ' option, and bugger me.....' reset option denied.' Again. I won't be wasting any more time attempting to rectify things this time. Bet365 works fine for me.

Good point.

What implications for the industry..?

Haha, yes those two were beauties. Although not risque, I thought that the half brothers Pretentious and Pseudonym were particularly well named...the former by Resurgent - Pretend, the latter by We Don't Know - Pretend. Another one around that time was Me twopas....can't recall the two stallions who were involved though.

Same - but only a oncer, usually, second time of asking , no problem.

I agree in principle...but still hope we are both wrong and the rabbit gets pulled out of the hat. One thing is certain, the 50 mill is gone..never to return..and no doubt there are extensive - and expensive - clauses negating any chance of tossing the whole thing in the rubbish bin.

Ask Colin...he used to get sent to St Moritz regularly.

Obviously not....however, it hands the harness code hospital passes if it has to maintain facilities for those venues which were formerly shared .

Awesome. A helluva nice bloke, aside from his well documented equestrian skills.