Freda

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.

Thanks Heds.....but if the clock turned backwards I'd be much relieved.....!

Certainly an interesting reaction to the article referred to.... methinks BdL will be gratified the sting was felt.

They can't...and don't.

Ffs.....

Changes - either arriving or departing - are supposed to be notified within seven days...and yes, MM...sometimes I've had to give myself a shakeup because the seven days has been and gone. However, things such as changes of addresses of licence holders, new phone numbers, changes of employers in the case of apprentices, can be months out of date to the annoyance and inconvenience of anyone trying to make contact.

That's an interesting point....whatever the employment conditions are, Jamie still is the one holding the trainer's licence .. so he should be the one to be paid in the first instance - surely?

An outbreak of E.I just announced in England....what odds the Cheltenham festival and maybe even the Grand National are affected?

It's in your genes, Reefton. By the same token, there will be other small club and/or admin personnel who feel the same, but they just won't be as eloquent. The ability to cut to the chase is not to be sneezed at.