Freda

Funnily enough, some years ago, former CJC President John Austin [who was certainly NOT considered innovative in any shape or form] thought that obtaining cheaper land out Halkett way - light, dry, free draining soil - and setting up purpose-built training facilities was the way to go.

Ah....apparently there is a lovely view...

....to all, safe and happy holidays and good fortune whether racing, punting or just relaxing - and goodwill to all, even Thommo.!

Seems so...but our crooks are clearly of a better quality.. ! .I have to agree with Thommo here though, the integrity protocols are woeful.

What a shame...I've never had the chance to visit...but family members used to live there ( a number of years ago now ) and were ever nostalgic about the beauty and quiet elegance of Adelaide and the surrounding country. That would seem to have a parallel with the ending of oil/ gas exploration in Taranaki - ideology ahead of technology.

What's with the energy prices?

He's trained Grp 1 winners...I haven't.

Think she must have with 2 wins. Good to see S.I lad Corey Campbell doing so well too....the only app. on the list.

Glad you asked, 'cos I was scratching my head too..

Yes, Chief....but the reasons why/solutions are debated here and elsewhere....and by the look of things - and the speed of parliamentary process- there is SFA we at the coal face can do right at this minute.

Bloody hell....you get the drift...

And isn't it great to see everyone odd their areas thinking a out tomorrow....unfortunately it is probably too late. ( I hope not )

Haha, yep. Bloody brilliant!

None...because they ARE successful. This one isn't.

Wasn't aware of any 'bike' promo....so can't comment...but pretty sure there is no Injured Jockeys' fund now - was once - but not now in this day of ACC. There are still odd, special payments on an individual as-needs basis..but not a fund that I am aware of, or certainly not one of any significance.

If he attended apprentice school how could he NOT be aware of the whip rules?

Thanks, you just answered my earlier query.

I'm still confused.

Will a horse hold the same rating across country/provincial/city?

And speaking as a trainer....the large teams of beautifully bred horses necessarily produce a lot of wastage. Sent to a less pressured environment with, often, an outside or paddock environment, many of these horses improve out of sight. It is not that they have developed better form because the opposition is crap, but they have enjoyed and adapted to very differing regimes. That is off the ratings topic I realise....but you did ask for an opinion.

Given there are greater numbers, generally, yes...but that is not the point is it? That superiority should be reflected in the ratings allocated but it isn't.

Which shouldn't, in itself, allow slipping on a well-manicured track with suitable drainage....vis. Flemington.

Tiered racing is suitable for Australia, it works well for them....it is here that it isn't applicable ...IMO of course..! That still doesn't mean there shouldn't be better stakemoney to reward the better horses - but the distribution has to be workable for the whole equine population. At the moment, it isn't. Ratings should provide a guide to the correct placement of a horse in a particular race...and Auckland horses should have their superiority reflected in higher ratings.

Again, we agree..up to a point. The rating of the horse should reflect its relative ability / perceived class. You are right that the Auckland form is perceived to be stronger, but if the ratings of the horses were done accurately there wouldn't be this anomaly. As I said, a R65 is an R 65...there shouldn't be a regional difference. If the ratings were done on the horse population as a whole, then the class difference would be reflected in the ratings given. When ratings are done on a race -by -race basis, then the whole system becomes skewed. The ratings system gets a lot of flak, it isn't hard to follow at all IMO - but its application is flawed here.