Freda

Yes. And unnecessary. If policing was more consistent and action taken riding standards might improve. Doesn't alter the opinions on Oatham though.

I think others will concur too.

Lost me too.

Great watch indeed. All kudos to him....[ maybe play it to Pride of Jenni's owner...]

A good mate too. Very sad. Condolences to family and friends.

Yeah, sadly nothing approaching the above podcast. What insightful comment, thanks from me too for putting that up.

I remember when the 3 year olds had a crack at the Canterbury Gold Cup too.

Fair comment. Class and decorum however, are becoming less visible in society generally, never mind racing.

Well, I'm not one of the two, but for mine, I'm effing pleased I don't live there. Unimaginable horror for the poor buggers in the middle.

A better fate than when Clover Meats was in operation....

A well -reasoned post, Matt. I think the Chief has answered most of your concerns however, better than I could; I for one thought the track raced fairly and I didn't hear any adverse comments from riders while I was there. The times certainly indicated that as well I don't agree that the track crew nearly always get it right. We had a rough and hard track last month - and Cup Day two years ago, as a couple of reminders...now I'm not pointing the bone here, there is no way that trackmen want to make a cock up, they will be doing their best. But with a compromised soil structure and possibly pressure from elsewhere they are between a rock and a hard place. If the track had NOT been watered Thursday, it would have been very hard. Again the Chief has answered your thoughts on that. But I think we all agree that perfection is the ideal, it's just bloody hard to get.

Beats me. Maybe no one asked the riders?

He's a lovely quality sort too. Not overly big, but beautifully balanced.

And that with 'too much water' ? what utter bollocks. For once, the CJC track staff deserve praise for getting the surface as spot on as could be managed - esp given the capricious weather.

He's a lovely honest horse, tries so hard every time. But the winner came from behind him to win, so credit where it is due...even though only a head bob..! And tactically, Rohan has him sussed.

Have to agree with that.

I'm pretty firmly with Thommo and Curious here...IMO the current rules are confusing and hard to police. And the social licence is becoming so necessary for the tolerance of the general public ( those that actually give a shit at least ) that there has to be action, not the bumbling responses we see. Limit the number of strikes, require hands back on the reins for a mandatory number of strides and apply the penalties consistently.

They have been watering fairly consistently Anecdotally the track is in wonderful order.

Well, we have the much- aligned Colin Wightman to thank for this. Despite the concerns of many people, their opinions have been largely brushed aside and I very much doubt if anything would have transpired without his energy - as well as that of Mr Z. Although Col can go off at a tangent he loves a stoush and in this case, despite some rather creative language, has galvanized some action.

So, while admirable in intent, in actuality it is more meaningless fluff...remember the last contact you had with some of the above-mentioned.

Agree 100%.

Reckon so.

In other words, silly programming.

Good point

It would be a rare mistake for Bart Cowan to make - if in fact he is still at Te Rapa, I presume he is - because he is one of the best. I just can't imagine him being stood over.