Freda

Sad...terrific spectacle and some great, great horses showcased through the years. Seems only the Poms and the Irish can do it properly.

I can't understand all the secrecy. P is a horrible, insidious scourge on modern society, it is rife, it's everywhere. So a P positive is not necessarily a slur on the trainer concerned, but every effort needs to be made to track down the source of contamination for future avoidance ; and dare I add, maybe to try and get help to those users who may be able to be salvaged?

That is correct I believe.

Thanks for the replies...interesting stuff.

There are the odd one or two that don't actually like being hit....will close up if touched...coaxing and beautiful balance may be hard to watch, but hey, if it works..

update so far : vendor is refusing to supply or allow viewing of the vet report, and is demanding payment of second and final instalment.

...they get far less use year-on-year too......but you are quite right nonetheless...esp. about the 'experts'.

If NZ racing doesn't get a significant re-structuring through the Messara report, it won't matter where they are. They - on their own - won't turn our fortunes around significantly and we won't be able to afford to maintain them.

No, not at all....the funds from the new housing development do NOT go to the CJC, rather to the R.R Trustees who are charged with maintaining reserves for the future and benefit of racing for the people of Canterbury. Interest from those funds will be allowed to go to the CJC but as yet, payment in full is a fair way away.

Agree about the drunks..! ...seriously, it is the uniqueness, as you say, that is it's attraction.. also, despite that, Kumara is cash-strapped - and has woeful facilities for stabling horses. Westland, with land assets, adequate if modest stabling/yards, and adequate cash as well, not in the same category at all. Given the history of NZTR for making stupid decisions, this would be another one IMO.

The suspension was imposed by Rafi's home jurisdiction, Singapore....so is a matter for them to deal with. He is away home now.

I would be surprised if a smart operator like JM is not aware of the differing set-up between the two jurisdictions. He would be well aware of the privileged position NZ racing has squandered - I am sure he will be looking to advise strategies that can [ hopefully ] make the industry self-sustaining without begging from the NZ taxpayer. The biggest problem will be enacting legislation to facilitate this. I'm not holding my breath given that most everyone either hates or mistrusts the acting PM...but if he can't, along with his other portfolio as Minister for Racing, achieve this, we've got no show.

Ah.....could be right, yes. However - Fairtax aside, which was a great initiative, I have yet to hear any suggestions from him or anyone else [ aside from you and Rodhill wrt handicapping/allowances ] that could seriously make a difference to the faltering NZTR regime. A lot of criticism, but little constructive I feel. All the reconstruction in the world won't give us much joy - apart from short term - unless the flatlining revenue from NZ galloping can pick up. Hopefully JM can achieve something there.

Bloody fantastic.

6 or 7 years ago...? Enlighten me?

Given that JM was an administrator for Country racing NSW for a time, I don't see him recommending closing tracks willy-nilly just for the hell of it. If he thinks it necessary on a case-by-case basis, that's different IMO.

I recall Mark Sweeney in front of the camera at one stage ? I thought he was excellent, combining knowledge and an articulate manner. Don't know whether he was ever offered a permanent spot though.

Yep, that would work.

Thanks, T.D....I do realise there is always an element of 'caveat emptor' at auctions, of course.

An interesting situation has developed with acquaintances of mine around the sale and subsequent purchase of a horse from an online service. Said horse was sold as 'sound with more wins....etc' , part payment was made and the horse put into work. The purchaser noticed an area of concern and brought it to the attention of the vendor"s agent, who affirmed that the condition had been checked and all was well. Subsequently the horse went amiss on that area. Upon informing the vendor's agent of this development the purchasers were again assured that the horse had been passed OK. The second- and final - part of the payment has not been made. This is, I am sure, going to get messy. What is the legal position on these situations?

He was a naughty boy.

Hi Jess I've had two by Super Easy [ very small sample I know ] but both are pretty sensible. They are both fillies, so can't comment on the boys. Another trainer based close by has also had a few....one is currently being used as a 'hack' for one of his breakers. Prom Queen has a kid's pony nature.

Didn't see any racing..too busy attacking backyard with saw and secateurs....but wouldn't have anything to do with speed and tiny fences would it?

....and I've got just the horse for the 65 3200.....!

Think its an excellent concept...and yes, agree re Riverton - great place, lovely course, but can be very, very testing ground and very costly getting sufficient horses down there [ esp for one day ].