Freda

The trainers tested didn't include me...! although I offered... And several that are known drinkers were tested clear, so obviously the testing was specific.

Quite some years ago testing was carried out for the first time [ that I can recall ] at Riccarton, and the results of that, and some north island areas as well, led the then Racecourse ' D' to quip that if all the positives were suspended or disqualified, there would be many stables with no staff at all. So some were not permitted to ride work, but were able to continue with their groundwork duties. Different ball game now I feel....and yes, Jess, not just restricted to staff either.

Yep.

There has been a bit of criticism of late of the RIU and their efforts - highlighted by the recent positive results for ' P' for 3 N.I horses and one down at Riccarton. The time taken to take action and also deal with the after-effects such as disqualification, and re-rating of the runners-up has been the source of much frustration. Last week the 'feds' arrived at Riccarton on Wednesday morning during trackwork [ and again on Thursday to catch those who had scarpered ] and got a nice wee catch. Preliminary results only - with further testing to confirm - have put a few cats among the pigeons....! Well done RIU, this shit is a scourge on modern society for a number of reasons, not just for racing integrity; keep up the good work.

I'd be embarassed to call myself a 'punter' - my investments are so modest - but I have far better luck in the winter, and also, usually, in jumping races.

It's just so bloody refreshing to read sense instead of rubbish....thanks fellas.

I hadn't even realised she was riding again...super girl is Shelley.

They are and so is she...no pressure indeed! I was at Oamaru when Show Gate won her first race...this bay streak bearing those red and white colours just appeared as if by magic...little did we all know what we were seeing.

Not effectively if at all...and why would anyone lobby NZTR?

Why would that surprise anyone..?

So do I... but to concur with Curious, to change the existing Act involves Parliamentary process. Whatever J.M recommends, unless W.P can get cross-party support, nothing can develop. I can't see the Greens supporting anything to do with racing for starters.

Thanks, Rowley and Chief....it's always a thrill to win a race, especially with a genuine horse and a most enthusiastic bunch of supporters. With a small team, every win is special and I hope I never lose that sentiment.

Agree Jess. Like you, I like to look in on other sites , I enjoy comment and discussion even if I don't necesarily agree. I used to like the old Racechat, too - but tech issues seem to dog that one to a degree....and the other new one, racing.network, seems to have no traffic as yet although looks very smart!

Maybe that will be the case. This bloke is not stupid.

Best news for years. Whether you like / trust Peters, or Messara for that matter, the other option - doing more of what we have been doing for the past twenty odd years - is just not on. In a few more years, there won't be an industry to report on.

I have to say I do enjoy the banter to-and-fro about Jacinda and her mob....great entertainment. However, if Winston, with John Messara's direction, can resurrect this industry that we have allowed to trickle down the gurgler, I will forgive them almost anything.