Freda

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 ].

No idea....scary, eh.

In part, yes - I certainly agree in principle with receiving payment for product use and info..but don't see that that will generate very much at all. Not as much as the figures bandied about anyway. And the cost of implementation may make the whole thing a bit of a non-event.

Save our own skins..? ya think? and how many naysayers campaigned against the racefields legislation? It will be entirely due to Messara and Peters [ much as it irks me to say so ] IF anything changes...and that is a bloody big if...

No. John and Karen Parsons. The senior Wigleys [ Nick's parents ] were long time patrons of that stable.

Surprise Ending was the ancestress of many of the Kerrs' smart horses....think Ned Thistoll may have ridden her at one stage....she was the dam of Seaend I think.

Now that is good conditioning.

Don't think Nick ever trained her...I remember Jan walking her around at Ashburton on a typical spring day, with a stinking cold easterly, when the filly had her first start. Nick did train her relation Vicki Buck though, after Dave had trained her initially.

Sure is.

....Pastime, Pasithea, Just a Rebel, Kaap the Bid, Vicki Buck, Joan, Domingo, Grandee, Kraken, Killiecrankie....