Freda

Ya think? It's just same old, over and over again. As one wit said elsewhere, rinse and repeat.

Yes, a long time ago. Was considered far too early, and when the classics were 'rationalised ' the NZ Derby was merged with the Great Northern Derby. I could never see the reasoning behind that , I thought the Wellington Derby placement made more sense. The Wellington Derby seemed to throw up more genuine middle-distance/staying sorts too I thought.

Surely not. It's been hosing down.

As it was once...

Like Trentham.

Seems they will relentlessly continue to do what they have been doing....yee ha.

The stupidity of all this is astounding. Produce some facts, front foot the concerns and welcome feedback, ye gods, how draconian is this going to get?

Ashburton track well presented again...and Timaru stables to the fore.

Yeah....I was scratching my head when I read that!

Yeah....one of my owners said this morning...' when's the Caulfield Cup? I thought it was this weekend, but it can't be. No mention..'

Sad indeed. R.I.P Jonathon. Condolences to family and friends.

World's best?

The bit that particularly interested me was the bit about 'providing more revenue for lower grade racing '. Our administration hasn't got to grips with that concept at all.

Yes. If it can happen in Italy, the birthplace of Ribot and Donatello, it has to happen here the way things are going.

That sounds sensible.

I'm no expert, but the difference is to do with the soil profile. Ashburton, with very limited resources, on the whole produce a decent track. They have strong nor'westers to deal with and light, free draining soil which dries out quickly. The ground down the back straight yesterday was pretty dry but the home straight looked level with a reasonable sole of grass. Upgraded from 4 to 3 after consultation with jockeys. Riccarton has permanent track staff but the compacted nature of the soil makes for an unforgiving surface with no yield for the horses. As well there is an unfortunate history of track ratings not being overly accurate and maintenance not pleasing many.

I think the industry has already had its feet peppered by shot, from many of the decisions made in recent times.

True. That's one thing that has improved wrt fairness...although when you get a run of horror draws it doesn't seem like it!

How about our Guineas races? Derby? On a slippery slope?

I agree. They aren't sales races or restricted in any way - other than ability.

Search me.

Not to mention his time with RACE group...and manager of Otaki and ( i think ) Trentham. A nice enough bloke and very approachable but as far as sorting out track issues, ye gods, no. But as the COO he does look very likely.

Nah, if I had the resources to have a horse in Aus, I would not be wasting my time or money returning. I'd enjoy pottering around the smalls enjoying the company of like minded horse lovers.

Yes, of course they provide the revenue. There wasn't much of that before their arrival. Messara wouldn't have been needed to give his opinion if Entain had arrived already. But the crux of his advice was to partner or outsource our abysmally-performing TAB. Which is the ONLY reason an Oz horse would bother looking this way.