Freda

Oh. Yeah. Didn't factor in the gross/ net thingy. No wonder I can't do this stuff. But jumpers not the black hole purported- at least not significantly worse than anything else.

That's the crux, surely? the shabby spectacle we now produce - no disrespect to the wonderful horses or their handlers - is just so far removed from how the best do it. UK/Ireland so far ahead there is little comparison, embarrassing.

So, while not startling, at least not a loss then? Am I understanding that?

Would the numbers of people surrounding the parade rings in the UK have to do with the rails bookies? They do help a lot with colour and atmosphere, never mind just getting a bet on.

I know you aren't a fan of BdL, but I couldn't find anything to take issue with here. Mary's comments very good too.

Cynical.....

Feasible, do you think?

Hell, there's a shitload of 65's around here.

Of course.

I don't get that. Why would Entain continue to throw money at NZ racing for 50% ? Have we seen significant increases in TAB 'profit ' to date?

Yes, I find that more than a shade biased.

Bruce is a top bloke, irrespective of his views on handicapping.

Sadly indeed, but you're right I feel. I love the jumpers, I know you do too, but - although Warrnambool is a place I've never been too - the product [ horrible word ] just can't compete with that, or the UK/Irish version. No one does jumping like the Brits, how we fell behind so badly has to be another topic but watching the lesser lights flounder over tatty obstacles is not doing much for the sport. The CD is really the only area keeping it going now.

Well I, for one, have had to send a nice mare back to her N.I owners because of the appalling [ his words ] programmes. How do your owners cope, he said, no grass opportunities for weeks, I will not run her on the poly down there, her action won't suit it. Send her home.

And restricted to Karaka graduates. Very helpful.

Just more money from non-core activities to subsidise us. Make no mistake, I'm as happy to get a chance at a decent stake as the next person. But those charged with leading us out of the abyss seem as oblivious as ever to the path to the Promised Land.

Nope.

Of course it isn't. Curious - and others - have been pointing that out for the best part of two decades.

No Hokitika anymore?

Yes, it certainly was.

He's one of my 'idols' too..! A lady who knew Chris as a young man in Foxton, said 'he was always going to be good. His attention to detail is outstanding, second to none. '

Brilliant idea. Race Images has its ChCh premises right on course, an obvious choice for such a venture and I'm sure they would be only too happy to contribute.

Isn't the first either.

Er....Kumara?

Galloping