Freda

Barney Ballin did indeed own Mr Pompous. I worked for trainer Gary Lee around that time. I also worked for Peter Jones, trainer of Little Brown Jug, although not when he was racing. I did clip the colt as a yearling for Peter however. Memories!

Certainly should. But unlikely, IMO, although I would love to be wrong.

The feedback from [ local ] riders who actually RIDE on the polytrack, is inconsistent. However one opinion that seems to be almost universal - I say almost because there will be one who disagrees - is that the surface is vastly better after rain. That does indicate that irrigation would probably be a good idea, especially in the very hot, dry summers we regularly experience in Canterbury. A visiting girl, here for a few weeks recently, said that riding on her home track [ Cambridge ] was like riding on a cloud. Not so initially but very nice now. Not so here. I don't have any info as to management differences, but can only report her comments. Two riders, from England/Ireland, both think there is inadequate top compared to the tracks they are used to. Again, only reporting comments, so don't shoot the messenger! Some trainers want the going firmer, others want it loose/fluffy. Must be a nightmare for the track manager trying to keep everyone mollified. My own opinion, is that there has to be an optimum preparation regime which managers should be adhering to, as best they can, without interference. Another observation - this from an experienced traveller/rider/strapper, all over the world - is that a firmer, packed surface is actually safer for the horse. The composite material, when tightened up, protects the horse from the tarmac layer underneath. When ' fluffy' and loose, as some want it, the horse has less protection and can cut through closer to the base. Concussion from the base is a real risk then. Jim's query, about running/walking on the track, I can answer; I find even walking very difficult, and my reconstructed ankle doesn't like it at all. Far more comfortable to walk on the nearby ambulance track, which is firm and level. My dogs, when taken for a spin, will only cross it to get to more interesting areas in the middle. The greyhound, who is mostly on the lead, hates it. An acquaintance, who is a very fit soul and runs k's daily, tried it out and won't again. Reckoned it was awful to run on.

Dear oh dear, words of wisdom from the one who still seems to think Newmarket racing and training tracks are in Scotland. Shit from clay, indeed...

Part of the complete re-build involved a sharply cambered area leading into the steeple fence past the crossing, the one after Cutt's. [ Hazlett's ? ] Caught out one very embarrassed Tane Belsham on the free-wheeling Kalsoy.

They did completely rebuild it. All the way round. And from memory, I'm pretty sure the No.1 grass was inside the C.P. The big and small trial grasses were inside that.

I think there are NZTR representatives at these meetings.

The 'pattern' is everything. While the glitzy day out is great for everyone involved - as the Chief has already stated, we need all sorts of racedays - champers and canapes, BBQ and beer - to appeal to a wide cross-section of the public. But having a high-staked meeting featuring a number of Aus-bred youngsters isn't going to do much for our breeding industry. Black type is what matters.

I'd rather see the Wellesley back where it was. Nevertheless, ten points and a chocolate fish for coming up with some fresh ideas. I'm not saying I agree with all the placements, but, bloody hell, some more innovative thought is exactly what we need. I get a fair bit of stick from a certain quarter for being critical of programming, esp here in the south. It's not a job I consider I'd be very good at - given that the whole thing has to mesh comfortably with northern racing and also Australian. But I do know several who would be VERY good indeed. Would they bother? Probably not, given the prevailing attitude at head office.

No.

I think Roy Purdon had a goodie, but its name escapes me. Also Todd Mitchell?

I'm not from Cambridge, so I can't comment on their particular situation. But the Waikato generally doesn't lack for alternative grass tracks. I think their very wet spring conditions were a fairly potent inducement for an all-weather solution as far as trackwork was concerned. I'm not sure if the Chief is being figurative or literal when he refers to 'cracks' under the AWT. I can't find any reference to that. As for trainers' views generally...getting trainers to agree about ANYTHING would require diplomatic skill of international quality. Regarding the UK - again, climatic conditions make the AWT's a real asset when horses - often lower grade, certainly - can be kept in training all year. Also a boon for stable staff as they have much more security of employment as a result. Awapuni, a different situation, I don't think too many locals were overly keen. There seems to be plenty of opportunity to race without needing to utilise their AWT, still plenty of grass tracks available, and local horse population at present not at a peak by any reckoning. Maybe some benefit for training when conditions are very wet. Riccarton - somewhat different. Many were delighted at the thought of no travelling for hours on winter days, home at night in the cold and dark. The consistency of surface for trackwork, also another plus. But those horses needing soft ground for best performance have been considerably disadvantaged, with the attendant reduction in venues locally being part of that. And the drastic alteration of a former fantastic training centre with so many work options which are no longer available, is, IMO, a backward step, the effects of which are still yet to be realised. One training couple, having shifted down from the north, have become so disillusioned that they are now moving back up there. Some trainers are having problems with injuries. One thing strikes me particularly, is the tarmac base, and what seems to my uneducated eye, a very small amount of 'top' on the track. I stand to be corrected on this, but I'm pretty sure the UK models are not constructed in this manner.

He also said, don't worry about anyone inside, they'll get out of the way. Not this lot, I said. ...! In your day, maybe!

Left hand down, keep kicking....as Mouse said to me at Greymouth

George makes more than a few mistakes himself. And I'm not assassinating the guy, it would be a very difficult job to do. Just pointing put that everyone makes mistakes.

Yes. You're absolutely right. You can. But it's still structured like a salad bowl.

You can come from anywhere, on any track, it depends on the pace. The Valley isn't exactly 'roomy'. It's a dog track. But the best horses usually manage to win because they are the best. One thing you don't get there often is a walk-and-sprint. Not often on the Coast either. As for praise? why not? many are now aware of agendas afoot to close down many venues and finally are realising just what will be lost without them. And the Coast is particularly vulnerable after the b/s last year at Reefton, following on the reduction from 4 to 3 days of the circuit.

Ah...no. I'm told Balcombe might be putting in an appearance at Reefton, though. And there was a new, official-looking bloke whom I haven't seen before deep in conversation with an RIB employee.

It was a glorious day, just a wee breeze which stopped it being oppressively hot although it was still warm. Crowd happy and buzzing, there were so many campervans out the back that it was nearly another village! We had to leave after R4 but there were still people coming in the gate.

Top post.

You'd remember Laurie Sutherland then?

Don't think so. An opportunity to ride there would of course be keenly anticipated but a permanent move, no.

Of course.

And Nelson.