Freda

Yes. I'd have to agree although my knowledge of such matters is not significant. To me, increasing patronage of NZ TAB is best served by offering the best deal. Simple in concept IMO. But TAB/Entain is the funding arm only. They don't manage code business although do have some say in dates I believe. So delivering an improved 'product' has to fall pretty much in the lap of NZTR as far as we are concerned. That remains a concern for mine. And to add- I don't think anyone is 'knocking ' Entain or belittling the extra funds that have materialised. This is a lifeline, we were up shit creek for sure without them. It is how those extra funds are managed that will be interesting.

Yes, I don't know about that. However, don't forget that the two year promise pertains to TAB staff....and they don't make the day to day operational decisions that the codes do.

Bullshitted....dear oh dear. Your clarity of thought will be as welcome with this new venture as it is here, and elsewhere. However, this bit of the above news does concern me.. ' ...This extra injection will deliver the best outcomes if it is targeted towards those types of initiatives that enhance the industry in the long run. Simply increasing the funding of the status quo is not sustainable...' Have we seen any bright new initiatives to drive interest and participation? maybe, a little early yet and I should be kinder. But gems like running meetings in the deep south in midwinter has to be one of the silliest options seen for a while.

If NZTR keep making daft decisions - such as the Wingatui meeting yesterday, with Oamaru just up the road - Entain will be wondering indeed.

What's an RCT ?

At least they don't lose stakemoney. I presume there will be a rating change, on both sides? What a circus.

I might be a bit thick, but I didn't get that impression overall. Of course knowledge of indigenous folk is valuable, and has much to teach us all. But to override science-based research is not, I don't think, a good idea. Moderation and respect for both, the ideal, surely. Interestingly the assertion that Antarctica was first seen by the Russians in 1820 strongly contradicts the diagram [ can't remember which book I found it in ] of the Piri Reis maps clearly showing the coast of Antarctica sans ice.

Excellent essay indeed. Early writings from the likes of Samuel Marsden, who had the opportunity to meet with, and see first hand the customs of many Maori from multiple districts, showed his dismay when ill folk were put outside in the cold and damp, and deprived of food. His conclusion was that the treatment meted out to sick members of a community had as much to do with their ultimate demise as the malady itself.

Fantastic for stakeholders. I am a bit confused though, how increases on this scale can be managed when over the border in Victoria, racing is facing a tightening of the belt stakes-wise due to an expected drop in revenue?

I think the issue is one I highlighted earlier....namely, that NZ wins are all classified as metropolitan, as we do not have specific deliniations for country, provincial and metropolitan areas. Pretty simple really, but looking at the reactions elsewhere, the fault has to be somewhere between NZTR and R.V. Hardly the fault of owners or trainers and equally, Pinn himself.

I've got it recorded, so I'll watch when I finish work! Ascot, that is, not the cricket

You're probably right, sadly. To show support for winter performers, and, by inference, horses that favour wet going, is to admit that the notion that AWT's will be the saviour of us all, is flawed.

You make good points. A similar situation exists with [ I think ] the Timaru Cup, a listed Hcp held on an industry day. How bloody awkward can that be to assess?

Do you think I should ready the stables for the expected influx of horses from up north to qualify for the race for S.I based horses. ? Or not. Probably not.

No thoughts?

Actually, I don't know if we have a differential for country/provincial/metropolitan. We might THINK we do, but - I recall, when Wheels was pioneering the winter attack on Queensland, one of his difficulties was to adequately classify his horses. Then, there was a requirement that a country track was outside a distance of 100km from a GPO. Obviously, NZ's geography is very different from the vast distances seen in Aus, it is quite possible to make a case for many a 'country' track here to be classed as 'metropolitan' for that reason. Someone will correct me if necessary, I'm sure. But the stupid 'tiered' system we pay lip service to is only tiered stakes.

Is it freehold?

We'll have more idea about that on the 15th. For now, we just have to consider ourselves lucky we have the place at all, given their agendas.

I noticed Rogie announcing that young Ryan was the equal of J.Mac, and other high flyers.....hard to imagine James getting himself in such a tight situation.

Apparently not.

He's embarrassed. But did concede that 'bagging a jockey' is the quickest way to get egg on your face.

Of course it isn't. Euthanasia is the best option for many. A difficult horse can be a danger to a pleasure rider, who then loses interest in the new toy - if not frightened or hurt by the animal - which may be kept in unsuitable/unsafe surroundings, poorly cared for, and become yet another welfare statistic. I've mentioned this point before - that a dedicated equine abattoir where animals are treated humanely and with dignity - could make use of a valuable resource. But unfortunately, the policing of such a facility would be critical and looking at some of the horror examples often seen, unlikely to fly.

No-one as far as I am aware. Gareth moved himself on, citing a desire to progress.

Hmm....

Thanks Gamma, was good to follow your comments, and very satisfying to forward Wiremu's tally for the day to a naysayer who announced yesterday morning that he is an 'overrated piece of shit.' !