Freda

They haven't had a chance to fuck them up yet. Just wait.

Oh, definitely.

Gee, those reports were an absolute godsend.

I have to point out that the above comments are not necessarily all my own ideas...can't take credit for that. It has come from discussions had, not just here, but elsewhere and over a long period. Years. Some of it, for more than a decade. And I'm certain those smart folk take no pleasure in being right; but they are being proven to be very accurate with their predictions. All I've done is cobble the points together into one post instead of random bits and pieces. The final nail will be if [when] NZTR decide to scalp the industry stakes and hit the bottom tier. Some have observed we need aspirational amounts for the better horses, but plainly, we can't afford them. Either accept that, or the final reality will hit the general racing population. I see a NZ TBA publication expressing 'surprise' at the announcement from the TAB. Really? where have they had their heads all this time?

An owner [ and friend ] said to me, some weeks ago, how do I go about becoming a member of the CJC ? Ring them, I suppose, I said, unhelpfully. He had gone on his phone, found the website, and followed the prompts to where he could apply to become a member. But, when he got to the page, it told him that membership applications were now closed for the 22-23 season. He said, I thought they would have been pleased to welcome new members. I thought so too. After making some enquiries, my friend was advised to contact Alison, from the front desk, who would sort it all for him. However, he subsequently decided, after Cup week, that he didn't really want to bother with an outfit that couldn't even get the small things right, never mind the big stuff.

Perhaps they've reduced the membership fees? 🤣🤣

There would be a huge cost reduction if the same was in place today. Cut all the dead wood, run tote only. Reduce the TAB to a clearing house, with very modest costs. License outside operators to run fixed odds and take a fee. No risk, and no piss-poor odds setters pretending - and failing - to be bookies. Disestablish the RIB. After all, it's forerunner - the RIU - was Cameron George's brainchild. His portfolio of successes is fairly slim. With SOME of the money saved, start with a rotational renovation of the remaining grass tracks. And maybe, eat some humble pie and accept that some of them may need to be re-introduced into the mix. Produce enlightened racing programmes for districts, and deal with the handicapping/ratings issues that have dogged the industry...which will mean, obviously, getting shot of those that have created the current fiasco. At club level [ much harder because all decisions have to be made, there, by their respective Boards ] require accountability of elected personnel, if not forthcoming, disestablish said Boards. They must be able to show acceptable KPI's, require compliance, and in a timely fashion. Stakes must be allied with what can be earned per medium of betting revenue. That means high end stakes must be trimmed, not by a few K, but by significant amounts. Breeders will howl. But the breeders' lobby has held racing at pistol-point for too long. Have I missed anything?

Just get rid of the plonkers, go back to Racecourse detectives and stipes for racedays. Of course, you still need stipes who can read a race.......

Some very astute commentators have discussed these issues highlighted above not for weeks, months, or even years - decades. The predicted chickens are settling comfortably on their roosts, and as Curious pointed out above ; some good ideas, but way too late.

No, not at all...IMO. The retention of smart young horses has to be the biggest issue, which for all the reasons discussed here, is dropping all the time. But a decent two year old programme ( especially in the south where it is abysmal ) ) would be a big asset, firstly in giving some incentive to race a nice youngster here, and secondly, providing a platform where exposed form and competition could push ratings up.

Nope.

Do you think we will have many left to worry about, soon? Looking at the ratings of the 1000 Gns field, it could hardly be termed a worthy Grp 1. Only two fillies rated above 68 - the first [84] and second [77] placegetters.

Well, it certainly won't be Pitty. Good on him for making a point. I doubt anyone else will be putting their hand up to play that role.

Nope.

He's making a stand

Yes, that is largely correct. We had a meeting several years ago, to discuss the possibility of an AWT at Riccarton to 'bring us forward into the 21st century ' . There were several attendees from other Canterbury clubs, and it was made quite clear by the Chair [ Tim Mills ] that meetings would be need to be transferred to the AWT to 'justify the investment ' into that track. I can't understand why those same clubs now don't understand, or are surprised, that their contribution has been, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, reduced significantly. We can see now the 'manipulation of programmes' referred to by Huey to incentivise the use of said track. The only exception seems to be Ashburton, intended to be the 'back up ' for Riccarton, when the expected influx of trainers arrives. Those who can't afford to purchase and live in ChCh, can go to Ashburton, was the idea. I found that concept offensive, but maybe I'm just picky. I have never been against the provision of an alternative surface, for racing or training. As said before, it will suit some, not others. But it shouldn't be the ONLY option for either. A senior trainer and former Board member, at that meeting, said to me - oh well, there isn't the bloody money for this fairy tale, if we just hold our hands up in support, he'll shut up and we can go home. And then along came Winston and the PGF and the rest - as they say - is history.

And there it is in a nutshell.

Sending horses over the ditch looks ever more appealing.

Trainers may also hasten their own demise by refusing to race there, and thereby condemning their horses/owners to weeks without racing at all, or else facing significant costs travelling all over the blasted Sth Island to find starts. That is compounded by awful programmes, so finding suitable placement can be harder than ever. The whole situation is a disgrace, and NZTR has, despite asserting that AWT racing is not for the summer months, done a U-turn.

Thats awful. Very nice man, and only recently lost his wife too. RIP Cubes Condolences to family

Both, I'm afraid. Because if the taxpayer hadn't contributed [ again ] there would have been no free money available for this. As it is, the cost over and above the 10 mill has had to be found, from where, I'm not sure.

PGF = Provincial Growth Fund It still staggers me that that funding was allowed to be used at Riccarton in Christchurch City. The B/S that accompanied the application was astounding; and, even more astounding was that it was swallowed hook, line and sinker. I always felt that Rangiora would have been the ideal venue. The harness folk would have needed convincing, but as long as all parties were on board it would have allowed an excellent facility to be kept in use. And even Pitty agreed with me.

Well, we did have pretty good work tracks ; unfortunately when this new toy went in the 15 or so options were reduced to 3 plus the Te Akau turf.

Not that I'm being an apologist for the bloody things....but at least a polytrack gives a training option as well. A Strathayr would be fantastic for racing, sure, but I don't see trackwork conducted daily on one.

When a regional track advisor is the one who has presided over such cock up, whose head rolls then? Do we seriously think that NZTR will 'hold its hand up' ?