Freda

Very, very sad. A gorgeous young woman, a hard worker with a bubbly personality and the loveliest smile that lit up the track every morning. It's unbelievable that light has gone out. Condolences to family, friends, and in fact to all who knew her. No problem with the track, however, it was in perfect condition [ a rarity at the moment, but there it is ] - rider error, pure and simple... not hers, I hasten to add. However, along with Sam Weatherley, the young rider concerned will have to deal with this for the rest of her life. And she was not in a good place today.

Oh....it just gets worse.

Maybe so, but I wasn't referring to Te Rapa other than to point out the whereabouts of the former manager. He managed Riccarton fairly well despite the many problems inherent in that job. The current manager hasn't been so fortunate and it may be that financial and other constraints have impacted on the overall performance of the track.

Understandable although another kick in the teeth for the CD

Yes. Absolutely. And I do agree, to some extent, with the Chief, wrt the track manager. I have said to him, on several occasions, that I was well aware that he didn't create this track. He inherited it. So he certainly can't be blamed for all the issues. But the former manager, now incumbent at Te Rapa, managed to deal with those same issues with far fewer problems surfacing. And there does seem to be a personality clash between the manager and the CEO. That can't make day to day matters easy either.

That is a concern of mine...I realise I have already commented, but it worries me. Given that the CJC - in particular - is crying poverty over the lost Cup Day, what chance is there that they can meet such a penalty [ whatever that may be ] from their own coffers? Losing a few racedays would be another way of imposing a penalty - again owners are hit, but as commented elsewhere, there are enough grass tracks around to utilise. Whatever happens, it is the owner who cops the penalty. And we desperately need to cherish these rare - and becoming rarer - creatures.

Yes. I think I was aware that TAB issue betting licences - or did, at least, before the 2020 Act. I'm not sure where I got the notion that most of that control had been devolved. So, under what authority, then, did NZTR disallow Hokitika from racing again?

' We have requested and been assured RACE have put in place further protocols to ensure this does not occur going forward.' Well, that worked. So, are these reports worth the paper - or whatever the online version is - they are written on ? And, as for the 'withheld funding' who ultimately pays? Does that mean that races cannot be held, going forward, for the money advertised? So then owners pay..and following on, trainers get hit, so then do jockeys - although most don't think that far ahead.. Or do track fees/rents go up? If the clubs have money problems now, how does this help the situation? not that I am implying there should be no consequences...but I don't see CEO's and their minions taking a salary cut to help balance the books.

Good points both. A three year old race - while no one chucks the sophomores a bone down here until the 3 southern Guineas events - would have been nice, again, you need continuity. Not just a race thrown in willy-nilly.

Oh. Good. What an innovative idea. When might this happen? The young Mr Trumper spotted very quickly that all may not be well, to my knowledge he is neither a track manager nor a jockey.

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