Freda

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' ?

Sounds great. One of my friends used to do similar for Cup Day, whitebait, salads, hot smoked salmon, ham on the bone, BBQ ..some went to the races and came back for the food, others just stayed on the lawn under the gazebo, had bets on their phones and watched the races on the TV wheeled out on the lawn. Far superior.

I got an answer to my rather tongue-in-cheek enquiry...from a very close friend whose sister went with a group, same scenario. Told my friend that the food was awful and overpriced. SHE won't be going again, and doubts that any of the others will either.

The old story, C, is that to remediate a problem, you must be aware that there is one.

No. There isn't. But they all seem to sing from the same song sheet.

Hj, do you think your friends would be likely to go again?

Don't do pressure. What will be will be.

Ha...thanks for the vote of confidence, but Pitty got one yesterday as well. And as for leading Riccarton trainers, Anna Furlong and Shane Kennedy have that well sewn up.

Can't argue with that. And, to be fair, those who turn up at the Cup meeting for the piss-up couldn't care less what is running. Taking sentiment out of things, it's a logical and pragmatic option.

Agree 100%. But I doubt it will happen. The prospect of NZTR interfering even more in club affairs horrifies me. Given their abysmal record of inept decisions and profligate financial behaviour, plans going forward showing complete lack of vision....I could go on..but they should stick to their knitting and take a hard look at their own organisation.

He did exactly as I suggested....but politely said nothing to my ramblings because NZ's winningest jockey hardly needs my words of wisdom about how to ride. But to my query ' did you bring your magic wand ' grinned and said, yep.

If by 'for the week' you are referring to the period between and including the first and last racedays, I can't claim that one, Pitty got one on Wednesday.

More than I expected to be fair and still quite a happy vibe, believe it or not. For me , much more pleasant overall ( I know I'm odd ) as I detest throngs of pissed idiots and there is nowhere much to sit comfortably when it is packed.

I spoke to a couple of venerable horsemen early this morning, about all manner of things but mostly racetracks and racehorses ....the Dennis Brothers. They know a wee bit about farming too...and are not at all impressed with Riccarton.

Thanks...super ride.

Yeah.....have to agree with both parties here. Sure, It isn't the fault of NZTR if clubs choose to ignore their guidelines. However there never seem to be any consequences. If a small/provincial/country club 'ignored guidelines' they would most likely be asked to show why they should be allowed a licence to run races. And there has to be considered the suitability of such 'advice'. There was, until recently, a 'venue inspector' who was ostensibly responsible for all the tracks country-wide. It doesn't take much thought to realise that one size doesn't fit all. Advice pertaining to Ruakaka will not suit Invercargill, or Riverton. Even in a geographical area considered ' one district' i.e. the Coast, what works for Kumara will most certainly not work for Reefton. So you may have, in those situations, local club track men, whether volunteers or otherwise, taking not a blind bit of notice and with plenty of justification.