Freda

Years ago, when racing was run, well, better than now, the Racecourse D's used to go around trainers with apprentices, interview them, check out accommodation if on-site, and make sure the youngsters were paid correctly and had no complaints. No doubt, there were plenty who were too scared to complain..but at least the intention was there. Trainers also had to make sure that the lads had a MINIMUM of 18 rides a year. Bugger all, but again, at least the intention was there. As far as I am aware, there has always been a minimum wage in NZ employment, but obviously, employers got around that somehow because, as NM has said, racing has a terrible rap with the wider public with employment matters. Trainers, as a whole, back then, weren't as screwed financially as many are now, but staff still weren't well treated in many cases. Now, no one seems to ensure conditions are met properly, so unless the youngster has a strong personality, or someone to stand up for them, nothing happens. Economics now make it very hard indeed for many trainers to compete, wages-wise, with the wider labour market, there is just no meat on the bones left. No wonder that the big, successful operations can snaffle good staff more easily....those that haven't already left our shores. In the absence of keen young kiwis, no wonder we are left with a bunch of imports from other jurisdictions to try and make up the jockey numbers. Many from Asia or Sth Africa, UK and Ireland. And it is fair to say [ with no intention to denigrate these riders, many of whom are my friends ] if they were any bloody good at all, they wouldn't be here in the first place.

We have a mask compulsion on racetrack property. I realise that a mask doesn't present the same potential for future ill-health as a result of wearing one, but from a human rights perspective, similar. There are those who say their rights are important too, in that they don't wish to run a greater risk of becoming infected by a non-mask wearer, but there have already been a couple of incidents. A trainer at Ashburton was remonstrated with by officials because of his non-compliance. But I have a medical exemption, he protested, and showed them the documents. Doesn't matter, he was told, these are the rules here, if you won't wear a mask, don't come to the races.

Was going to comment about this, yes, damn right - it is a great concept, but, as you say, sad [ and typical ] that is has to be undertaken by a private enterprise. Donovan Mansour is the guy you are thinking of. Something similar is proposed at Ross Beckett's property, he has his own track and good facilities, and he is pointing Terry Moseley towards doing something with the concept as he nears retirement. But the reams of irrelevant paperwork required by a potential track rider is off-putting in the extreme and no-one seems to have a handle on just what is required and when it might happen. To quote Pitty 'they have taken the power away from the bosses [ trainers] and replaced it with nothing.' Years ago, the boss was just that, a former jockey usually, who knew racing inside out. Those guys weren't all great communicators or tutors though, and it can be seen how some improvement was needed. Often the kids were just cheap labour and had no show of ever making a career of race-riding. The jockey schools of Ireland, UK, and Sth Africa are a great concept and again, we just keep dropping the ball.

She's a lovely filly all right, and very unlucky in the Gns last year.

Has ridden well since she resumed from injury. The only one who can consistently judge pace, well at least better than the rest. Most have absolutely no idea, even the incomparable CWJ is, in the twilight of his career, not consistent. But, when he is on song, still very good.

Kylie Williams stands out for mine.

I think so, yes. And all the b/s about the 'hit' taken by the TAB never mentioned no stakes paid out while Aus racing was followed with enthusiasm.

Joe, I know V'Landys won't countenance AWT racing in NSW, but there are quite a few installed for training purposes. Have you any feedback on those?

Do you think so? I'm no punter, just have the occasional (very) small wager, but Covid-19 has zero impact on me being able to deposit funds, and then having that little bet. Surely any serious punter would find it just as easy?

It will be required for grass track trials too, if needed. I'm sure those trainers with potentially classic young horses will want a hit out on something other than the AWT. So it will just have to be available, won't it.

Yeah. It's actually the CJC meeting shifted from today.

Brave indeed.

The course manager at Ashburton - just in case there is any confusion! the three year old race referred to is at Ashburton too.

Sigh...yes, I do know that. And it's pretty hot at the moment, too. You asked when racing was happening on the AWT. I told you, in the autumn. In the meantime, trials and trackwork. And Ashburton has already been pressed into service because Riccarton wasn't in a good enough condition after the National meeting. Two racedays in six days, and their three year old Stakes race next month....AND the course manager just resigned.

Autumn. Trials next month.

I don't think revenue is 'made' on any TB races at the present time. Less is lost on the smaller stakes, that's all.

I've seen accounts for both grazing and training that would make your eyes water. And I have to make clear I'm not 'having a go' about those charges. They run a top class operation with experienced and quality staff, the attention to detail is second to none, they are entitled to charge what they do. They are the best in that range in which they perform. I'm not getting into the kickbacks and the ticket-clipping, that is an entirely different matter to what we are discussing I think. But the rub is, how long can those charges stand up to the challenges from Australian trainers/syndicates with access to huge rewards, while T.A stay, mainly, at home? As said to me by one of their personnel, most of these horses are very ordinary, but they're needed to pay the bills.

Off the Twitter topic....but 2021 is definitely making 2020 look like a walk in the park.....

That'd cause a bit of squealing.

Yeah, saw,that in the News. Interesting indeed.

Dunno. Probably the whole silly drama made them decide they couldn't be arsed being involved any more.

Well, neither Boyle even holds a licence now so what likelihood of any fine being paid? What a waste of time.

I'm confused...not that that is hard to do..but I'm at a loss to comprehend wtf this has to do with anything?

You are not likely to either. The opinion from on high is that here is nothing wrong with it. I feel for the track staff who surely know otherwise, but don't have the means at their disposal to do anything other than basic maintenance and patching.

Absolutely. No problem at all with their charges, the operation is top class, every attention to detail given. The trouble is, trying to compete with inferior horses, inadequate staff ( because the top bracket wages are unaffordable for many) and the high profile riders often look down their noses at smaller trainers, won't ride their horses, or worse- ride them badly and couldn't give a toss.