Freda

Now there is a minimum requirement of 25 trials. An improvement I guess.

Yeah. The Greenies. And we will have walked right into it.

We've all got opinions [ me probably more than most as this is a topic very much of interest to me ] but nothing will change; the administrators don't know enough to make change. The riding mentors don't do much that I can see, the apprentice schools seem [ overall ] to be a waste of time, I don't want some pony club chick telling any worker of mine how to bandage a horse or put it on a float, or recognise poisonous plants that are VERY unlikely to be in my stable yard. Judgment of pace and tactical appreciation would be a good start, but...if trainers who have apprentices haven't ridden and don't have much idea [ apart from when their bets don't come off ] and the schools and mentors don't teach HTF are the young riders going to improve? The new Academy funded by the Nakhles is a great initiative, but it is only one and won't help southerners very much. Recently a stipe cautioned a very promising rider [ not a claimer ] for not giving a horse every opportunity. The horse concerned was an 9 year old has-been, with not the slightest interest in improving his own position, and even less in being motivated to do the same. Never mind the carnage going on around the pair that never got a mention. Jeez..

I'd agree there, although who would be arrogant enough to second-guess Waller? Not me anyway. Hopefully she is AOK...even the 'mares in spring' situation might have a bearing, I'm not sure if Regumate can be used or not, there was some publicity a year or two back. And she is another year older, thinking of that.

Especially if they are young, blonde and pretty.

i watched Kozzi Asano on [ I think] Summer Monsoon, nearly fell off when the horse rolled in sharply, but at no time was there any attempt to pull his stick through to straighten his horse. And he is way better than most.

CWJ is just jogging along trying to keep out of their way. FFS, Walsh is their 'mentor'...clearly he isn't passing much on.

When I read that on the Loveracing site, I got the impression that the funds come from the combined Auckland clubs, not NZTR.

No idea. But I shouldn't think they'd ask too much more, surely? Tough competition and he's tried hard every time.

He's come a long way in a short time...all credit to the horse. He'll be some animal next prep, as long as all is well with him.

Maybe, maybe not But how does that change the quality of thinking within? Bricks and mortar.....

Talking match races...anyone ever hear the commentary of Golden Souvenir vs Soneri? two great horses at a distance not preferred by either. Not quite far enough for the gelding, probably too far for the mare.

I was trying to illustrate the quality of advice Messara received. I'm sure he will be, by now, very well aware that most of his efforts were an utter waste of time.

Messara was advised by locals wrt tracks, with a pro bono report done in double quick time he had to be advised, or he would never have covered the distance. Our local hierarchy was very positive about Waikouaiti, telling me when I queried, that it got good attendance from holidaymakers and it had a 'lovely view'. Ffs.

Pretty sure they won't.

I think all is good, yes.

If you mean Donna, she's shifted to Kirwee.

Timaru track was superb.

Good song though.! The original was an International hit I think.

I think you've kinda missed the point....which is Richards was penalized for being honest. Nod's comment is on the button, though, the racing grapevine being what it is! IMO he should have been commended for his honesty, and perhaps warned, and advised to up his stable protocol. Nothing more. A fine is just b/s.

I don't really know, L..but I speculate it is a combination of poor programming, and fewer meetings in the Canterbury district. As well, the influx of Pike/Te Akau and others which wouldn't normally be about which adds to the difficulty of getting starts with lower rated horses as well as the escalating costs associated with travel to Otago/Southland. And, the Timaru track is well presented and offers a fair surface, suiting most.

Oh, hilarious. He is likely helping to perpetrate the myth beloved of our heirarchy that li'l ol' NZ is a lesser, but still influential offshoot of dear old Blighty...not as populous, or vigorous, as the convict settlement across the water, but oh, so superior and with much better grass. That started to slide off the map twenty or so years ago.

as well, if I read it correctly, Bruce Sherwin is now a councillor on the Pattern race committee on a rotating basis, representing 'developing' countries. How did we become 'developing' ? I should have thought 'disintegrating ' would be more appropriate.

..and got its Grp 1 status for its 20 mill Cup.

I wonder how the S.S would have regarded the gangs? Elimimated them? or recruited them..?