Freda

I'm not getting into a pointless argument that neither can win. Rightly or not, the codes have always had the ability to take away one's livelihood if one transgresses against their rules. It doesn't happen in the civil courts, unless a person's conviction results in imprisonment, or dismissal from a profession where ethics are paramount - legal, accounting, medical - where being 'struck off' can certainly stop your career in it's tracks. Codes and their management are under the pump bigtime for their collective ineptitude. But - IMO - this isn't contributing to the drop off in interest, nor is it anything new. It is always the way it was. Anyone could, if they want, challenge the system to modify itself. If anyone can be bothered, that is.

I'm not disagreeing with you. I'm just stating the facts as they exist at the moment. It's a parallel situation to the Millane/Molloy business. He thought the law was wrong - as it pertained to the disclosure matter - and therefore felt justified in breaking it. The same fella has vilified others for doing just that, namely breaking the law. Lobby to change the law, he was wont to say, don't break it. You know the score when applying for a licence, if you feel that strongly, don't put yourself in that position. And don't we see more of the same, when someone's wee darling wants longer hair/shorter skirts/piercings/tats that are not acceptable under a school's constitution? the school rules are quite clear when enrolling. Don't bloody well go there if you are going to be an arse.

We agree to abide by the rules of a code when being granted a licence.

You're very kind . But you are right for all that.

Ah. That'll be why I missed it then. FFS.

They would have been busy at Ruakaka...what about W Pinn's brain explosion in R 3?

Talking to Robbie Hannam when he was down, the Awapuni AWT hasn't been started yet, he said, and didn't know when it was likely to get going. I think he was quietly pleased he was still out on an injury break and not having to deal with it all!

That I can't answer. I was told 'made 20 million ' but when I queried whether that was before distribution or debt reduction, or other opex, he didn't know. I suspect it is more smoke and mirrors, personally, but then what would I know.😕

Sorry, typo...Dean McK

Slightly off topic....but still pertaining to 'management ' ....I was told this morning by someone who had been speaking to Dean McC...that the TAB had 'made' 20 million last month. Sound likely?

From Curious' experience, OIA requests aren't very satisfactory either.

Yeah. Amateur hour. I'm not against amateur races in principle either, but there isn't a sufficient number of those races - IMO - to get a group of reasonably proficient riders the experience to look halfway decent. The good ones are certainly very competent..but there just aren't enough of them.

Classic! Just brilliant.

Was a lovely day down there yesterday, superb weather, families picnicking on blankets, sitting on a grassy slope, great atmosphere. How stopping days like this aids racing overall beggars belief. I've harped on this ad nauseum....but - Messara has gotten the blame for wanting tracks shut. His idea was NOT to shut tracks pointlessly, but to use the assets from unwanted facilities to upgrade a few selected venues. He was quite aware there was/is no spare money, and this was the only source he could readily identify. But Timaru, I understand, is not saleable, so.....?

Looking at the new season's calendar, we have 7 races on the AWT May-July, two on the turf, at Riccarton. One each in that period for Timaru and Ashburton. Hmmm.

Sea Change. Don't think she was lame, but her conformation was awful apparently.

I am not going to comment on the case(s) themselves, far better brains than mine have dealt with them. Agree or not, what is done is done. However, I have seen comment to the effect that one should not break the law with impunity. If you feel a law is unfair or inappropriate, lobby to change it. Don't break it. If you do, you may find yourself wearing the penalty for so doing.

You don't get any better

Used to love the mutton pies at the Oamaru winter meetings.

I was pretty sure I knew what your opinion would be in respect of these moves....but, I have to say I don't agree with you. To ignore the prevailing - and increasing - anti racing sentiment is just sticking head in sand stuff. We have the technology to assess these animals, so better that it be used than not.

I see R.V have collated results from their in-depth investigation into the injuries of N.H horses at the Melbourne spring carnival, prompted by the unfortunate death of Anthony van Dyke in particular. Not sure if the 'one run only' restriction before the Cup is absolutely necessary [ if all tests indicate no issues, what is the problem ? ] but, certainly, something needed to be done - and seen to be done. Good on them for front-footing the issue, not burying heads in the sand. There will be plenty who would rather thumb their noses at the anti-racing mob; like it or not, however, we live in the world TODAY, not yesterday. To ignore the concerns of an increasingly urbanised society is very silly indeed. Animal welfare perceptions are far better met and addressed, rather than ignored.

Sadly, i agree. I don't think the prospect of losing the Nationals has occurred to the hosts, all the same.

No. Stuart Higgins looked like he has been on the outside of quite a few pies the last time I saw him....he was the only one I can recall from a few seasons ago.

Yeah....those genuine wet trackers/distance horses now have few options. For a country that used to pride itself - and with some good reason - on producing good middle to staying distance horses, we have long given those real staying sorts few options on the flat. I could never understand the logic of that. How many 3200 races ? Even the Wgtn Cup got bastardised for some stupid reason, thankfully now back at the right distance, but unless a horse [ in earlier days ] had some pretensions to class, there were few chances for them to try the extreme flat trip. But, they could go jumping, or wait for the winter and testing ground. The doggers trucks will be busier than ever. There are only so many potential eventers which can be rehomed...and that is another very murky situation right there.

You've got a gremlin, Chief...!