Freda

Don't worry, we've got the AWT'S to look forward to.

No.

Yep, brilliant. Notice also how he used to apply the persuader right over the top of the rump...not chopping them in the flanks like so many do today.

Just re-read the posts here. Yes, he is certainly stepping up, that's for sure. How did your nice filly fare in her career so far? There are quite a few by Complacent at the track, but the only Contributer I have seen so far is Follow Your Dreams, down here at the beginning of the season with southern passport-holder Kenny Rae...[ ..!! we think of Kenny as a local ] He is just such a gorgeous little guy, fantastic temperament, attitude plus. We were all hoping that he could perform well in the K.M, but, not to be. And to be fair, watching him in the parade [ albeit only on TV ] he did look overshadowed by the sheer physique of some of the other runners.

1977...? Isn't that just proof that racing attitudes have evolved?. I give up.

Dunno what my phone is doing. I'm having a bad morning anyway..

I'm sorry I ever mentioned Lester. The point, Chief that has obviously escaped you, is that riders have to abide by rules of their jurisdiction....whether or not they particularly want to or even agree with. And, like it or not, front footing a issue has to be better than ignoring it. Quite agree. In addition, I wasn't aware that Breeders' Cups were run in the UK which is to where I was referring. When Lester came to NZ to ride in an International series, at Ellerslie I think, he adapted to our whip rules immediately. No restrictions then and he took advantage of that. The point is that the UK has rules that jockeys must abide by, and do so without any loss of competitiveness.

Quite agree. In addition, I wasn't aware that Breeders' Cups were run in the UK which is to where I was referring. When Lester came to NZ to ride in an International series, at Ellerslie I think, he adapted to our whip rules immediately. No restrictions then and he took advantage of that. The point is that the UK has rules that jockeys must abide by, and do so without any loss of competitiveness.

I know I have harped on this before...to the point of pissing people off, no doubt....but - do the best UK riders appear weak in a finish? Do their mounts not try when asked? Watch Frankie, Ryan Moore, go back and watch Lester, the rules may have been a bit different in his day, but I defy anyone to claim his mounts were given a soft option when it came to the business end. Horses just didn't change their mind under a ride from McCoy. Good jockeys can get the best out their mounts without bashing them.

Oh.. ffs, that would never happen. Derby or poppies.

So, you think the Riu is going to undertake to incur more costs? Who, aside from Te Akau and a very few others, could afford to do this?

That's just the point, isn't it?

Mind boggles.....Jess performing a flying tackle around the ankles, before shoving him face down into the turf, with hands screwed behind his back.

Sounds expensive to implement. Hence the likelihood that nothing will change.

Shouldn't affect the steering.

And sometimes they don't look too flash either..no wonder Lisa Allpress usually cleans up when she comes down. Have to say though, even if he is having a bad day, CWJ never flounders around on his horse.

Years ago there was an 'OTB' - owners, trainers & breeders....then the breeders split off, then the trainers, leaving the owners sort of languishing. Looking back ( and a long way...! ) I think there was more cohesion then, more worked towards a common goal, whereas now its self interest all the way.

You've lost me there

There is no such thing now as an ' owners' and trainers assn' .....I am guessing you mean the separate associations? And pigs might fly.

I'm afraid we are, and have been, a supporting act for a good while. I fear that the only incentive for an owner to maintain a promising horse in work here, is the prospect of an Australian campaign if it proves worthy. Make that harder and even more will head over, sooner rather than later.

Riccarton got 10 mill.....

Ascot Park closed? It was the designated track to remain in use for galloping....never mind that good old Gore had to step in when Invers was unable to be used....I seem to recall Saundry intoning about a 'greenfields' type development incorporating galloping, harness, dogs, and probably equestrian activities as well. So, if it is correct that closure for harness is in the wind, that notion goes out the window. Plan Z ?

Looked like clipped heels, no update on her, but hope she is ok.

Doesn't look too bad on TV...but it will be very firm underneath I imagine.

Possibly, yes. But, the racing industry as it stands now wouldn't change without Te Akau...my point was that they keep their good ones here, mostly - yes, campaign them away, but they aren't as a general rule, sold. So, without their model, far more horses would, through necessity, find their way overseas. And they have plenty of slow ones too.