Freda

To be fair to the oft-maligned track manager, it would be very difficult indeed to get consistent application with the system currently in place - and also, factoring in strong winds which are part and parcel of the Canterbury summer weather patterns. Either a stinking north-easterly [ beloved of your good self ] or a howling nor'wester. Thankfully, that situation has been ameliorated - for now. The outside strip [ down the chute only ] has presented beautiful going this week. Other problems [ like the housing development across the fence starting machinery with flashing lights as you try to get onto the track itself ] are not really CJC matters, although certainly making things difficult for some horses. Both a result of flawed reconstructions - and short cuts.

In conversation with a Cambridge trainer - it seems that the condition of the AWT surface has improved markedly following recent rain. Bodes well for the wet winter/early spring conditions in the Cambridge region . But - this surface is NOT supposed to need irrigation. Someone get it wrong again?

Years of under investment in infrastructure, what can be expected?

Ya learn something every day. That is good to hear, but nothing of that nature down here. There has been the odd novelty scamper as I recall, but not as a consistent fixture or series. There was a 'ride to time ' exercise organized in conjunction with David Walsh and some local pony clubs, where the youngsters were able to pacework their ponies at the track, but that was very different from the above discussion of course. How many races for the ponies would there be in a year? And, all over the north, or just the C.D ?

Didn't know that, that's great. Why can the ridden ponies not have a series, too?

Yes, the Kidz Karts have been fantastic for the harness fraternity, surely some pony scurries could have been worked into the galloping mob. Too hard? or too up ourselves to bother? Look at the Shetland steeplechases in the UK/Ireland, the Donkey Derby. Hilarious and great fun.

Agree, in part to the above - but, practices have changed too. When I started out working in stables, we would trot the horses on the road, to the track, and walk them home the same way. Often the boss would have us clattering around the block on a Sunday for something to do ( ! ! ) and, if any 'pre training ' was done, that would be on country roads, grass verges, on the beach..now pre training is done on someone's private track, often incorporating a walker or treadmill..so, so different from years ago.

Yeah.point. Whatever, he needs to make a decision, taking his health seriously into account. He can't keep doing this to himself. There are many riders who are, or who have been, in his position..there comes a time to call a halt to it all.

The vest weight is not counted..i.e 1 kg over is factored in. Some do have very 'light' vests though. And the 'weight' of a sip - or a cup - of water doesn't equate to the difference registered on the scales.

I am finding all this a tad tedious. I have every sympathy for Mr Bosson, and agree that .8 kg was not going to make a difference. It seems he didn't 'cheat', and it's pretty likely that he had a sip of water after weighing out, he must have been feeling awful. It doesn't take very much fluid to make a difference in those circumstances. But there cannot be rules for some and not for others.

That's the point, though, isn't it? no-one is accountable...unless you are a battling jockey or a small trainer. Then you can be accountable.

They do

Doesn't need fixing. It's fine. 😎😎

I think Cambridge provided a fair bit of their own money, i.e.. the PGF wasn't the complete funder.

Good idea, on the face of things, to utilise the facilities in this way. But [ and there may well have been a specific reason why the Friday was the day picked ] what would have been wrong with combining the music gig with raceday? a package ticket deal could have had had some crossover value - patrons attending the races and then remaining on course for the music?

Well, there was enthusiastic support initially. Some are still positive, with the notion that an improved training surface will be the outcome. Hopefully they are right. But, the negative feedback coming from Cambridge is not encouraging. And most of the supporters didn't consider the very difficult conditions we now have to work around, I don't think it entered their heads. There is provision for a new gallop grass, that at least will be very welcome. But, it will be late spring at the soonest before it will be usable.

What a load of bollocks. Some sensitive fillies will curl up like a piece of lettuce if hit....bludging old geldings might get on with things a bit - if it suits them - stallions can pull up in a stride. Just keep it consistent for God's sake. Five overall works fine elsewhere, don't give me crap about horses not trying...the riders will just have to learn to push and drive using legs, upper body strength, balance, whatever works. But flailing around with a whip should be a thing of the past.

I have to add, I haven't noticed feed or other costs getting away, with the exception of hay. A real shortage locally and quality lucerne around $18 a bale delivered....if you can find some.

Just came back from the supermarket, not known for being particularly cheap, but noticed a large watermelon for 8 dollars. Wouldn't buy it at that...but....

Kumara

Yes, but for once it isn't the southern ones.

I made a few discreet enquiries...answer - very few now.

Was asked a question yesterday, which someone may be able to answer for him? How many horses in training on/at the Cambridge facilities? And of those, how many use the AWT?

I'm with him on the isolating thing...they are herd animals after all...but modern stables are generally designed so that they can see their mates all around. As for blinkers- he might have a different opinion if he ended up upside down in a hedge because a butterfly moved...and I can't think of any horse - off hand - who doesn't love a head rub.

Sounds a terrific operation. Thanks for highlighting how well it is done.