Freda

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.

Eh? I missed the point somewhere.

Was it him that tried to go around the loose horse that ran off at Ellerslie MM night? Didn't show much nouse there either.

And a thought - not that I wish to harp on a much thrashed topic - one of the reasons given for refusing Hokitika a race day was that the track went the wrong way and was too tight and riders weren't coping. Thats a sad admission. Ffs, it had existed in its current forn for a hundred years!

I've been out of the loop wrt apprentice training for a good while now, I know they are supposed to go to fortnightly apprentice school but what exactly that involves I don't know. But the daughter of one Otago trainer had been working in Aus ( before Covid) and had indicated that she might try for an apprenticeship over there, but would probably come home as it was so hard to even get accepted to start the process. And, as you say, what incentive to even want to be part of the industry? That said, that doesn't excuse the moronic lot we have now that are well past apprentice stage.

I agree....although its not an easy job by any means, and it's also very easy to be critical from the safety of one's sofa in front of the TV. Clearly, despite all the warm fuzzies about our apprentice mentors, something is very lacking in the tuition system. Kevin Gray has had a long history of turning out top riders, Allan Sharrock now although many of today's youngsters probably would struggle with the discipline. I can't think of too many others that reflect a good ' system ' at the expense of the old fashioned regime - the boss. Opie ( Autridge) had a good grounding from a good tutor, and the Collett/Grylls/ Johnson youngsters had great family connections. Overseas jurisdictions are leaving us in the dust...again.

Frankie probably not...but Ryan Moore used to ride all sorts , anywhere, jumpers too.

I agree, the 5 strike rule is in operation in the Uk still [ I think ] - do you really think Frankie, or Ryan Moore look 'weak' and ineffective? The hell they do.

Yes, I know. It saddens me greatly. Track closures have been on the agenda for a while, but now, locally anyway, some of those meetings must shift to the AWT to justify it. I have been castigated for being negative , living in the past ' like all you Kiwis who won't move forward ' ; but - sentiment aside - shifting from a low-cost model to a high-cost model doesn't seem to be the way to increase revenue. Will punter losses increase as a result? I don't know. But, sure as hell, those that sit in offices don't either. Inconsistent track surfaces and a wide variety of geographical differences have been cited as one reason for falling turnover. But, to many punters that is part of the challenge of sorting out a value bet. The off course bettors will still have their regular flutter while downing a jug after work...but will they bet more because it is an AW meeting and not at Oamaru or Timaru? And the loss of local interest and a day out at the races is not going to increase either involvement or interest. As a training aid, yes, a big help certainly to the likes of Cambridge with its very wet winters and springs, and large numbers of horses. There are a number of innovations that , in other jurisdictions, have been incorporated into training facilities since the days of working around a paddock, or common ground. Hyperbaric chambers, swimming pools, water walkers/treadmills, uphill gallops, straight gallops....all modern, have their place - and cost. Our industry, at this stage, can't afford any of this, unless a private benefactor was to roll up with the dosh. But, the industry is now so depressed that I don't think any business case could be made for such an investment. Of course, the AWT's are using taxpayer money, and it is always easier to spend someone else's money than your own. Cost savings with the closures? the float trip, and vehicle costs for jockey/trainers, yes, fair enough. But those costs aren't industry-subsidised, it is a matter of personal choice whether to go or not. The provision of TAB and broadcasting, ok. But the Chief has clearly demonstrated how much of that is far too expensive for what is necessary. Over the years, market forces have reduced quite a number of tracks, with mostly positive results for the clubs that made that choice. But, I don't see huge benefits to the wider industry as a result.