Freda

What a shambles, I feel for the club specifically and Coast racing generally for the spectacle that focused so much attention on it. Those two horses were presented [ so I believe ] about one minute before the advertised start time, they should have been sent back smartly and late scratched. What were the stipes doing? Asleep at the wheel doesn't even start to describe the b/s. And - as well - there is [ was? ] a rule which stated horses must carry their weight to the start. No more getting led to the start unmounted. An unfair advantage to those horses [ they said ] compared to the rest which have been ridden down, and ridden around at the barriers. I sacked a horse once that rule appeared, the blasted thing would run over its strapper, and upend itself in the garden if mounted in the birdcage, and I decided that rider and handler safety were more important. Many a time you see reluctant loaders being persevered with, only to walk in much more willingly once the rider dismounts, that does appear to be allowed [ and at the discretion of the starter, as it should be ] but I'm not aware that the rule has changed apart from that. Yesterday, we see Moseley leading the third horse of that trainer around, while most of the rest were waiting - and waiting - in the gates. Later on on the day, several horses were being led by barrier staff while riders leaned on the fence...when did the rule change? I'm not aware that it has, and if it hasn't - wtf are the stipes doing? Keystone cops indeed.

The JCA should put their own big boy pants on and uphold the rules.

Things seem to be moving at last. Some holes have appeared, with accompanying piles of dirt.

Found him both approachable and very amenable to discussion.

Had a chat with Darryl.

Clearly, either no-one gives a sh#t - or else anyone that does, doesn't want a bar of the job and what it involves.

Yep.

Aside from the above, does it not appear that a] they really have no idea or b] they are lying Not sure what is worse.

Sure is! Your enthusiasm is admirable - but I get the feeling that as time has gone on and you have had the chance to read some of the material from other posters, that you are starting to realise how parlous is the state of NZ racing. All the effort and logical thought in the world can do nought when NZTR hold the whip hand all the way.

I did see the ad, thought the claims were well away from reality but gave them half a tick for trying. The misleading advertising bit never occurred to me.

The trouble with the 'rightness' or 'wrongness ' of these hypotheses or ideas, call them what you will, is that the end results are not some tick on an exam paper, or even the income that may be received from such theses being widely read, but that the lives/wellbeing/ wealth of millions of people are impacted.

Sheeesh! That took a bit of getting through. Notwithstanding the veracity of much that was written, methinks that many just - perhaps - think too much?

Get him down here, can you?

Good points, but you're both right. Our industry is living so far beyond its means no raceday pays its way. The smaller clubs lose less, that's all. I dont think anyone realistically feels that the bigger days shouldn't exist, but the funding model we now have is unsustainable, relying as it does on income from outside sources.

Agree...but not at the expense of other clubs/industry participants.

Timaru yesterday held a great day with good racing, pleasant surroundings and a good crowd. Track was excellent. Not another meeting for six months, a committee person said.

Maybe - just maybe - it is all part of a Cunning Plan to prove that provincial meetings aren't needed to justify their push to close venues.

I presume you are referring to the absence of the nasal strip on Glory Chance.

No idea....someone on the harness site will know, surely.

Wow, I can't see NZTR coming up with much help if [say ] strangles ripped through a galloping region. I shudder to think what might happen if we were ever affected by E.I. as was NSW a few years ago.

On the vino again, Clarkie ? !! From my [very limited] experience of the rehoming efforts made by GRNZ and the various agencies, they do a grand job of fostering, educating and placing. My boy has settled in so well, he has a companion dog which may have helped, I know some prefer to have no other pets but he has been a very uncomplicated bloke. In fact he gave himself a Christmas dinner of whitebait patties left on the table...a masterful effort as they were extricated from behind a half open bottle of rum-and-coke, a date loaf and various plates and cutlery without moving a thing. Just the patties.

Nope. Never were. Had to check, but still the same. Rule 525 [ 2 ] d

My observation was - as I said above - mouthwatering. And I was looking at pedigrees, as I assume was the Chief, and wishing that I had access to some quality bloodstock like those. Not implying anything about their relative ability, whether the crop is strong or otherwise, just the pleasure to be had by handling SOMETHING that might have a future, and not a well-tried-and-found-wanting model from somewhere else.

From where I sit - mouthwatering. Wonder how many will remain here in NZ at the end of their campaigns?

It certainly is. You are too kind, Jess, I thank you, but will do my best to ensure that I can still get my head through the door.! I share all your sentiments; sometimes I get some odd looks when leaving engagements because I have to change rugs/top up waters/ make sure fireworks aren't causing problems...but in truth it's no chore, the welcoming chorus is just balm to the soul, and I would rather sit and watch them all than listen to the rubbish I just left. All the best to you for the festive season, and some much-deserved good fortune with your four-legged family.