NZTR Announcement on Jumps Review 11 September 2024

[Chief Stipe]

 

No images? Click here

NZTR Outline Next Steps in Future of NZ Jumps Review

With the submission date now closed, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) would like to provide an update on the next steps of the Future of NZ Jumps Racing consultation process.

In total, 240 submissions were received with representation across all areas of the racing industry.

“The volume of submissions that we received is testament to the passion of those involved in the racing industry and is further proof of the need for immediate action,” NZTR CEO Bruce Sharrock said.

While there were differing views, 90% of the submissions agreed that the status quo was no longer acceptable.

“In early August we asked for the industry to have their say, and they delivered with well thought out ideas and responses to support the next stage of our process in this important decision.”

Submissions ranged from owners, trainers, breeders and jockeys and even included racing fans and punters.

“Today, a recommendation panel has been announced that will be responsible in reviewing the current state and putting forward a recommendation to the NZTR Board in October aligned to a decision-making framework,” Sharrock added.

The independent panel is comprised of those with broad industry knowledge and experience. NZTR Chief Operating Officer Darin Balcombe has been appointed Chair, and will be supported by Mark Chitty, Jessica Brosnan, Regan Donnison, Brad Taylor and Tim Mills.

To ensure integrity and robustness of the process Alan Galbraith KC will provide legal overview and endorsement of the decision-making framework.

NZTR would like to thank those who took the time to present a submission to the consultation and we look forward to providing more information in the coming months.

Corporate Communications
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing
Contact: Catlyn Calder
+64 27 252 2803
nztrcommunications@nztr.co.nz

 

[Huey]

So basically they want to put it sleep quietly and as sympathetically as possible.

90% of respondents for change , be interesting to see the context behind such comments.

[Chief Stipe]

52 minutes ago, Huey said:

90% of respondents for change , be interesting to see the context behind such comments.

But change for what?  Are the 90% animal welfare activists that want jumps racing stopped?

[Huey]

43 minutes ago, Chief Stipe said:

But change for what?  Are the 90% animal welfare activists that want jumps racing stopped?

Exactly , I struggle to understand how 90% wanted change.

[Chief Stipe]

1 minute ago, Huey said:

Exactly , I struggle to understand how 90% wanted change.

Well true jumps racing enthusiasts would also want change i.e. better programming and more opportunities which arguably would constitute change.  

[curious]

5 minutes ago, Chief Stipe said:

Well true jumps racing enthusiasts would also want change i.e. better programming and more opportunities which arguably would constitute change.  

Yes. The proposal essentially gave 3 options. Do nothing which 90% don't want. Come up with a plan to wind it down, or a plan to re-energise it.

[Chief Stipe]

3 minutes ago, curious said:

Come up with a plan to wind it down, or a plan to re-energise it.

I imagine the "wind it down plan" would be easier for NZTR.  The "re-energise it" would require them to get on top of the very issues that affect flat racing!!  They don't seem to be on top of the latter.  Hopefully they will wake up soon and realise that Novelty and Slot races AREN'T re-energising flat racing when there are still track issues, programming issues, handicapping issues etc.

[curious]

I agree. Exactly the same issues, though the public perception is stronger and the infrastructure non-investment includes not just the tracks but the jumps themselves. While they have made some strides wefare wise on rehoming, there seem to be no initiatives on other key matters like whip-use rules and the safety of jumps racing.

Edited September 11 by curious

[Chief Stipe]

20 minutes ago, curious said:

I agree. Exactly the same issues, though the public perception is stronger and the infrastructure non-investment includes not just the tracks but the jumps themselves. While they have made some strides wefare wise on rehoming, there seem to be no initiatives on other key matters like whip-use rules and the safety of jumps racing.

You and I disagree.  The anti-racing brigade are a minority albeit a vocal minority. The social license construct is a self-defeating distraction to buy into.  You don't need to have a majority of the public supporting racing just a percentage that is enough to sustain it.  A corollary would be football vs rugby.

The industry's focus should be on the bigger issues of safe tracks, handicapping, programming and the cost of providing the product.  If those things are not addressed then there won't be enough product to sustain the industry.

[curious]

Not sure what we disagree on. Safe tracks and racing for horses and riders surely include the jumps and safety and integrity of racing on them.

[Muzza]

20 hours ago, Chief Stipe said:

 

No images? Click here

NZTR Outline Next Steps in Future of NZ Jumps Review

With the submission date now closed, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) would like to provide an update on the next steps of the Future of NZ Jumps Racing consultation process.

In total, 240 submissions were received with representation across all areas of the racing industry.

“The volume of submissions that we received is testament to the passion of those involved in the racing industry and is further proof of the need for immediate action,” NZTR CEO Bruce Sharrock said.

While there were differing views, 90% of the submissions agreed that the status quo was no longer acceptable.

“In early August we asked for the industry to have their say, and they delivered with well thought out ideas and responses to support the next stage of our process in this important decision.”

Submissions ranged from owners, trainers, breeders and jockeys and even included racing fans and punters.

“Today, a recommendation panel has been announced that will be responsible in reviewing the current state and putting forward a recommendation to the NZTR Board in October aligned to a decision-making framework,” Sharrock added.

The independent panel is comprised of those with broad industry knowledge and experience. NZTR Chief Operating Officer Darin Balcombe has been appointed Chair, and will be supported by Mark Chitty, Jessica Brosnan, Regan Donnison, Brad Taylor and Tim Mills.

To ensure integrity and robustness of the process Alan Galbraith KC will provide legal overview and endorsement of the decision-making framework.

NZTR would like to thank those who took the time to present a submission to the consultation and we look forward to providing more information in the coming months.

Corporate Communications
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing
Contact: Catlyn Calder
+64 27 252 2803
nztrcommunications@nztr.co.nz

 

Can anyone 

a) Tell me who appointed this panel.

b) Who apart from Jessica is likely to make a firm stand to retain jumps.

Seems to me the decision to do away from jumping events has already been made. This just makes it look democratic. Another NZTR forked tongue exercise.

[Freda]

My thoughts too, wrt Jessica Brosnan.

[Chief Stipe]

Seems Tim Mills is on everything.  Handicapping Review, Jumps Review.

[Murray Fish]

2 hours ago, Chief Stipe said:

Seems Tim Mills is on everything.  Handicapping Review, Jumps Review.

when people aren't taking shots at him (wow), others are saying this...

LOVERACING.NZ

Sodtsornepgh607J0i201t,0g67230ut127m74u1m1u4 i81h1651yugc 4l  · 

#onehorsemanyhearts | TIM MILLS

Role: Chief Executive, Canterbury Jockey Club

Length of time in racing: From the cradle, working life 40 years.

How did you get involved in the industry: Racing is bred into me. Family lore records a racing passion from the earliest days with one of our forebears, Hector McDonald, marrying a niece and befriending an elderly Chief Te Rauparaha reportedly accompanying him to the Otaki Maori Races. Dad was President of the Wellington Racing Club, Mum’s Dad Jack MacDonald held racing and punting such a priority that the red bound ‘Form Record’ substituted the prayer book for an hour’s study at mass (Incidentally his best horse HOT DROP was trained by Percy Burgess, grandfather of NZTR’s Mary). Other family members on the MacDonald side were administrators with the Ashhurst-Pohangina and Manawatu Racing Clubs. My Godfather Felix Campbell is father of Group 1 winning trainer Patrick and raced numerous horses with Dad. St Patrick’s College Silverstream may not see it as its greatest role but it has produced a plethora of racing men. Caned (amongst other punishments) for escaping the grounds to attend Trentham and, possibly not the best advertisement for respect for schooling, leaving a bursary exam to listen to dad’s horse Tarlton win and score a record collect on the communal schoolboy TAB account did nothing to dissuade the racing interest. Leaving school to work at what was then the New Zealand Racing Conference and on to the Canterbury Jockey Club. The Conference Wellington days involved a wonderful group of people whose only weekend ambition was to get in the car on Friday night or Saturday morning and head to the nearest racemeeting. Great race days of comradery, punting and the odd ale or two followed by obligatory after-matches at the local pubs created so many lifelong friendships cemented by a common love of horses and racing. If there was ever any doubt that reinforced racing as the only working life for me. Having to be on-course to watch BALMERINO, the GREY WAY/COPPER BELT clashes, THUN and OWHATA CHIEF vie for hurdle supremacy, LA MER, amongst so many others and to have to take your treble or jackpot was just great fun. That continued when moving to Canterbury and meeting many more outstanding people and friends, travelling to new racecourses and parts of the country and seeing so many more memorable horses.

What are your favourite aspects of your role: Racing is just so much more than a job. It is about being involved and contributing to the tapestry of a wonderful sport. Playing a role in running a racecourse and race meetings which enable horses and people to add to that tapestry and create history is hugely satisfying. The range of emotions that you see in the birdcage before and after even the smallest of races is something I doubt you get in many jobs. I take pride in Riccarton Park Racecourse. As a custodian of a 165-year-old sports ground there is a need to ensure that whilst respecting the past it is improved and enhanced for the next 165.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to get involved in racing: Don’t think you can please everyone. The very nature of racing sees the 100/1 shot beat the odds on at times. As such there will be extreme views at each end of the spectrum on any and almost all issues. If you can look yourself in the mirror and confidently say you have done your best and made the right decision for, and in the best interests of, the majority you won’t go far wrong.

 

[Chief Stipe]

On 12/09/2024 at 5:03 PM, Murray Fish said:

when people aren't taking shots at him (wow), others are saying this...

LOVERACING.NZ

Sodtsornepgh607J0i201t,0g67230ut127m74u1m1u4 i81h1651yugc 4l  · 

#onehorsemanyhearts | TIM MILLS

Role: Chief Executive, Canterbury Jockey Club

Length of time in racing: From the cradle, working life 40 years.

How did you get involved in the industry: Racing is bred into me. Family lore records a racing passion from the earliest days with one of our forebears, Hector McDonald, marrying a niece and befriending an elderly Chief Te Rauparaha reportedly accompanying him to the Otaki Maori Races. Dad was President of the Wellington Racing Club, Mum’s Dad Jack MacDonald held racing and punting such a priority that the red bound ‘Form Record’ substituted the prayer book for an hour’s study at mass (Incidentally his best horse HOT DROP was trained by Percy Burgess, grandfather of NZTR’s Mary). Other family members on the MacDonald side were administrators with the Ashhurst-Pohangina and Manawatu Racing Clubs. My Godfather Felix Campbell is father of Group 1 winning trainer Patrick and raced numerous horses with Dad. St Patrick’s College Silverstream may not see it as its greatest role but it has produced a plethora of racing men. Caned (amongst other punishments) for escaping the grounds to attend Trentham and, possibly not the best advertisement for respect for schooling, leaving a bursary exam to listen to dad’s horse Tarlton win and score a record collect on the communal schoolboy TAB account did nothing to dissuade the racing interest. Leaving school to work at what was then the New Zealand Racing Conference and on to the Canterbury Jockey Club. The Conference Wellington days involved a wonderful group of people whose only weekend ambition was to get in the car on Friday night or Saturday morning and head to the nearest racemeeting. Great race days of comradery, punting and the odd ale or two followed by obligatory after-matches at the local pubs created so many lifelong friendships cemented by a common love of horses and racing. If there was ever any doubt that reinforced racing as the only working life for me. Having to be on-course to watch BALMERINO, the GREY WAY/COPPER BELT clashes, THUN and OWHATA CHIEF vie for hurdle supremacy, LA MER, amongst so many others and to have to take your treble or jackpot was just great fun. That continued when moving to Canterbury and meeting many more outstanding people and friends, travelling to new racecourses and parts of the country and seeing so many more memorable horses.

What are your favourite aspects of your role: Racing is just so much more than a job. It is about being involved and contributing to the tapestry of a wonderful sport. Playing a role in running a racecourse and race meetings which enable horses and people to add to that tapestry and create history is hugely satisfying. The range of emotions that you see in the birdcage before and after even the smallest of races is something I doubt you get in many jobs. I take pride in Riccarton Park Racecourse. As a custodian of a 165-year-old sports ground there is a need to ensure that whilst respecting the past it is improved and enhanced for the next 165.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to get involved in racing: Don’t think you can please everyone. The very nature of racing sees the 100/1 shot beat the odds on at times. As such there will be extreme views at each end of the spectrum on any and almost all issues. If you can look yourself in the mirror and confidently say you have done your best and made the right decision for, and in the best interests of, the majority you won’t go far wrong.

 

I'm sure some local Riccarton people would love to comment.  How many horses has he raced?  More than 90?

[Freda]

No one should ever doubt Tim's passion for racing. 

[Assange]

On 9/12/2024 at 1:11 PM, Muzza said:

Can anyone 

a) Tell me who appointed this panel.

b) Who apart from Jessica is likely to make a firm stand to retain jumps.

Seems to me the decision to do away from jumping events has already been made. This just makes it look democratic. Another NZTR forked tongue exercise.

Exactly what I thought too. Plus apart from Tim Mills - how many are from South of Waikato?