HRNZ press releases for 2025

[the galah]

Lets hope HRNZ has a better year this year as far as communication with industry stakeholders, around significant topics which directly will effect everyone involved in harness racing in the not too distant future.

For example.

1)What is HRNZ's future strategy to assist the auckland club.Are we going to see the continued HRNZ policy of trying to resurrect interest in auckland racing through things like preferential stake funding,based on the fact they think the area with the highest population should have more people interested than actually are.

What is HRNZ"s thinking around what they will contribute to the proposed new training facility in auckland ,given the auckland club don't have enough money to build it.

Do HRNZ even have a strategy.

 

2)The government last month releasing a detailed statement on the proposed possible changes for online gambling.

Seemingly the preferred government option, being that the tab's monopoly is extended to cover all online betting by new zealanders ,thus excluding betting with overseas agencies.While it obviously would be a complicated thing to enforce,the clock is ticking.

In 2028,Entains guaranteed minimum return to the tab nz,of $150 million a year,runs out and theresfter return to the tab,then to the racing industry, would be based on actual turnover which is most likely to fall short of the $150 a year minimum.

Its also important to have the ban on betting with overseas providers set up and being enforced by 2028,as entain pay another $100 million to the TAB,plus another undisclosed figure which would also see an uplift in entains guaranteed monthly from 2028.

Can HRNZ inform us about that? 

3)Then you have the greyhound issue.

How is the harness industry going to be effected(benefit from),due to the redistribution of funds that the unfortunate greyhound industy will no longer be there to receive in a couple of years.

 

HRNZ doesn't seem very forthcoming in disclosing information about things that could possibly lead to any negative dissection .

The above are subjects which obviously are huge as far as the industry goes.

Sure some ofwhat i've raised are recent and ever evolving.

But isn't it reasonable to expect better communicatio from HRNZ than they give.

I do see the latest press release from HRNZ seemed a typical one from them.

Its the one from matthew peden.

Its like you have to read between the lines as to what they don't say,and then just left to guess.

Heres an example ,he says"given the enormous uptake we saw in the entain bonus in 2024".

whats that mean,afterall the bonus only started in 2024 and they gacve it to every 2 year old getting its first win then changed it to make others eligible if they placed.

Then he says"larger number of 2 year old pacers and trotters lining up to race in 2024..

Well if he wanted credibilty he would have given the figures. He didn't,i would suspect because they aren't what he infers.what are they and what was the average field size compared to previous years.I can't remember so many 5 or 6 horse 2 year old races being run in previous years. Besieds they only changed the birthdate from august to december a couple of years ago.

And mr peden refers to a draft 2 year old rAacing date schedule.

he specifically said in the press release"we expect to see a continuation of trends we saw in 2024,with a larger number of 2 year old pacers and trotters lining up to race".

Is he expecting that increase to aplly to only the north island ,as the number of scheduled races for 2 year olds in the south island is down 1.

He must think the growth area for 2 year old racing is to be in the north island ,as they go from 21 in 2024 to 26 in 2025.

 

Edited Sunday at 03:50 AM by the galah

[Brodie]

Galah, some of your very best work!

All of your questions are fully justified, but I would doubt that we will be getting too much out of HRNZ because they do not appear to have an answer to too much.

We have had this extra money from Entain chucked into stake money and bonuses that was promised  but I personally do not believe that they really have much of an idea with racing!

They have made many poor decisions since they took over to my mind, however hopefully things will improve.

Has Entain actually got a good record with racing anywhere, as they are a sports betting and gambling agency and do not appear to have had much success with racing!

Like to be proven wrong though?

 

 

 

Edited Sunday at 05:12 AM by Brodie

[the galah]

2 hours ago, Brodie said:

Galah, some of your very best work!

All of your questions are fully justified, but I would doubt that we will be getting too much out of HRNZ because they do not appear to have an answer to too much.

We have had this extra money from Entain chucked into stake money and bonuses that was promised  but I personally do not believe that they really have much of an idea with racing!

They have made many poor decisions since they took over to my mind, however hopefully things will improve.

Has Entain actually got a good record with racing anywhere, as they are a sports betting and gambling agency and do not appear to have had much success with racing!

Like to be proven wrong though?

 

 

 

I'm pretty sure your on the money,as always.

HRNZ,yes they don't say much about many things that they should be open and upfront about.

The reason so many negative comments are made about some of their decisions,is simple. People don't have a positive view of many things they are doing. 

And your right about entain and sports betting.

If you download Entains 2023 annual general report,the very first thing it says on the very first page is 6 "Strategic and operational highlights"

the second of those  "Further expansion into regulated markets with leading market positions;expansion into Poland with aquisition of STS holdings and partnership with TAB NZ PROVIDING UNIQUE ACCESS TO NZ SPORTS BETTING MARKET".

Little old new zealand sports betting is considered a highlight for such a huge global company.

thats for a company with earnings before taxs,interest,depreciation of 1,007.9 million pounds

IN 2023 Entain turnover on online sports betting was 13.7 Billion Pounds and 4.3 billion on sports in their retail stores.

as to nz,entains chief global excutive,its sports betting that gets the attention. "Entains australia partnership with tab nz also provides a differentiated experience for sports betting customers in NZ as well as australia and we look forward to customers in nz enjoying an enhanced experience as our offer migrates to entain australia technology platform in 2024."

Also,again,this time on the first page of entains chief financial officers review,nz gets a mention.

Their auditor said Entain has complex contingent consideration arrangements and the variable contingent considration is sensitive to changes in key assumptions. (i suppose thats talking about the governments likely decisions around the tab getting exclusive nz sports and racing gambling).

Anyway,brodie,clearly your right about entain being primarily interested in getting  access to nz punters sports betting.

I suppose,what it will come down to for racing,is how the turnover will be distributed and whether racing can benefit from that. I suppose having winston there may help racing,but it will harness benefit or will galloping get a better deal. I suppose its a bit like the distribution of overseas turnover thatgalloping are always trying to get a bigger share of. Greyhounds used to have similar positionto harness on that,now they aren't going to be there will the gallops push for more. in the future. Whether HRNZ is up to those possible future challenges is debateable,well thats a bit of a worry presently.

i

Edited Sunday at 07:21 AM by the galah

[Brodie]

40 minutes ago, the galah said:

I'm pretty sure your on the money,as always.

HRNZ,yes they don't say much about many things that they should be open and upfront about.

The reason so many negative comments are made about some of their decisions,is simple. People don't have a positive view of many things they are doing. 

And your right about entain and sports betting.

If you download Entains 2023 annual general report,the very first thing it says on the very first page is 6 "Strategic and operational highlights"

the second of those  "Further expansion into regulated markets with leading market positions;expansion into Poland with aquisition of STS holdings and partnership with TAB NZ PROVIDING UNIQUE ACCESS TO NZ SPORTS BETTING MARKET".

Little old new zealand sports betting is considered a highlight for such a huge global company.

thats for a company with earnings before taxs,interest,depreciation of 1,007.9 million pounds

IN 2023 Entain turnover on online sports betting was 13.7 Billion Pounds and 4.3 billion on sports in their retail stores.

as to nz,entains chief global excutive,its sports betting that gets the attention. "Entains australia partnership with tab nz also provides a differentiated experience for sports betting customers in NZ as well as australia and we look forward to customers in nz enjoying an enhanced experience as our offer migrates to entain australia technology platform in 2024."

Also,again,this time on the first page of entains chief financial officers review,nz gets a mention.

Their auditor said Entain has complex contingent consideration arrangements and the variable contingent considration is sensitive to changes in key assumptions. (i suppose thats talking about the governments likely decisions around the tab getting exclusive nz sports and racing gambling).

Anyway,brodie,clearly your right about entain being primarily interested in getting  access to nz punters sports betting.

I suppose,what it will come down to for racing,is how the turnover will be distributed and whether racing can benefit from that. I suppose having winston there may help racing,but it will harness benefit or will galloping get a better deal. I suppose its a bit like the distribution of overseas turnover thatgalloping are always trying to get a bigger share of. Greyhounds used to have similar positionto harness on that,now they aren't going to be there will the gallops push for more. in the future. Whether HRNZ is up to those possible future challenges is debateable,well thats a bit of a worry presently.

i

The reality is that the TAB wasn't going that well a few years ago due to very poor decisions!

McAnulty should never have signed away the NZ TAB for 25 years, simple as that!

Entain are not the White Knight that many think they are, and we will see that in 3 years or so.

We will see in 3 years time whether there is a future for harness racing in NZ with Entain pulling the strings.

as I say great that there is more money being out into stake money from Entain, which is what they promised to do as part of the deal with the TAB.

They also guaranteed that the current employee’s would retain their jobs for 2 years, which Entsin did not honour!

At the end of the day they are a big corporate gambling agency  that have got what they wanted and we are now forced to just wait and see!

Just do not hold your breath thinking or believing  that they actually care about the NZ racing industry.

[TAB For Ever]

You guys are being a bit tough tearing these guys down at this time of year !

Yes another year has just ended but for most it a time of reflection and planning and recharging for the year ahead.

The HRNZ office ,like most offices in NZ is closed for the 2 x weeks covering Stat Holidays but the participants and those at rockface battle on.

Iv'e seen Messrs Peden and Steele are out and about building bridges and relationships for the year ahead...give em a break from on-line assassination by anonymous snipers !

As mentioned earlier they been in the job 'barely 5 minutes'. Mr Steele started on 1 July 2024 , Mr Peden 1 October 2024.

To me they have set about trying to progress Harness , obviously huge changes have happened since June 2023 when Entain entered the frame.

Mr Peden's role was to try and increase field sizes and get horses race more often to increase the betting opportunities etc and to try and increase Foal numbers. The decline in Foals born thus horses racing is a massive issue.

Other than the small hobby type breeder , many people are very buoyed by bonuses on offer and other incentives being introduced.

Not every 'promotion' will be a success but things appear to be happening and its very obvious that they are doing their very best to iron out any issues of teething problems.

You two  tag snipers may not be aware but making babies takes planning , time and money and can't be achieved overnight !

So give em a break.

Where I have a small involvement the folk I meet on raceday and at stud visits of late are very encouraged with work being done.And the two men at HRNZ are out and about meeting participants at the track etc

Are you guys out and about ?

Improvements to Harness will be a team effort...not just two men.......it's gonna take a big push by all including the Clubs !

Edited yesterday at 01:33 AM by TAB For Ever
Spelling

[Gammalite]

1 hour ago, TAB For Ever said:

Mr Peden's role was to try and increase field sizes and get horses race more often to increase the betting opportunities etc and to try and increase Foal numbers. The decline in Foals born thus horses racing is a massive issue.

yes These are an Important issue. You need stock to race . and race regularly.

and encouragement for the breeder to actually keep sending their mares to quality stallions.

A few of the QLD locals have received a bonus as the Q-bred scheme pays a nice Bonus now upon any horses First Win. One bloke told me that was his aim , and the reason they put the mare back in foal (after skipping a year) 

The costs to race a horse are now out-weighing the collects for a huge chunk of the runners. QLD horses need about 4 wins per year Just to Break even lol.  Must be very close to same in New Zealand. 

Our numbers are dropping just like the North Island. A 1500 horse base with 500 racing per week just 2 years ago,  is getting down closer to 400 racing per week nowadays,  and Albion Park Metro Saturday night runners are really declined . we're down to 9 horse Metro class field size  on average ( to rival Redcliffe country meetings that go twice per week ) and there was only 7 races last Saturday night , with ONLY 2 Full fields. 

Harness racing is really struggling everywhere. Many galloping punters won't punt on it at all either. they prefer the 'better value' they can make off the Less consistent thoroughbred horses.

 

[TAB For Ever]

2 hours ago, Gammalite said:

yes These are an Important issue. You need stock to race . and race regularly.

and encouragement for the breeder to actually keep sending their mares to quality stallions.

A few of the QLD locals have received a bonus as the Q-bred scheme pays a nice Bonus now upon any horses First Win. One bloke told me that was his aim , and the reason they put the mare back in foal (after skipping a year) 

The costs to race a horse are now out-weighing the collects for a huge chunk of the runners. QLD horses need about 4 wins per year Just to Break even lol.  Must be very close to same in New Zealand. 

Our numbers are dropping just like the North Island. A 1500 horse base with 500 racing per week just 2 years ago,  is getting down closer to 400 racing per week nowadays,  and Albion Park Metro Saturday night runners are really declined . we're down to 9 horse Metro class field size  on average ( to rival Redcliffe country meetings that go twice per week ) and there was only 7 races last Saturday night , with ONLY 2 Full fields. 

Harness racing is really struggling everywhere. Many galloping punters won't punt on it at all either. they prefer the 'better value' they can make off the Less consistent thoroughbred horses.

 

Well Gamma.....happy New Year !

The 'new' CEO IMO is a good man for our job.

He has commercial experience with a progressive Bank and a passion for Racing. He was Chair of Albion Park Harness and Queensland Harness and on Board of Queensland Racing.

I note many races in Aussie Harness being run for total stake of $4,400 to $6,600 . This not good.

In recent years the costs associated with owning and breeding etc have escalated in NZ and many were doubting their involvement.

In past year this has turned a lot , except for the small breeder who feels the big guys treated better along with Sales series races /sweepstakes etc which they may be excluded from.

Some of the incentives have appeared complicated  eg breeding bonuses but the racing bonuses for 2 year olds  for their first win [ $8k for owner ,$4k for breeder ] much welcomed.

Now we have the 'new Gen ' stuff ...seems complicated but should interest new owners and maybe encourage horses to be sent to younger trainers etc But applies to 'new sires up to 3 seasons'. ....and horses have to go thru the Spnsors sales and bonus applies to 2 yr olds only. But if things don't work ,new things will be changed.

As for the massive negativity toward Auckland Trotting it kinda makes sense that Entain an NZHR don't want it to disappear...a lot of history ,past performance there plus the hope that interest from the huge population will somehow be reignited ! 

[Brodie]

5 hours ago, TAB For Ever said:

You guys are being a bit tough tearing these guys down at this time of year !

Yes another year has just ended but for most it a time of reflection and planning and recharging for the year ahead.

The HRNZ office ,like most offices in NZ is closed for the 2 x weeks covering Stat Holidays but the participants and those at rockface battle on.

Iv'e seen Messrs Peden and Steele are out and about building bridges and relationships for the year ahead...give em a break from on-line assassination by anonymous snipers !

As mentioned earlier they been in the job 'barely 5 minutes'. Mr Steele started on 1 July 2024 , Mr Peden 1 October 2024.

To me they have set about trying to progress Harness , obviously huge changes have happened since June 2023 when Entain entered the frame.

Mr Peden's role was to try and increase field sizes and get horses race more often to increase the betting opportunities etc and to try and increase Foal numbers. The decline in Foals born thus horses racing is a massive issue.

Other than the small hobby type breeder , many people are very buoyed by bonuses on offer and other incentives being introduced.

Not every 'promotion' will be a success but things appear to be happening and its very obvious that they are doing their very best to iron out any issues of teething problems.

You two  tag snipers may not be aware but making babies takes planning , time and money and can't be achieved overnight !

So give em a break.

Where I have a small involvement the folk I meet on raceday and at stud visits of late are very encouraged with work being done.And the two men at HRNZ are out and about meeting participants at the track etc

Are you guys out and about ?

Improvements to Harness will be a team effort...not just two men.......it's gonna take a big push by all including the Clubs !

TAB, firstly not sure what you mean  by tag teaming?

We both are individuals that generally think along the same lines, and express our thoughts which is what more should be doing.

The truth of the matter is that I want harness to continue and thrive but I have my doubts as I firmly believe that Entain are only luke warm about harness racing!

There have been many decisions that just do not appear to be very well thought out!

You say that some have only been in the jobs 5 minutes, which is not correct!

Personally do not have much confidence in what is happening that will ensure harness racing flourishes in the future.

You say that it is their job to increase field sizes, well doesnt seem to be happening?

 Nelson fields this week have dramatically less numbers than there used to be, with many races just not profitable for anyone!

TAB, can you unequivocally state that Entain are not just playing the 5 year game and are not going to pull the plug when their 5 year guarantee is up?

 

 

Edited yesterday at 07:19 AM by Brodie

[the galah]

 

8 hours ago, TAB For Ever said:

You two  tag snipers may not be aware but making babies takes planning , time and money and can't be achieved overnight !

So give em a break.

 

 

i think your a plonker sometimes tabman.

On 5/01/2025 at 4:46 PM, the galah said:

Lets hope HRNZ has a better year this year as far as communication with industry stakeholders, around significant topics which directly will effect everyone involved in harness racing in the not too distant future.....

the above are subjects which obviously are huge as far as the industry goes.

Sure some ofwhat i've raised are recent and ever evolving.

But isn't it reasonable to expect better communicatio from HRNZ than they give.

 

 

All I've suggested in this thread, is HRNZ keep everyone informed about the significant issues that effect everyone in harness racing.

And you can't even agree with that.

Instead you do what you do,deflect from the issues and make out the topic has been a personal attack on someone.

Why do you do that,well we both know why.

If there had been better or proper communication about what i discussed,then you would point to that.

But you know there hasn't been.

so you deflect,its all you've got. 

To me,Its like your playing cards without the full deck,so you have to take a defensive approach.

How about you come over to our side and not only ask questions,(which you often deem as negative),but also make positive suggestions or give alternatives or give visions of the future(which you never seem to acknowledge we do).Yes,tabman,there have been many,many positive alternatives and visions of the fututre discussed by the very people you say are always negative. And acknowledge the significance that,decisions made in the present,can have in impacting the future. 

Edited yesterday at 09:47 AM by the galah

[Gammalite]

39 minutes ago, the galah said:

All I've suggested in this thread, is HRNZ keep everyone informed about the significant issues that effect everyone in harness racing.

And you can't even agree with that.

Instead you do what you do,deflect from the issues and make out the topic has been a personal attack on someone.

Think you're reading it wrong mate. The Tab man has mentioned about 20 issues that are to do with the racing and bonus schemes and CEO's and that , just the same as you.  

I found his posts on this thread to be more informative than Brodie being Just Not Happy with Entain for the millionth time because he is always interested in the betting angle of things rather than the participants of the sport ,

and you suggest HRNZ aren't keeping you up with the play well enough, so Tabman has suggested that a lot of the things /schemes/ projects / CEO and et Al have only been in place for a SHORT time. that seems pretty accurate ?? so a report on the ISSUES probably Not ready yet as results are still Coming In. Some things work better than others and some PEOPLE don't agree with Most of it as are ADVERSE TO CHANGE . well times have changed . you have to adjust.

Don't know why you're bashing each other , when harness works (hopefully for improvement)  are in progress.

Things like slot races, Golden Gaits , 2 yearold bonus schemes even Cambridge racing midweek , Auckland Cup date changing again, TABs disappearing or been taken over or something by bigger entities,  have met serious criticism from the OLD BRIGADE  , so nothing new there.  The ATC debt needs addressing. and as Tabman and I were discussing above in this thread the declining Number of foals (therefore horses racing) needs Addressing urgently, important issues not being deflected at All . the guy was discussing them. It's Not his fault these things are happening, he just has a better grip on it than most so cops the flak I spose 🤣😂 tough times lol.

one thought of mine to help NZ harness : (even though love the Aussies visiting as have done it myself) 

I think the slot races should be for Kiwi Trainers only . Just a waste sending it to Oz with example  Keyang Zahara. (she had the Oaks and Derby anyway) the money should stay in NZ. supporting the owners there. At least the locals have held out the Aussies in the 'Race by Grins'  slot at Cambridge so far for the million. But Just Believe won the Slot-trot so that was un-necessary IMO for the benefit of Nz harness racing

NOTE : The Euraka $2,000,000 here at Menangle is Not open for NZ trainers. That's just one thing they could tinket with as an example with the Ascent and Velocity. there you go , a positive suggestion to help out .😁

What's next on the forum agenda you need sorted out ? 😉   

I have no idea what ENtain are doing though .   give Dean Shannon  a bell. he loves harness racing and might be able to answer some of yours and Brodies queries? 

[Brodie]

8 hours ago, Gammalite said:

Think you're reading it wrong mate. The Tab man has mentioned about 20 issues that are to do with the racing and bonus schemes and CEO's and that , just the same as you.  

I found his posts on this thread to be more informative than Brodie being Just Not Happy with Entain for the millionth time because he is always interested in the betting angle of things rather than the participants of the sport ,

and you suggest HRNZ aren't keeping you up with the play well enough, so Tabman has suggested that a lot of the things /schemes/ projects / CEO and et Al have only been in place for a SHORT time. that seems pretty accurate ?? so a report on the ISSUES probably Not ready yet as results are still Coming In. Some things work better than others and some PEOPLE don't agree with Most of it as are ADVERSE TO CHANGE . well times have changed . you have to adjust.

Don't know why you're bashing each other , when harness works (hopefully for improvement)  are in progress.

Things like slot races, Golden Gaits , 2 yearold bonus schemes even Cambridge racing midweek , Auckland Cup date changing again, TABs disappearing or been taken over or something by bigger entities,  have met serious criticism from the OLD BRIGADE  , so nothing new there.  The ATC debt needs addressing. and as Tabman and I were discussing above in this thread the declining Number of foals (therefore horses racing) needs Addressing urgently, important issues not being deflected at All . the guy was discussing them. It's Not his fault these things are happening, he just has a better grip on it than most so cops the flak I spose 🤣😂 tough times lol.

one thought of mine to help NZ harness : (even though love the Aussies visiting as have done it myself) 

I think the slot races should be for Kiwi Trainers only . Just a waste sending it to Oz with example  Keyang Zahara. (she had the Oaks and Derby anyway) the money should stay in NZ. supporting the owners there. At least the locals have held out the Aussies in the 'Race by Grins'  slot at Cambridge so far for the million. But Just Believe won the Slot-trot so that was un-necessary IMO for the benefit of Nz harness racing

NOTE : The Euraka $2,000,000 here at Menangle is Not open for NZ trainers. That's just one thing they could tinket with as an example with the Ascent and Velocity. there you go , a positive suggestion to help out .😁

What's next on the forum agenda you need sorted out ? 😉   

I have no idea what ENtain are doing though .   give Dean Shannon  a bell. he loves harness racing and might be able to answer some of yours and Brodies queries? 

Gamma, it is always good to have peoples perspective on things.

At the end of the day, hopefully everything being done has a positive influence on harness racing, as it was once a great industry.

We are effectively at crossroads and the decisions being made currently is of massive importance.

What Galah and myself and many people I know are very disappointed in many of the decisions being made and the lack of communication to the public.

What we would like to see is the ones making the decisions, fronting the ones paying their salaries.

Apart from money being chucked into stakes and promises of breeding bonuses, what do others see that have been improved for everyone?

[the galah]

14 hours ago, Gammalite said:

 

Tabman and I were discussing above in this thread the declining Number of foals (therefore horses racing) needs Addressing urgently, important issues not being deflected at All . the guy was discussing them. It's Not his fault these things are happening, he just has a better grip on it than most so cops the flak I spose 🤣😂 tough times lol.

 

 

To make it clear,i said i think tabman is a plonker because he's called me a tag sniper for expressing comments about the need for HRNZ transperancy  and the need for hrnz to keep everyone informed and the need to use data to back up what it is they are telling us.

And of course,recently tabman said it would be a great thing for these pages if.... i refrained from commenting on things i neither understand.... (actually i'm laughing when i type that as i must really have annoyed him, for him to say something like that).

Anyway,when you say..."its not his fault these things are happening"...,well i'm pointing out no ones ever said it is.

I do wonder,why is tabman so sensitive to comments made about HRNZ. 

15 hours ago, Gammalite said:

  

I have no idea what ENtain are doing though .   give Dean Shannon  a bell. he loves harness racing and might be able to answer some of yours and Brodies queries? 

Dean shannon i view as a major positive influencer for the nz harness industry,basically because he has a thorough understanding of how everything works,from how punters think, to most things to do with harness racing. He seems to have a common man persona and his persona gives the impression it would be the same in public and private.I like that about anyone.

entain have been influential in some of the changes which i have viewed as positives for the indstry over the last year.

The only caveat to that is some of the changes within the harness industry that he  and entain are promoting could be viewed as promoting his own self interests. For example 2 year old bonuses.Hes probably the biggest nz  benefactor of the very bonuses he promotes.But thats what people do,when they are close to the action they run the chance of falling into the pit fall of thinking promoting something that they see as beneficial to them,will be seen by the wider public as being beneficial ,when in fact people with different circumstances,justifyably may see things totally different.And thats not too bright as its something thats pretty obvious.

I do agree with brodie,when he says entain the company is all about  making money and sports betting is very obviously their major focus.Its unrealistic for anyone to expect Dean shannons major loyalty to be to anyone except entain. ,but he still can be a major positive influencer.

[Rangatira]

20 hours ago, the galah said:

i think your a plonker sometimes tabman.

Famous Fish and Chip lady loving your kindness.

Edited 14 hours ago by Rangatira

[Gammalite]

2 hours ago, the galah said:

Dean shannon i view as a major positive influencer for the nz harness industry,basically because he has a thorough understanding of how everything works,from how punters think, to most things to do with harness racing. He seems to have a common man persona and his persona gives the impression it would be the same in public and private.I like that about anyone.

entain have been influential in some of the changes which i have viewed as positives for the indstry over the last year.

The only caveat to that is some of the changes within the harness industry that he  and entain are promoting could be viewed as promoting his own self interests. For example 2 year old bonuses.Hes probably the biggest nz  benefactor of the very bonuses he promotes

This guy is saving the day. Never has a more learned bloke on wagering, and that LOVES Harness racing imposed himself on the scene in NZ.  He should be woo-ed and pampered. (we miss him in QLD now . we are on the slippery dip in harness racing ) 

You are right , that a lot of the things being implemented that will benefit him accordingly , for being a Very active participant at the yearlings sales , and on the racing scene with Merlin and that. But I reckon he has stabilized the NZ slippery slope to oblivion of harness racing past 2 years, with all the new stuff. ( Brodie disagrees but whatever 🙄)

This guys knowledge on wagering companies and harness breeding , etc is near best in Australasia if not the World. He can really help after leaving the breeding scene behind at QLD Montana lodge ,(Seymour of LEAP TO FAME Fame now runs the roost here , otherwise QLD harness would of collapsed for sure and certain. YOU NEED these BENEFACTORS. 

He should buy Alexandra Park and rebrand it ENTAIN PARK . wouldn't that solve a Lot of the current problems ?? get him to do it. the venue can be used for weddings and all sorts of ENTAIN things.  and take harness well into the future. 

here's his tracks record.  I'll have to take a photo as it won't cut and paste unfortunately 🙄.

Edited 13 hours ago by Gammalite

[Rangatira]

53 minutes ago, Gammalite said:

This guys knowledge on wagering companies and harness breeding , etc is near best in Australasia if not the World. He can really help after leaving the breeding scene behind at QLD Montana lodge ,(Seymour of LEAP TO FAME Fame now runs the roost here , otherwise QLD harness would of collapsed for sure and certain. YOU NEED these BENEFACTORS. 

Is Ron Wanless still around?

[Brodie]

1 hour ago, Gammalite said:

This guy is saving the day. Never has a more learned bloke on wagering, and that LOVES Harness racing imposed himself on the scene in NZ.  He should be woo-ed and pampered. (we miss him in QLD now . we are on the slippery dip in harness racing ) 

You are right , that a lot of the things being implemented that will benefit him accordingly , for being a Very active participant at the yearlings sales , and on the racing scene with Merlin and that. But I reckon he has stabilized the NZ slippery slope to oblivion of harness racing past 2 years, with all the new stuff. ( Brodie disagrees but whatever 🙄)

This guys knowledge on wagering companies and harness breeding , etc is near best in Australasia if not the World. He can really help after leaving the breeding scene behind at QLD Montana lodge ,(Seymour of LEAP TO FAME Fame now runs the roost here , otherwise QLD harness would of collapsed for sure and certain. YOU NEED these BENEFACTORS. 

He should buy Alexandra Park and rebrand it ENTAIN PARK . wouldn't that solve a Lot of the current problems ?? get him to do it. the venue can be used for weddings and all sorts of ENTAIN things.  and take harness well into the future. 

here's his tracks record.  I'll have to take a photo as it won't cut and paste unfortunately 🙄.

Excellent at setting up betting agencies but how did this improve harness in Australia?

The TAB website and accuracy since they took over is crap compared to before!

Personally waiting to see results which hopefully occur.

Wouldnt be taking evens on it though!

Edited 12 hours ago by Brodie

[Brodie]

So effectively what Gamma is saying is that the NZ TAB will be getting sold going by the track record!

This is what I believe is going to occur and harness will suffer!

[the galah]

1 hour ago, Gammalite said:

This guy is saving the day. Never has a more learned bloke on wagering, and that LOVES Harness racing imposed himself on the scene in NZ.  He should be woo-ed and pampered. (we miss him in QLD now . we are on the slippery dip in harness racing ) 

You are right , that a lot of the things being implemented that will benefit him accordingly , for being a Very active participant at the yearlings sales , and on the racing scene with Merlin and that. But I reckon he has stabilized the NZ slippery slope to oblivion of harness racing past 2 years, with all the new stuff. ( Brodie disagrees but whatever 🙄)

This guys knowledge on wagering companies and harness breeding , etc is near best in Australasia if not the World. He can really help after leaving the breeding scene behind at QLD Montana lodge ,(Seymour of LEAP TO FAME Fame now runs the roost here , otherwise QLD harness would of collapsed for sure and certain. YOU NEED these BENEFACTORS. 

He should buy Alexandra Park and rebrand it ENTAIN PARK . wouldn't that solve a Lot of the current problems ?? get him to do it. the venue can be used for weddings and all sorts of ENTAIN things.  and take harness well into the future. 

here's his tracks record.  I'll have to take a photo as it won't cut and paste unfortunately 🙄.

Interesting history.

I'd never taken much notice of what he does or says until the entain partnership with  tab nz.

His track record explains why he has been able to influence some significant positive changes in some areas,for example broadcasting.

Harness racing nz need to take a big picture approach to his influence,treading a fine line between using his skill and knowledge to beneift the industry, while balancing the need to ensure no one person or one influential group needs are prioritized over the grass roots that  the foundation of harness racing in new zealand is built on.

I see the 2 year old bonuses as an example of HRNZ decision makers  not getting the balance right,in their efforts to please influential groups and owners with connections and clout.

All decisions HRNZ make should always be subject to examination and reason,including those made with entain/dean shannons influence.

Shannons heart may be with harness racing but his head is with entain.He hasn't got to where he is by not making the hard calls, based on whats best for his business interests.

Gammalite i do like your thoughts about harness racing tapping into funds entain have in promoting established venues. Alexandra park may be a possiblity,but if you had a company with millions to spend in advertising ,would you invest it in a racetrack with an uncertain future? it sounds a bit risky but then again on balance i could see how entain could take advantage of the aucklnad clubs issues ,driving a hard bargain to further their interests while at the same time doing real good for the auckland club.

So i like the way you have thought outside the square there gammalite.

Wenthworth park,with the backing of greyhound nsw, is an example of a precedent for the idea you have floated. I started a topic on wentworth park/entain,about a month ago and how it looked like entain was going to pull out of the multi million $ support they gave the likes of wentworth park due to contractural disagreements. I see just before christmas they resloved those issues and entain have recommited their funds. Thats where a major stumbling block was the naming wrights on the dogs numbers ,which were exclusively supposed to be ladbrooks(entain). Iat the time i posted that i suggested harness racing nz should look into cutting a deal the same with a starting point being entains branding on the numbers which all horses wear throughout nz.so your idea isn't fanciful,its an idea with possiblities in my opinion. Thats what the likes of Mathew peden should be spending a lot his time on.And don't look at just entain.

harness racing in nz with the right leadership and the right vision can make real positive change.I just see more examples of good ideas and visions for the future,being expressed and discussed on here,than i do coming out of HRNZ,in my opinion.

Edited 12 hours ago by the galah

[Special Agent]

13 hours ago, Brodie said:

What we would like to see is the ones making the decisions, fronting the ones paying their salaries.

Apart from money being chucked into stakes and promises of breeding bonuses, what do others see that have been improved for everyone?

Absolutely.  Front up and let everyone know what's going on.

Improvements for everyone across the board should be the goal.

[TAB For Ever]

On 1/6/2025 at 10:42 PM, the galah said:

 

 

i think your a plonker sometimes tabman.

All I've suggested in this thread, is HRNZ keep everyone informed about the significant issues that effect everyone in harness racing.

And you can't even agree with that.

Instead you do what you do,deflect from the issues and make out the topic has been a personal attack on someone.

Why do you do that,well we both know why.

If there had been better or proper communication about what i discussed,then you would point to that.

But you know there hasn't been.

so you deflect,its all you've got. 

To me,Its like your playing cards without the full deck,so you have to take a defensive approach.

How about you come over to our side and not only ask questions,(which you often deem as negative),but also make positive suggestions or give alternatives or give visions of the future(which you never seem to acknowledge we do).Yes,tabman,there have been many,many positive alternatives and visions of the fututre discussed by the very people you say are always negative. And acknowledge the significance that,decisions made in the present,can have in impacting the future. 

I've been called much worse than a plonker before , but once people start playing the man not the ball with personal insults IMO this a sure indication the cynic is all dressed up with nowhere to go OR under lock and key.....as in a padded room being a keyboard warrior.

You guys need to get out and about more ...attend some meetings ,join some ownership groups ,BGP or racing clubs . If this not possible at least do some reading of the News coming out of HRNZ ,the TAB etc . Read the good news ,the factual stuff ,not the cynics and negaholics banging about the future of NZTAB and trying to clasp on to any bit of doom and gloom about , field size ,crowd size or the price of hot dogs !

Poor info and communication....BOLLOCKS.....it has never been so good even though its a new FUTURE with new ideas /promotions being tried and introduced regularly....its a huge Work-in-Progress but much has happened already in the 18 odd moths since Entain entered its 25 yr partnership with TABNZ to Fuel the Future of NZ Sport and Racing! The TABNZ is still a statutory body , Entain don't own it ,it a partnership !

HRNZ recently had a clean out/ change of Board and the new CEO has hit the ground running. Entain had made many changes.....What changes have been made ?? Gotta be the most stupid question of decade...hahahahaha.

Entain have injected monies into all racing and sports and added unbudgeted bonuses for good effect. The Strategic Plan for next 3 x years talks of another surge in stakes ,70% of which goes to grassroots racing so everyone gains. There will be a 20% increase in races run ,A BIG PUSH INTO AUCKLAND and efforts to revitalise Harness in North Island incl Cambridge and ManawaTu.
Yes ,they want to enhance the big events so obviously will support SLOT races etc and drive on course attendence .

Increase fillies/mares races ,increase starts per horse and increase foals born [ huge ask] and get more foals born to the races.And encourage Like v Like racing and improve handicapping .

So thats the Intent/plan signed off by Board now it up to the CEO and Mr Peden etc to put plans/promotions in place to assist this. And arent they just doing it...a mares  credit scheme , bonus for 2 yr old winners , and Next Gen promo.

Mr Peden only been there few weeks so cant be expected to sit in office and regurgitate figures from a past era.

This is the future ....they will regularly report against big indicators.

Some criticism re 2 yr old attention and small fields...well this area has improved dramatically in recent times since the race year/age change and the increase will continue.

Already there are 30 races for 2yr old boys in first half of 2025 , and 20 for fillies then the big Group races are in later part of year so these will increase.And there are 15 races for trotters [9 x south, 6 x north].A few year ago there were only a few races for trotters and tho some 3 -5 horse fiellds were run they either Non Tote or for $2 ,if not canned . Not this last year , over twice the 2 yr old trotters raced and many more won which augers well for 3 yr old this year.

What else needs critically communicated ....seems to me the plan is pretty much set in stone but some WIP and subject to tweaking..

Those paranoid about betting numbers and Gross betting revenue can get the report from HRNZ's raceday performances summary.

As I like to attend meetings and get involved in Ownership syndicates and help out in a few other areas I am buoyed by the well communicated 2025 plans and look forward to a great year ...so much going on.

Its an insult to read that those employed on Board etc are putting money into line their own personal pockets. Calls for them to read these pages...hahaha...I hope they don't.

We call for our leaders to have skin in the game then accuse them of that...thats low !!!!!

 

 

 

[Blackie]

10 hours ago, Rangatira said:

Is Ron Wanless still around?

Name from the past there Ranga. Spent a couple weeks with him last century, what an education, top bloke.

[Brodie]

6 hours ago, TAB For Ever said:

I've been called much worse than a plonker before , but once people start playing the man not the ball with personal insults IMO this a sure indication the cynic is all dressed up with nowhere to go OR under lock and key.....as in a padded room being a keyboard warrior.

You guys need to get out and about more ...attend some meetings ,join some ownership groups ,BGP or racing clubs . If this not possible at least do some reading of the News coming out of HRNZ ,the TAB etc . Read the good news ,the factual stuff ,not the cynics and negaholics banging about the future of NZTAB and trying to clasp on to any bit of doom and gloom about , field size ,crowd size or the price of hot dogs !

Poor info and communication....BOLLOCKS.....it has never been so good even though its a new FUTURE with new ideas /promotions being tried and introduced regularly....its a huge Work-in-Progress but much has happened already in the 18 odd moths since Entain entered its 25 yr partnership with TABNZ to Fuel the Future of NZ Sport and Racing! The TABNZ is still a statutory body , Entain don't own it ,it a partnership !

HRNZ recently had a clean out/ change of Board and the new CEO has hit the ground running. Entain had made many changes.....What changes have been made ?? Gotta be the most stupid question of decade...hahahahaha.

Entain have injected monies into all racing and sports and added unbudgeted bonuses for good effect. The Strategic Plan for next 3 x years talks of another surge in stakes ,70% of which goes to grassroots racing so everyone gains. There will be a 20% increase in races run ,A BIG PUSH INTO AUCKLAND and efforts to revitalise Harness in North Island incl Cambridge and ManawaTu.
Yes ,they want to enhance the big events so obviously will support SLOT races etc and drive on course attendence .

Increase fillies/mares races ,increase starts per horse and increase foals born [ huge ask] and get more foals born to the races.And encourage Like v Like racing and improve handicapping .

So thats the Intent/plan signed off by Board now it up to the CEO and Mr Peden etc to put plans/promotions in place to assist this. And arent they just doing it...a mares  credit scheme , bonus for 2 yr old winners , and Next Gen promo.

Mr Peden only been there few weeks so cant be expected to sit in office and regurgitate figures from a past era.

This is the future ....they will regularly report against big indicators.

Some criticism re 2 yr old attention and small fields...well this area has improved dramatically in recent times since the race year/age change and the increase will continue.

Already there are 30 races for 2yr old boys in first half of 2025 , and 20 for fillies then the big Group races are in later part of year so these will increase.And there are 15 races for trotters [9 x south, 6 x north].A few year ago there were only a few races for trotters and tho some 3 -5 horse fiellds were run they either Non Tote or for $2 ,if not canned . Not this last year , over twice the 2 yr old trotters raced and many more won which augers well for 3 yr old this year.

What else needs critically communicated ....seems to me the plan is pretty much set in stone but some WIP and subject to tweaking..

Those paranoid about betting numbers and Gross betting revenue can get the report from HRNZ's raceday performances summary.

As I like to attend meetings and get involved in Ownership syndicates and help out in a few other areas I am buoyed by the well communicated 2025 plans and look forward to a great year ...so much going on.

Its an insult to read that those employed on Board etc are putting money into line their own personal pockets. Calls for them to read these pages...hahaha...I hope they don't.

We call for our leaders to have skin in the game then accuse them of that...thats low !!!!!

 

 

 

TAB, so much to respond to and hope that things do come right for the sake of harness racing!

Yes they have chucked money into stakes and breeders bonuses just as they promised they would do in order to take over the NZ TAB.

Hope I am wrong and things are going to improve and make harness racing a viable business for so many again.

I unfortunately do not hold your confidence that what they are doing is going  to be enough to ensure Entain continues to back harness racing past the next 3 years.

Personally believe that the communication from the TAB/Entain is very poor.

Yes they have made changes many that are just stupid but then again that is right due to what McAnulty signed away.

At the end of the day time will tell whether your confidence in the current lot running the Racing industry is justified, and I hope you are right.

TAB, great that you are fully behind them but I say that these large gambling agencies are known to flog them off and Dean Shannon's past will tend to suggest this will happen at some stage.

Happy New Year!