Wingman Posted April 28 Posted April 28 There is a one page article on Loveracing today headlined 'Ballesty excited to lead NZTR into a new age'. A key sentence is quote "One of the areas that is a standout is making sure that our industry has a plan when it comes to infrastructure around racecourses and where we want to put our money and efforts into various regions to get the best outcome on all fronts". unquote No mention in the article, not a smidgen re Awapuni, as if it did not happen! 3 1 Quote
Special Agent Posted April 28 Posted April 28 It's a shocker isn't it!! I liked the bit about using racecourses for other events in the off season. Really??!! 2 Quote
The Centaur Posted April 28 Posted April 28 28 minutes ago, Special Agent said: It's a shocker isn't it!! I liked the bit about using racecourses for other events in the off season. Really??!! Actually utilizing racing assets is the key for the future. The reliance on the gambling dollar must end. There is a myriad of uses for racecourse facilities. The UK has a separate organisation combining the the actual assets. NZTR is there to administer racing its not there to run the business around each racecourse. Therefore New Zealand needs a new organisation combining all the clubs into a business unit away from racing. That said Avondale which hosts the Markets every Sunday had a golden opportunity to leverage that event into racing. Getting the markets crowd to attend racing could have happened with a bit of initiative. Instead all Avondale was interested in was keeping local land agents and lawyers happy. 1 Quote
Special Agent Posted April 28 Posted April 28 48 minutes ago, The Centaur said: Actually utilizing racing assets is the key for the future. Therefore New Zealand needs a new organisation combining all the clubs into a business unit away from racing. I was more laughing at the "off season" comment. Surely not another group to look after all the clubs. What are committee members for? Each community has a unique set of circumstances. 3 Quote
Freda Posted April 28 Posted April 28 Ffs...our committee approved a fireworks display right across the track from the stabling area. Needless to say it was abandoned when the organizer realized the ramifications. Quote
curious Posted April 28 Posted April 28 1 hour ago, Freda said: Ffs...our committee approved a fireworks display right across the track from the stabling area. Needless to say it was abandoned when the organizer realized the ramifications. Unbelievable! 1 Quote
Assange Posted April 29 Posted April 29 19 hours ago, Special Agent said: I was more laughing at the "off season" comment. Surely not another group to look after all the clubs. What are committee members for? Each community has a unique set of circumstances. Don't laugh at the off season comment. Synthetic tracks are back in play. Jumps Racing is on a reprieve (for now). Even Weigh In is finished " for the season". Quote
Huey Posted April 29 Posted April 29 On 29/04/2025 at 3:08 AM, Freda said: Ffs...our committee approved a fireworks display right across the track from the stabling area. Needless to say it was abandoned when the organizer realized the ramifications. and this is the issue with the so called attempting to utilise the assets for something else, most of it doesn't mix particularly well with thoroughbreds! The CEO is showing himself to be another clueless patsy with his comments here. Anyone who has an idea for for utilsing the assets outside racing should be made to ride a young horse around at the same time and see if they still have the same enthusiasm. We talk a big game regarding safety and then we get this type of rubbish. 2 Quote
The Centaur Posted April 30 Posted April 30 7 hours ago, Huey said: and this is the issue with the so called attempting to utilise the assets for something else, most of it doesn't mix particularly well with thoroughbreds! The CEO is showing himself to be another clueless patsy with his comments here. Anyone who has an idea for for utilsing the assets outside racing should be made to ride a young horse around at the same time and see if they still have the same enthusiasm. We talk a big game regarding safety and then we get this type of rubbish. So you are saying clubs like Auckland shouldn't have a function centre used by hundreds of organisations nor lease space for a golf course and clubs shouldn't use their facilities for markets, concerts, sports etc. etc. NewPlymouth is an interesting case where the local council is intensifying the community use of racing assets. 1 Quote
Huey Posted April 30 Posted April 30 11 hours ago, The Centaur said: So you are saying clubs like Auckland shouldn't have a function centre used by hundreds of organisations nor lease space for a golf course and clubs shouldn't use their facilities for markets, concerts, sports etc. etc. NewPlymouth is an interesting case where the local council is intensifying the community use of racing assets. Auckland only have horses there on race day. The mix very rarely works and we usually see one take precedence over the other & it's never racing. Look at Trentham for starters although next to no horses trained there the rot has well and truly set in. It'll happen elsewhere to the detriment of racing. 1 Quote
Special Agent Posted May 1 Posted May 1 21 hours ago, The Centaur said: NewPlymouth is an interesting case where the local council is intensifying the community use of racing assets. And pulling down grandstands. Quote
mikeynz Posted May 1 Posted May 1 12 minutes ago, Special Agent said: And pulling down grandstands. Maybe for scrap? Quote
Chief Stipe Posted May 1 Posted May 1 1 hour ago, Special Agent said: And pulling down grandstands. That isn't entirely correct. Aren't they upgrading the remaining and making them more multipurpose? New Plymouth's biggest issue is the state of its track. I recall asking a very good Senior Jockey about 18 years ago what was the worst track in the CD. His answer was New Plymouth. I can't say I've seen any improvement since then. 1 Quote
The Centaur Posted May 1 Posted May 1 2 hours ago, Special Agent said: Does multipurpose include racing? Strangely I'll say no. Take for instance Stratford. Jan 1st would seem an excellent day for a community fun fair with large screen for racing & betting elsewhere and businesses getting behind it. Plenty horse related events could be held without the need for racing on the course. e.g. parade of local thoroughbreds & harness, show jumping pony rides etc.etc. 1 Quote
Chief Stipe Posted May 1 Posted May 1 20 minutes ago, The Centaur said: Strangely I'll say no. Take for instance Stratford. Jan 1st would seem an excellent day for a community fun fair with large screen for racing & betting elsewhere and businesses getting behind it. Plenty horse related events could be held without the need for racing on the course. e.g. parade of local thoroughbreds & harness, show jumping pony rides etc.etc. Focus on the fine animal the horse. That's what differentiates the industry from every other entertainment option. Quote
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