Trainers' Association getting off the stick finally?

[curious]

TRACKS

The submission made to the Member' Council outlined in last month's newsletter had a response from NZTR. The Executive of the Trainers' Association did not believe it was acceptable.
There has been further abandonments since and as a result, the Trainers' Association along with the Jockeys' Association have convened a meeting with a select group to conduct a thorough review of  the systems and processes for decision-making.  It is vital that changes are made as the current system is not satisfactory. 

The meeting is being held on 6th May and we will keep you informed of the outcome. This will not just be a talkfest, but a call to action. Below is a copy of the significant agenda items to be discussed:

Proposed Agenda for Stakeholder Meeting with NZTR on Tuesday 6 May 2025
 
Purpose: To scrutinise current frameworks, practices, and systems surrounding track preparation and performance, and assess whether they are delivering the intended outcomes across the industry.
 
1. Defining Success: Clarity of Standards and Expectations

• Evaluation of current track presentation objectives: safety, consistency, turf performance.

• Are the following frameworks clear, current, and effective?
  • Race Meeting Track Information Template

  • Track Preparation Policy

  • Operational guidance (rail movement, irrigation, machinery, grass length)

• Are expectations consistently understood, applied, and met across venues?

• Do current definitions of success align between NZTR and stakeholders?

• Identification of policy or procedural gaps requiring review or update.

 
2. Assessing System Readiness: Capability, Resourcing and Support

• Are clubs adequately equipped and resourced to meet expectations?
  • Resource allocation, staffing levels, and equipment.

  • Access to shared or centralised support (e.g. machinery, technical expertise).

• Are current levels of expertise and training for track personnel sufficient and consistent?

• Effectiveness of ongoing education, peer networks, and technical advisory support.

• Are there disparities between clubs, and how are these being addressed?

 
3. Evaluating Oversight: Monitoring, Reporting and Accountability

• How is performance currently monitored and reviewed by NZTR?
  • Data collection, reporting expectations from clubs to NZTR.

  • NZTR’s internal processes for analysis and oversight.

• Is there a clear, functional system of accountability across all levels?

• Are roles and responsibilities effectively defined and interlinked?

• Is there transparency and regularity in review outcomes and follow-through actions?

• What benchmarks or examples of best practice are used to assess performance?

 
4. Scrutiny of Incident Management and Return to Racing Processes

• Examination of protocols for managing track issues and decision-making under the Return to Racing Policy.

• Are investigation processes transparent, consistent, and consultative?

• What role does the RIB play in ensuring integrity and stakeholder confidence?

• Is stakeholder input genuinely considered before resumption of racing?

• Importance and reliability of steward inspections in restoring trust.

 
5. Investment Priorities: Aligning Spend with Industry Foundations

• Review of NZTR’s budget allocation: is core infrastructure, particularly track investment, receiving appropriate priority?

• Have past spending decisions delivered lasting value to the sport?

• How are investment decisions made and evaluated for effectiveness?

• Are stakeholder perspectives on foundational needs factored into budget planning?

 
6. The Future

• Schedule another meeting between NZTR and Stakeholder groups to discuss venue strategy and to follow up on the action points from this meeting

NZTR agenda items added by representatives attending:

• What role do all Stakeholders see as their part in Track preparedness and safety?

• Procedures to gain better feedback from Stakeholders post-race meeting – positive or negative? How can we improve or formalise this process?

[Freda]

Good on them.

Long overdue though.

[Doomed]

I don't notice much relating to the decisions to cease racing at some tracks and to concentrate industry resources on selected tracks.

Given that the despised tracks like Te Teko, Foxton, Timaru and Oamaru, just to name a few, are all good winter tracks, do the trainers think the right decisions were made regarding relegating these tracks to also rans?

I can't help thinking that the CD has been incredibly lucky that Trentham has held up ok and been blessed with good weather around all of it's meetings. Likewise, I hate to think what racing in Canterbury would have been like if there were any problems with Ashburton.

The number of abandonments look bad, but it could easily have been much worse.

[Special Agent]

What representation at this meeting now with Otaki/Foxton moving to Hawera on that day?