Te Akau (David Ellis) comment on downgrading

[hesi]

However, not all recent developments have been positive. I was genuinely dismayed and saddened to read that the Graded Stakes' Committee has downgraded the Thorndon Mile from Group 1 to Group 2 status. I do believe that such decisions risk causing enormous harm to our racing industry. 

In Australia, for example, the equivalent committee has not met for eight years, ensuring no changes to its black-type programme. Yet here in New Zealand, we are 'doing the right thing' working with the Asian Pattern group and we are thus witnessing the downgrading of races like the Levin Classic – a race whose honour roll includes champions such as Imperatriz (winner), On the Bubbles (second), and I Wish I Win (third) – the latter now widely acclaimed as one of the greatest milers in Australia over the past two seasons.

My plea to NZTR is simple: please reconsider this course. If we continue to diminish the status of our premier races, we risk undermining the very foundation of our industry. We cannot afford to weaken our black-type races if we hope to sustain a vibrant and internationally respected racing scene.

[hesi]

I'm not sure I understand the comment

In Australia, for example, the equivalent committee has not met for eight years, ensuring no changes to its black-type programme. Yet here in New Zealand, we are 'doing the right thing' working with the Asian Pattern group

Edited 5 hours ago by hesi

[Freda]

He seems to have sorta missed the point. 

[curious]

10 minutes ago, Freda said:

He seems to have sorta missed the point. 

Agree. Has he not read or understood the APC guidelines and aopproval process?

[curious]

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❌ Races Not Recognised by the APC

A controversial list of 12–17 races in New South Wales were unilaterally upgraded by Racing Australia and Racing NSW, but rejected by the APC due to procedural violations and lack of a functioning national pattern committee. These include: [A Dozen NS...BloodHorse], [Asian Raci...ist of ...], [Races not...ype status], [No interna...rty dozen’]

• The Invitation (1400m) – proposed Group 2
• Five Diamonds Prelude (1500m) – proposed Listed
• Silver Eagle (1300m) – proposed Group 3
• Reginald Allen Quality (1400m) – proposed Group 3
• St Leger Stakes (2600m) – proposed Group 3
• Tapp-Craig (1400m) – proposed Listed

These races are not recognised internationally, meaning they do not appear in pedigree catalogues like Arion or The Blue Book, and horses winning them do not earn official black-type status.

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The APC has made it clear that any upgrades must be submitted and approved at its annual meeting. Racing Australia has been urged to reinstate a proper pattern committee to align with international standards.

[Huey]

Good to see him thinking about NZ racing in general .... LMAO!

[Chief Stipe]

1 hour ago, Huey said:

Good to see him thinking about NZ racing in general .... LMAO!

Not much brings you joy.  Explain why you are laughing your arse off?