Central Districts Race Tracks

[Wingman]

Back and refreshed..Squaarrk

The Awapuni saga is a diabolical mistake created by two incompetent entities, RACE and NZTR. In announcing the decision to not use the track this year the latest import CEO from Australia prattles on about "Our team, The RIB and the Club, with the support of independent experts." The CEO then conveniently leaves the following critical statement to the Melbourne track specialist, Mr O'Keeffe who says "More aggressive renovation work is required. At the same time we are progressing a wider investigation into the tracks long term suitability." That statement must come from the top and to defer that to a specialist is weak leadership. I therefore agree 100% with JESS who stated in one of her posts under 'Awapuni officially out of action' that "Nothing will change until we operate with some accountability".

CS is 100% correct that a massive problem has been created by "Over reliance on sand, to fix tracks". He then unfortunately stumbles towards dopey land by stating "I have a great deal of sympathy for central management".

NZTR have by and large created the problematic tracks we have today. Previous CEO's procrastinated re remedial work, a convenient ploy perhaps to let the track 'fade away'. When that did not work the work agreed upon was a cheap fix, akin to replacing bald tyres on a car with better 2nd hand tyres. Worse, whilst they were being cheap skates they insisted that all tracks must be presented the same, good 4, on race day. A track managers nightmare! No longer a manager of turf, now a watering manager.

Should you still feel the need to rebut CS, which you will, look at Hastings as irrefutable proof as to NZTR culpability. Ten years ago - problems. Five years ago - problems. In that period the same person was responsible and the same words were uttered, "We have put in place protocols and processes to ensure this will not happen again". Happen again and again they did. Words changed, manager did not! Accountability; Zilch. When they next meet around a board table, NZTR executive will be fervently fixated on a fantasy greenfield build in Flaxmere whilst the problematic Hastings track gets a 'partial' reconstruction.

In closing, the Industry does have one not so small door open. Walk away from the door of large stake increases for a few select races and agree on going through the alternative door which is a golden ticket for a few tracks to have comprehensive remedial work. Specifically, one track in the North, one in CD and the other in the South Is. In the CD my vote would be for Otaki. Relay the track, no sand apart from what lies there naturally, bowl both stands and build one new stand. Angle the straight outwards effectively widening the bend out of the straight. Totally change the parade rind, birdcage and add stables. Central Districts will then have it's new Trentham.    

[Special Agent]

I wonder how far the straight can be angled outwards when all of the carparking outside the Otaki track has been sold.  Likewise with adding stabling, would they be going in between the 400-600 affordable homes that are going to take up just a tick under 150 acres space currently being used for stabling?