Guerin Report with NZ Entain CEO Andrew Vouris

[Wingman]

Mr Vouris,  as one would expect six months into his tenure, is upbeat and he had figures to defend his positive attitude. He has a background in gambling and  comes across as being focused on selling bets to customers who want to be involved with an innovative operator.  He is clear that growing the sports market and then getting new sports customers to get involved in major horse racing days such as Melbourne cup day etc is the key to achieving their growth goals. His gripe with NZ racing is the lack of consistency. He points out abandonments in the last 12 months are up ten percent.

At  no point did he criticize any one or any entity however read between the lines when Michael Guerin asks him "If you had a magic wand?' to which he replies;

"Racing to be on our best tracks, at the right times, with the best fields we can possibly put together".  

[Shab]

Retail growth he talks about be the punters they’ve restricted going betting on machines cos they can’t get bet on their accounts.

[Huey]

9 hours ago, Wingman said:

 

At  no point did he criticize any one or any entity however read between the lines when Michael Guerin asks him "If you had a magic wand?' to which he replies;

"Racing to be on our best tracks, at the right times, with the best fields we can possibly put together".  

More of the same, it won't work.

He came across as particularly nervous & somewhat as though the interview was rehearsed , certainly no puncy confidence in his answers.

[Chief Stipe]

10 hours ago, Wingman said:

"Racing to be on our best tracks, at the right times, with the best fields we can possibly put together".  

Which is what the entire industry should be working towards.  The Holy Grail.  it's what makes OZ racing so attractive to the punter.  I'd add to that the need for the training of Jockeys to be stepped up.  The majority of them need pace reading training.  Although I have noticed that recently some of the newbies are taking the initiative.  Hopefully more will follow their lead.

[Special Agent]

49 minutes ago, Chief Stipe said:

Which is what the entire industry should be working towards.  The Holy Grail.  it's what makes OZ racing so attractive to the punter.  I'd add to that the need for the training of Jockeys to be stepped up.  The majority of them need pace reading training.  Although I have noticed that recently some of the newbies are taking the initiative.  Hopefully more will follow their lead.

Various groups within the industry will say they are working together when the fact is in reality they are not.  The backstabbing and egotistical attitudes are disheartening.  If everyone was working towards making racing the best it can be they wouldn't be jealous of other participants and clubs, and wouldn't be trying to strip others of glory or funds.  There is room for everybody.

Poor riding is a definite turn off.  Riders can't improve without practice and opportunity.  NZTR have concepts in place to promote improved skills, like the elite riders programme.  Some fall outs from it prove it needs tweaking.  Personally I think the name of it alone lends itself to problems of attitude on two counts.  I'm not sure that everything requires a label.

[Chief Stipe]