BOAY 2026 New Years Greetings

[hesi]

I know the Chief won't do it, because he doesn't really go for that warm fuzzy stuff, but best New Year wishes to all those that read and contribute to BOAY.  It is after all what makes a chat site, a chat site.

Personally, I have found this to be the best of the social media chat sites about racing.

Why?

I think a lot of it is to do with the Chiefs knowledge of racing and intelligence, something which I think appeals to a lot of people who read this site.

Yes, he may give you a serve if you post stuff that in his mind does not stack up, but that should not deter people from having a say.

There is a big difference between rampant negativity that seems to be the hallmark for social media, and rigorous, fact based, critical appraisal of the issues in racing

[Freda]

Good comments,  I'd have to say you can give him a swish if he irritates you,   but he doesn't take offence.

And yes,  wishing all contributors good fortune and good health going forward. 

[Murray Fish]

On 31/12/2025 at 9:01 AM, hesi said:

best New Year wishes to all those that read and contribute to BOAY.  It is after all what makes a chat site, a chat site

tick... it does take a effort!

On 31/12/2025 at 9:01 AM, hesi said:

There is a big difference between rampant negativity that seems to be the hallmark for social media, and rigorous, fact based, critical appraisal of the issues in racing

Sigh, sadly, I could add, because the days of asking the right person at Head Office, for any facts and figures are now well gone!  I think that is  the base for some of that RN. (re things racing).  plus, "oh for the good old days..." 

As ever, on a personal; level! how does one play ones cards? be it betting, ownership! playing around on a racing site like this! If you interest is in 'employment in Industry', then $1.10 you be looking like so many others! over in AU.

[Chief Stipe]

20 minutes ago, Murray Fish said:

I think that is  the base for some of that RN. (re things racing).  plus, "oh for the good old days..."

The "good old days" being better than today winds me up.  I think part of the problem is we THINK things were better but the difference is we didn't have all this information (much of which is negative) at our finger tips.  The number of races that were televised in the 70's and 80's was very small.  We didn't even have videos!  I remember replaying vinyl record replays of my Dad's horses winning at Addington and then we moved to cassette tapes.  

When dad was living in Nelson his horse Dunhill was racing in the Timaru Challenge stakes in the early 80's - he couldn't get 3ZB where he was which was the only radio station broadcasting the races.  So he rang me in Christchurch and I went around to my Uncle's and we held the phone to the radio so he could hear the race!

The grass tracks were as rough as guts.  It took an age to queue to get a bet on.  But it WAS easy to set a horse up for a big punt!

[Special Agent]

I think the horses were tougher, and it was okay if the people said the odd word out of place.

[Chief Stipe]

12 minutes ago, Special Agent said:

I think the horses were tougher, and it was okay if the people said the odd word out of place.

The horses were tougher but I think there was more respect.  Most licensees called the Stipes "Sir".