Chief Stipe Posted March 18, 2019 Share Posted March 18, 2019 Who throws a shoe anyway? There was a truly bizarre incident over the weekend, where a former Aussie rules player threw a shoe on to the Gloucester Park track during a race. Understandably, many were quick to criticise the alleged actions of Rhys Palmer immediately after. Since the incident, Palmer has been left fighting for his life after a motorcycle accident. I am not in a hurry to kick a man while he is down, but I think the topic still deserves some debate. The shoe-throwing incident has exposed how accessible harness racing tracks are to the public and how dangerous that easy access can be. I would argue the general public has as little clue as ever about the dangers of racing or an understanding of horse behaviour. It seems inevitable that given that, security at race meetings is going to become an increasingly important topic. And the worst part is, the industry will have to fund any increased security measures. Right now, it seems there is only a minimal security presence at race meetings. At most meetings people can walk freely around the stables and touch the horses if they want to. That is an integrity risk that will surely need to be addressed in time. It seems to me it is just a matter or when, rather than if, we see more yellow jackets and more checking of passes at meetings around the country. 2008 NAB rising star winner Rhys Palmer is likely to face a life ban from racetracks after he threw his shoes onto the track during Race 6 at Gloucester Park.Fortunately, no horses or drivers were injured. pic.twitter.com/tn8wvXkute — Nick Quinn (@Quinny_1) March 15, 2019 Canterbury behind the crusade Has Canterbury become the least logical place to race a horse in New Zealand? Anecdotal evidence has long suggested its competitive racing scene means it is one of the hardest places in the country to win a race. And I am not in a hurry to argue with that. Stakes levels in Auckland and Southland have never looked better, but has Canterbury been left behind? Stakes in the Central Districts are not too shabby considering the quality of animal required to win a race there. One could argue Forbury Park was in a similar position. Obviously the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club have healthy purses with their $10,000 minimum stakes. However, clubs in surrounding areas do not seem to be offering anything quite as juicy. That would seem to make racing at their meetings unattractive given how competitive Canterbury racing is. Why race for $8000 when you can go down to Southland and race for $10,000 or move your horse to Auckland and race for $20,000? Two of those options sound more attractive that the other. The question is, why has Canterbury seemingly been left behind and what are the clubs involved going to do about it? I would suggest those are two questions Canterbury trainers would like the answers to rather quickly. A bit of banter I enjoyed a bit of banter with a couple of locals at the Kindergarten Stakes meeting on Saturday. I got the feeling they did not agree with my recent comments in this column about the look the Wyndham club’s cattle grazing in the middle of the track provided for TV viewers. Though the cattle were inside the track again on Saturday, they had been moved to a less perspicuous spot. The famed Wyndham cattle really soaking up Kindergarten Stakes day. pic.twitter.com/ugz8SMCHOq — ♞Jonnyturner (@turnitupnz) March 16, 2019 It seems these cattle have been a talking point with quite a few people since their starring role in this column. Their high profiles must mean they will be highly sought after by farmers around the country? Perhaps, TV producers will seek out their television talents and put them in some kind of ad? Perhaps, all the fuss could result in to a major windfall for the Wyndham Harness Racing Club? Perhaps, that is all a load of rubbish. Whether its cattle, cats or racetrack chaos I welcome feedback and a bit of healthy banter and debate over anything in this column. Happy trails jonny@racingmedia.co.nz View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.