Reefton Posted January 6, 2020 Share Posted January 6, 2020 10 minutes ago, Rusty said: I listened to the Kumara Club president talk to Des on Radio Trackside this arvo. If anybody else heard it, I'd be interested in your thoughts. My take on it was Des was a bit taken aback when the president was adamant the club (Kumara) wasn't merely transferring to Greymouth, but forgoing everything about the day, because "it was just too hard". Something just doesn't stack up here. Something just doesn't seem right. Probably never get to the bottom of it, but it's a shame the industry and the code can't work in together and just make sh!t happen. Run the nuggets at Omoto. As an outsider looking in, no one else other than a few on a committee would really care. Here's hoping for a good day on Saturday. Conducted by the Greymouth JC, because it was too hard for the other club. Look Rusty with all due respect you should be reading my posts over the years. I knew they wouldn't run the day. They are genuine people (Patrick Meates is a good bloke and most of the rest of the committee very decent people - a couple of elderly ladies on that Committee will be devastated) but they are not racing people. They organise a piss up (and a bloody good one at that) but their pride is in the event not the quality of the Thoroughbred product provided. Two years ago on the Tuesday Michael Pitman told me(and the stipes) there was no way Kumara could run. They took 2 days to face reality. Last Saturday Michael Pitman told EVERYONE they couldn't race at Kumara - another Riccarton Trainer told them it was all OK - and again two days later they finally got the message. You might not beleive it but I do feel sorry for the Kumara Committee(especially those old ladies) but sowing uncertainty in regards the circuit does nothing for WC racing. And nor will running a meeting at Greymouth if it is a bog. And what about NZTR and the GJC's obligations to the Westland Racing Club? They run next Tuesday there - if they plough it up Saturday how good will that be? NZTR have been reminded of that as well (if it happens they will probably want to transfer that meeting to Reefton) 1 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty Posted January 6, 2020 Share Posted January 6, 2020 2 minutes ago, Reefton said: They are genuine people (Patrick Meates is a good bloke and most of the rest of the committee very decent people - a couple of elderly ladies on that Committee will be devastated) but they are not racing people. They organise a piss up (and a bloody good one at that) but their pride is in the event not the quality of the Thoroughbred product provided. That explains it. Thanks mate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freda Posted January 6, 2020 Share Posted January 6, 2020 Agree with Reefton's summation...but, notwithstanding the goodwill inherent with both Reefton JC and Greymouth in offering to hold the day, the handling by NZTR is - again - inept. IMO. How could the track have been ok a week ago and not now? Clearly, it was never ok, so porkies [ no pun intended] rule again. As for the 'retention' of Kumara as a 'preferred' venue, despite being unable to race on it's track for four of the last five years....really? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reefton Posted January 6, 2020 Share Posted January 6, 2020 2 hours ago, Freda said: Agree with Reefton's summation...but, notwithstanding the goodwill inherent with both Reefton JC and Greymouth in offering to hold the day, the handling by NZTR is - again - inept. IMO. How could the track have been ok a week ago and not now? Clearly, it was never ok, so porkies [ no pun intended] rule again. As for the 'retention' of Kumara as a 'preferred' venue, despite being unable to race on it's track for four of the last five years....really? Yeah well we will see what NZTR does now Pam(and I bet it won't be much) Bloody lucky for the(NZTR) the forecast has turned around and it looks fine(ish) for the rest of the week so Omoto should dry out a lot and might cope with two more days. The amusing thing is that Pitty could tell you from 400 miles away on Saturday that Kumara could not race but another prominent Riccarton trainer who declared it perfect on Sunday morning could not tell from 4 feet away! And nor could a bunch of stipes and NZTR trackmen who visited it over and over and over again in the last month. One wonders how low the credibility of the various authorities in NZ racing can actually go. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reefton Posted January 6, 2020 Share Posted January 6, 2020 (edited) And of course we should all remember that if John Messara had had his way (and Bernard admitted NZTR had 'input') we would have been having four days at Kumara this circuit. How much of a delight would that have been? Why will they not listen to those who actually know what is going on here or in NZ Racing in general? Edited January 6, 2020 by Reefton 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freda Posted January 6, 2020 Share Posted January 6, 2020 1 hour ago, Reefton said: And of course we should all remember that if John Messara had had his way (and Bernard admitted NZTR had 'input') we would have been having four days at Kumara this circuit. Winston would have been thrilled. 1 hour ago, Reefton said: How much of a delight would that have been? Why will they not listen to those who actually know what is going on here or in NZ Racing in general? They are silly enough to think they DO know - but don't - and arrogant in that they give no credence to those who do. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reefton Posted January 9, 2020 Share Posted January 9, 2020 (edited) Oh dear! Heavy rain forecast for the Coast for the weekend. I am sure the Westland Racing Club will be delighted if it eventuates. Will make Tuesday on a ploughed up track a real pleasure. I told them (several times) that the best place for Kumara's day was Reefton but they were not keen to listen to someone who actually knows how the Coast weather works. Edited January 9, 2020 by Reefton 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
curious Posted January 11, 2020 Share Posted January 11, 2020 If worse comes to worse, could Westland race at Reefton? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reefton Posted January 11, 2020 Share Posted January 11, 2020 2 hours ago, curious said: If worse comes to worse, could Westland race at Reefton? Won't matter now obviously but doubt the TAB would have cooperated. We have been caught previously trying to shift with a lot more notice than that and been refused. Might have been hard to get NZTR support/approval as well given Westland's recent property deal. Bloody pleased for the Westland people that the track has not been hammered and hope not too much rain hits in the next 24 hours. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shad Posted January 11, 2020 Share Posted January 11, 2020 Big crowd there today, weather played it's part and fields held up well, looked like horses and riders got around in one piece, was surprised to see the car park was full and had to leave via the back entrance, roll on Tuesday. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reefton Posted January 11, 2020 Share Posted January 11, 2020 2 hours ago, Shad said: Big crowd there today, weather played it's part and fields held up well, looked like horses and riders got around in one piece, was surprised to see the car park was full and had to leave via the back entrance, roll on Tuesday. Yes because the cops wanted to subject every vehicle leaving to breath testing. I was crook but went out to sober drive for a mate. Tried to leave the quick way but there was a cop behind the grandstand redirecting everyone the other way. Pain in the arse. They turned over almost $200k oncourse - will be interesting to see what Trentham did. Everyone there seemed to have had a great day and reckoned the Cops were pretty good - mind you I've been breathtested three times tonight already with another trip out to go so they are going to rub a few up the wrong way before the day is out. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shad Posted January 11, 2020 Share Posted January 11, 2020 That's a very good turnover, similar to what kumara would do at home, yep everyone had to leave via the back door, to be fair probably was safer than the bridge and that corner on the hill, people were warned throughout the day about the breath testing, so no excuses there, first time ever I have gone out the back door, the club would certainly be happy with the crowd and turnover, well done to them, maybe a better plan for the future, as kumara will always be a dicey one. Just wonder what they turned over last Sunday, the weather was a tad damp and cold, guess you can't win them all, just a shame that hokitika was the biggest loser in the wash up with losing their venue.The powers that be certainly got that one wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty Posted January 11, 2020 Share Posted January 11, 2020 (edited) Was a brilliant day at the races, a credit to absolutely everyone involved, they did a fantastic job and should be congratulated. One of the best days of racing I have been to, I couldn't find fault with anything at all. Well done to all concerned. Edited January 11, 2020 by Rusty 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomass Posted January 11, 2020 Share Posted January 11, 2020 10 hours ago, Reefton said: Yes because the cops wanted to subject every vehicle leaving to breath testing. I was crook but went out to sober drive for a mate. Tried to leave the quick way but there was a cop behind the grandstand redirecting everyone the other way. Pain in the arse. They turned over almost $200k oncourse - will be interesting to see what Trentham did. Everyone there seemed to have had a great day and reckoned the Cops were pretty good - mind you I've been breathtested three times tonight already with another trip out to go so they are going to rub a few up the wrong way before the day is out. Good to see the Country folk can't escape City reality reefer ...did you have to do any 'licking' to make sure you weren't surreptitiously hiding a bit of electrified puha behind the left crown jewel? BTW your Cuzzie Mick City Slicker Guerin absolutely gave it to you Coasters and their small minded, small town behaviour wrt 'working together' on TFC the other day... The small town small minded attitude isn't unique to the Coast in reality though... Just look to Avondale...old timers living in the past and in denial... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted January 11, 2020 Share Posted January 11, 2020 19 minutes ago, Thomass said: BTW your Cuzzie Mick City Slicker Guerin absolutely gave it to you Coasters and their small minded, small town behaviour wrt 'working together' on TFC the other day... Who in their right mind would take any notice of Mick Guerin. Oh....you of course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murray Fish Posted January 11, 2020 Share Posted January 11, 2020 ....please don't talk about the elephant on course!!! ? or was that not on course? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty Posted January 11, 2020 Share Posted January 11, 2020 1 hour ago, Murray Fish said: ....please don't talk about the elephant on course!!! ? or was that not on course? It wasn't a wild pig, that much is certain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billy connolly Posted January 11, 2020 Share Posted January 11, 2020 2 hours ago, Rusty said: One of the best days of racing I have been to, I couldn't find fault with anything at all. Well done to all concerned. Wasn't a great day for (white braces) Donnelly, I counted at least six ponies left in barrier after he pulled the trigger. Many jockeys lost their compass also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomass Posted January 11, 2020 Share Posted January 11, 2020 1 hour ago, Chief Stipe said: Who in their right mind would take any notice of Mick Guerin. Oh....you of course. He's a 'COASTER'... ...and he knows small town small minded after coming to the City.... One only needs to read Reefer's posts to see that petty small town parochialism is alive and well... They've got too much time on their hands... ...flogging Jade, stealing White Gold from neighbours nets and selling Gunja to the City boys.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted January 11, 2020 Share Posted January 11, 2020 8 minutes ago, Thomass said: He's a 'COASTER'... ...and he knows small town small minded after coming to the City.... One only needs to read Reefer's posts to see that petty small town parochialism is alive and well... They've got too much time on their hands... ...flogging Jade, stealing White Gold from neighbours nets and selling Gunja to the City boys.... Yeah well I'm a born and bred West Coaster too and I still don't agree with Guerin. Most Coaster's don't seek the lime light and just go about their business. The treatment of Coast racing by NZRB/NZTR says a lot about what is wrong with NZ racing. Most Coaster's are hard working eking out a living through hard work. Not for them suits, makeup, pontificating and seeking attention on TV and social media. Full credit to the Westland Racing Club in Hokitika (the racecourse that was my first introduction to racing) for giving the finger to RITA/NZTR and giving their assets back to the community that founded it. That isn't "petty small town parochialism" that's loyalty and integrity. Something the big gang of 5 should take note of. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reefton Posted January 12, 2020 Share Posted January 12, 2020 3 hours ago, Shad said: That's a very good turnover, similar to what kumara would do at home, yep everyone had to leave via the back door, to be fair probably was safer than the bridge and that corner on the hill, people were warned throughout the day about the breath testing, so no excuses there, first time ever I have gone out the back door, the club would certainly be happy with the crowd and turnover, well done to them, maybe a better plan for the future, as kumara will always be a dicey one. Just wonder what they turned over last Sunday, the weather was a tad damp and cold, guess you can't win them all, just a shame that hokitika was the biggest loser in the wash up with losing their venue.The powers that be certainly got that one wrong. $59k on a cold windy showery day last Sunday. Kumara have done up to $400k in the past so a bit more but doubt Grey have ever had a turnover like that. Good effort. Been over that bridge and up the hill a million times so there is no issue with that and if you thought there would not be a checkpoint (given the booze bus had arrived in town and been parked on the Main St for 2 nights) you would have been living in fairyland. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reefton Posted January 12, 2020 Share Posted January 12, 2020 2 hours ago, Thomass said: Good to see the Country folk can't escape City reality reefer ...did you have to do any 'licking' to make sure you weren't surreptitiously hiding a bit of electrified puha behind the left crown jewel? BTW your Cuzzie Mick City Slicker Guerin absolutely gave it to you Coasters and their small minded, small town behaviour wrt 'working together' on TFC the other day... The small town small minded attitude isn't unique to the Coast in reality though... Just look to Avondale...old timers living in the past and in denial... 37 minutes ago, Thomass said: He's a 'COASTER'... ...and he knows small town small minded after coming to the City.... One only needs to read Reefer's posts to see that petty small town parochialism is alive and well... They've got too much time on their hands... ...flogging Jade, stealing White Gold from neighbours nets and selling Gunja to the City boys.... I've said it before and I will say it again - f off dickhead. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomass Posted January 12, 2020 Share Posted January 12, 2020 4 minutes ago, Reefton said: I've said it before and I will say it again - f off dickhead. Truth. Hurts. Wake up. Your criticism of the Kumara committee says it all Reefer.... It just shows what a dead set gem of an idea De Lore's article about Messara was... ...And Winn getting the idea...after reading said gem... At least De Lore has now got into Pete Vella's ear to tidy up any problems Winn may have with DIA suits... ...petty small town jealousy is partnparcel of the review unfortunately...and Dean McKenzie knows it.. ...just as well he recognises that...and so do other luminaries .. ...from the City Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shad Posted January 12, 2020 Share Posted January 12, 2020 33 minutes ago, Reefton said: $59k on a cold windy showery day last Sunday. Kumara have done up to $400k in the past so a bit more but doubt Grey have ever had a turnover like that. Good effort. Been over that bridge and up the hill a million times so there is no issue with that and if you thought there would not be a checkpoint (given the booze bus had arrived in town and been parked on the Main St for 2 nights) you would have been living in fairyland. Must have been an easier and safer for them set up the checkpoint via the backdoor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shad Posted January 12, 2020 Share Posted January 12, 2020 4 hours ago, billy connolly said: Wasn't a great day for (white braces) Donnelly, I counted at least six ponies left in barrier after he pulled the trigger. Many jockeys lost their compass also. Interesting start in the last race, two very slow away, one late scratched having its head in the other one's barrier, but apparently not effecting its chances, according to the rider, so it deemed a starter, last race so they all probably wanted to get home, not sure about the compass, just think they forgot where the winning post was. 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.