Draft calendar

[curious]

23 minutes ago, mardigras said:

We are an international tourism country.

Not anymore.

[Chief Stipe]

15 minutes ago, mardigras said:

My opinion is based on my analysis of the data and many years modelling data.

So you agree we should be back racing?

[Chief Stipe]

13 minutes ago, curious said:

Not anymore.

We will be.  I'd be looking for cheap shares for those tourist companies that have good reserves.  Get in now!

[curious]

33 minutes ago, curious said:

 

No.24 - 24-04-2020 - NZTR Circular FY20 - ALERT LEVEL 3 DIRECTIVE.pdf 309.79 kB · 0 downloads NZTR Directive COVID-19 Alert Level-3 (Training and Racing).pdf 509.4 kB · 0 downloads NZTR COVID-19 Health Screening Questionnaire.docx 75.26 kB · 0 downloads

I think they've done a fantastic job with this! Hope trainers, training centres etc. are ready and stake money and draft programmes are now forthcoming.

[mardigras]

10 minutes ago, Chief Stipe said:

So you agree we should be back racing?

My modelling suggests the period between now and August is not going to do anything for the industry overall. What - about 100 - 120 races between now and then according to the daft calendar?

I think the time would have been better spent formulating a plan as to how to get racing up on its feet, full stop. Easier done in my view if racing hasn't just resumed along the lines of where it was at. Major changes I am talking about. Handicapping, scheduling, stake distribution, management/admin, track management, integrity.

Clean break and start with a new understanding and a new way of doing things. They had 5 moths to get that sorted (or at least started) - instead we have a daft calendar a 5yo could have put together in half an hour. 

I guess I was expecting more - but that's just showing I'm dumb like ATA says.

[Chief Stipe]

5 minutes ago, mardigras said:

I think the time would have been better spent formulating a plan as to how to get racing up on its feet, full stop. Easier done in my view if racing hasn't just resumed along the lines of where it was at. Major changes I am talking about. Handicapping, scheduling, stake distribution, management/admin, track management, integrity.

 

You are assuming that NZTR and RITA with their 600 employees with state of the art IT and data networking were actually working.  Many of us were recalibrating our business during the lockdown.  Planning and looking for opportunities post lock down.  Afterall there will be $80 billion of cash slurping around the system.

I've been amazed at how agile OZ racing has been.  I guess that supports the concept of competition right through the supply chain.

The best thing Government could do is deal to the monopoly that RITA has in the NZ market.

Under free market conditions I'd be happy for Hokitika or Reefton racing clubs to fold.

[All The Aces]

The only modelling you should be allowed around Mardigras is a train set.

Australia seem to have got is pretty well right. Their C-19 statistics pretty much mirror ours and they haven't had stringent economic devastating level 4 lockdown that NZ has been subjected to. You will note that racing has continued over there bar Tasmania and most business's have been open as well as schools.  

Thousands of NZ business's have been unable to open under the government's harsh directives. Most after five weeks of being unable to trade will still be locked out for at least another two which is in fact Level 3.9.  We should be straight down to Level 2 on Monday at 11:59pm. 

The full impact of this damage to the NZ economy won't be seen for a wee while, but it will be significant and many, many small business's won't be back trading with unemployment is forecast to be around 11-13%.

 

 

[Chief Stipe]

7 minutes ago, All The Aces said:

Australia seem to have got is pretty well right. Their C-19 statistics pretty much mirror ours

They seem to be better than ours.

[mardigras]

31 minutes ago, All The Aces said:

The only modelling you should be allowed around Mardigras is a train set.

Australia seem to have got is pretty well right. Their C-19 statistics pretty much mirror ours and they haven't had stringent economic devastating level 4 lockdown that NZ has been subjected to. You will note that racing has continued over there bar Tasmania and most business's have been open as well as schools.  

Awesome, I like trains.

So give us the numbers of unemployment and economic devastation in Australia. Must be rosy there. Please tell us.

Perhaps consider these ones as well for Sweden, and let us know which part of the lock down over there, is causing the job loss reported for March - before things started get much worse there. So over 18,000 in the last week of March. Imagine if they had a lockdown. This from Sweden's head of their employment service for March this year.

So far over 36,000 people have been given notice that they are to be laid off, over half of those in the last week alone.

 

This is ten times higher than the same month last year.

 

It is also the highest number of job cuts for a single month since records began.”

 

.

 

Edited April 24, 2020 by mardigras

[mardigras]

You think NZ's lockdown is severe - try Malaysia's.

[curious]

Pike ramps up action by trainers and gets invitation to Wednesday conference call

By Barry Lichter • 24 April 2020

New Zealand Trainers’ Association president Tony Pike has tightened the screws on the Racing Industry Transition Agency by recommending today that trainers delay bringing horses back into work until it gets answers to key questions on the sustainability of the industry.

Pike said he had gained huge support from trainers, owners and breeders since revealing yesterday RITA had shrugged off his attempts to discover, among other things, whether there would be enough stake money to justify owners racing their horses after lockdown ends on Monday.

The pressure of possible action by trainers has subsequently led to Pike receiving an invitation from RITA to join a conference call with the code CEOs on Wednesday after its board meeting.

Pike says he has been given no undertaking that RITA will divulge what prize money distributions will be made for the remaining two months of the season and the start of the new season.

“But hopefully we’ll find out a lot more about the position we are in and what they can do to fix a broken business.”

Pike said since he sent out his initial newsletter he had received the backing of countless trainers, the NZ Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association and the NZ Racehorse Owners’ Federation, who were also requesting information from RITA.

“RITA have made it clear there will not be answers to the questions raised in our letter until after their board meeting next Wednesday. We wanted answers by midday on Monday and when they said this was not possible they were made aware of our dissatisfaction.’’

In a second letter to trainers this afternoon Pike says: “Clearly RITA has no regard or respect for trainers who are desperate to bring their horses back into work and get their businesses underway after the four-week level four lockdown.

“We know your horses must be jumping out of their skin – and your staff keen to start earning money again.

“However, due to the lack of transparency and information from RITA, there is much uncertainty around the distribution of funds to the codes for stakes and indeed whether or not RITA is actually even solvent. This gives us no confidence at all in their operation and management of the livelihoods of stakeholders.

“We therefore recommend you put off bringing horses back into work until we hear answers to our questions.

“Many leading trainers have advised they are not prepared to take the risk of bringing horses back to their stables, when there is a chance they will only have to turn them out again as the stake levels may not justify an owner’s expense.”

AddThis Sharing Buttons

Share to Facebook

[Kopia]

1 hour ago, curious said:

Pike ramps up action by trainers and gets invitation to Wednesday conference call

By Barry Lichter • 24 April 2020

New Zealand Trainers’ Association president Tony Pike has tightened the screws on the Racing Industry Transition Agency by recommending today that trainers delay bringing horses back into work until it gets answers to key questions on the sustainability of the industry.

Pike said he had gained huge support from trainers, owners and breeders since revealing yesterday RITA had shrugged off his attempts to discover, among other things, whether there would be enough stake money to justify owners racing their horses after lockdown ends on Monday.

The pressure of possible action by trainers has subsequently led to Pike receiving an invitation from RITA to join a conference call with the code CEOs on Wednesday after its board meeting.

Pike says he has been given no undertaking that RITA will divulge what prize money distributions will be made for the remaining two months of the season and the start of the new season.

“But hopefully we’ll find out a lot more about the position we are in and what they can do to fix a broken business.”

Pike said since he sent out his initial newsletter he had received the backing of countless trainers, the NZ Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association and the NZ Racehorse Owners’ Federation, who were also requesting information from RITA.

“RITA have made it clear there will not be answers to the questions raised in our letter until after their board meeting next Wednesday. We wanted answers by midday on Monday and when they said this was not possible they were made aware of our dissatisfaction.’’

In a second letter to trainers this afternoon Pike says: “Clearly RITA has no regard or respect for trainers who are desperate to bring their horses back into work and get their businesses underway after the four-week level four lockdown.

“We know your horses must be jumping out of their skin – and your staff keen to start earning money again.

“However, due to the lack of transparency and information from RITA, there is much uncertainty around the distribution of funds to the codes for stakes and indeed whether or not RITA is actually even solvent. This gives us no confidence at all in their operation and management of the livelihoods of stakeholders.

“We therefore recommend you put off bringing horses back into work until we hear answers to our questions.

“Many leading trainers have advised they are not prepared to take the risk of bringing horses back to their stables, when there is a chance they will only have to turn them out again as the stake levels may not justify an owner’s expense.”

AddThis Sharing Buttons

Share to Facebook

The real issue here, and Pike should have clarified it, is what happens if horses are bought back into work, bills sent out to owners, and owners say 'get fucked'. Which is liable to be the case if the stakes are as bad as we think they're going to be. Then the trainer gets landed with the horse, and the unpaid bills. Can't blame the trainers really, but they need to be up front about it. And, now is the time for real action to reduce RITA's costs...massively.  Talk about 'Custers last stand'...this is the sound of the death knell for nz racing. Don't kid yourself it aint.

[Chief Stipe]

11 minutes ago, Kopia said:

The real issue here, and Pike should have clarified it, is what happens if horses are bought back into work, bills sent out to owners, and owners say 'get fucked'. Which is liable to be the case if the stakes are as bad as we think they're going to be. Then the trainer gets landed with the horse, and the unpaid bills. Can't blame the trainers really, but they need to be up front about it. And, now is the time for real action to reduce RITA's costs...massively.  Talk about 'Custers last stand'...this is the sound of the death knell for nz racing. Don't kid yourself it aint.

RITA and NZTR need to flatten stakes.  The high end like salaries need to take a cut.  They've done it in OZ.  So take the cream off the top of the high end races and distribute to the masses.  Increase the maiden stakes.  Lets face it we are back to ground zero.

[nomates]

24 minutes ago, Chief Stipe said:

RITA and NZTR need to flatten stakes.  The high end like salaries need to take a cut.  They've done it in OZ.  So take the cream off the top of the high end races and distribute to the masses.  Increase the maiden stakes.  Lets face it we are back to ground zero.

Mindset of NZTR and RITA needs major attitude adjustment . Wont matter how much money is saved from slashing costs or increased turnover if the people employed to manage racing can't change their mindset and can't stop treating it as their own private slush fund . We seriously need a person with great management skills with a real passion for horse racing, not just a passing interest , and who really cares about the long term future of racing not just the term of their contract . Easy . 

[Freda]

It is good that Pike is highlighting matters - but he's five years too late. Okay, much longer, but he's hasn't  been  Mr T.A for that .

It hasn't bothered him overmuch until now, apart from a few squeaks about shutting small tracks.

 

[Huey]

2 hours ago, Freda said:

It is good that Pike is highlighting matters - but he's five years too late. Okay, much longer, but he's hasn't  been  Mr T.A for that .

It hasn't bothered him overmuch until now, apart from a few squeaks about shutting small tracks.

 

Exactly , these guys don't mind kicking the small clubs/small trainers to the kerb and then expect everyone to band together in support when they suggest this. Don't forget stuff all of them have much to do with winter racing anyway, I want to see them tell their owners this in August/September.  I've two going back into work on Tuesday and that shouldn't change.

[mardigras]

I'd expect RITA to have a fair bit of money from the last few weeks of no NZ racing. Able to continue generating revenue, assistance with paying salaries from the government. A likely 15-20% shift from punters usually betting on NZ races onto Australian races (or more). Lower costs related to travel, broadcasting etc.

So either the codes will have it (if distributions have continued), or RITA will have it. It's unlikely to be as much as what would be generated in these 6 - 8 weeks normally, but it should be more 'net' than what would otherwise be delivered since no stakes money has been paid out.

Hopefully, whatever has been accrued, they don't just throw away, and they start working on how to bring NZ racing into something attractive. But I doubt it. They are just happy doing what they do with no consideration of the industry sustainability, in the hope that NZ racing can simply be continued to be funded by things unrelated to NZ racing.

[curious]

18 hours ago, All The Aces said:

▪ Recommended products are (prices are ex-GST): 

 
• Germshield  While expensive compared with standard disinfectant, this leaves a 24hour residue that organisms can’t survive on (product link). • Bio-Kleen  A standard disinfectant (product link). • Hand and Surface Sanitiser (product link).  Containers or hand pumps would have bought separately (e.g. product link). 
▪ Contact for opening accounts and placing orders with Advance Clean:

Just a word of caution before you rush off ordering these products. You may want to check with your vet or other medical professional about the two recommended disinfectants here. Bio-Kleen is advertised as antibacterial but not viricidal and Germshield is NH4Cl based and seems unlikely to be very effective on corona virus. I've checked with a vet who concurs but I'm not a vet or medical professional.

I'd say that Virkon, widely available from most farm stores may be a better bet (or maybe meths).

[Freda]

10 minutes ago, curious said:

Just a word of caution before you rush off ordering these products. You may want to check with your vet or other medical professional about the two recommended disinfectants here. Bio-Kleen is advertised as antibacterial but not viricidal and Germshield is NH4Cl based and seems unlikely to be very effective on corona virus. I've checked with a vet who concurs but I'm not a vet or medical professional.

I'd say that Virkon, widely available from most farm stores may be a better bet (or maybe meths).

Virkon an excellent product, not cheap though - I understand anything with an alcohol component [ no idea of recommended dilution though ] ,  certainly meths,  and also Janola, 20% solution.  Check,  but if acceptable, far cheaper than the recommended options.

Edited April 24, 2020 by Freda

[curious]

1 minute ago, Freda said:

Virkon an excellent product, not cheap though - I understand anything with an alcohol component [ no idea of recommended dilution though ] ,  certainly meths,  and also Janola, 20% solution.  Check,  but if acceptable, far cheaper than the recommended options.

70% alcohol.

[All The Aces]

   

[curious]

Anyway, we shouldn't get too excited about the protocols yet. This from Bernard late yesterday. They may have jumped the gun:

This afternoon we were advised by WorkSafe that the guidance we have shared with the industry today may still require further updates as a result of their continuing to work through their endorsement process.

 

[curious]

So, the circulated protocols are not final and their is no go ahead to resume anything yet.

[curious]

12 hours ago, mardigras said:

I'd expect RITA to have a fair bit of money from the last few weeks of no NZ racing. Able to continue generating revenue, assistance with paying salaries from the government. A likely 15-20% shift from punters usually betting on NZ races onto Australian races (or more). Lower costs related to travel, broadcasting etc.

So either the codes will have it (if distributions have continued), or RITA will have it. It's unlikely to be as much as what would be generated in these 6 - 8 weeks normally, but it should be more 'net' than what would otherwise be delivered since no stakes money has been paid out.

Hopefully, whatever has been accrued, they don't just throw away, and they start working on how to bring NZ racing into something attractive. But I doubt it. They are just happy doing what they do with no consideration of the industry sustainability, in the hope that NZ racing can simply be continued to be funded by things unrelated to NZ racing.

Nope. McKenzie says in his interview with Aidan that costs have exceeded revenue the last 6 or 7 weeks. That's presumably after the wage subsidy and a turnover of around $27m a week. Not quite sure how the geniuses have done that?

Edited April 25, 2020 by curious

[Bid]

2 hours ago, curious said:

Anyway, we shouldn't get too excited about the protocols yet. This from Bernard late yesterday. They may have jumped the gun:

This afternoon we were advised by WorkSafe that the guidance we have shared with the industry today may still require further updates as a result of their continuing to work through their endorsement process.

 

Where did you read this?