Basil Posted February 25, 2021 Share Posted February 25, 2021 https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/racing/forbury-park-be-closed-trotting-club-relocate Inevitable I guess, but still a bit sad for those of us who spent many nights parking the car in Plunket St and then wandering along to Victoria Rd. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeynz Posted February 25, 2021 Share Posted February 25, 2021 Forbury were stuffed when the class horses stopped going there,however being situated where it is is a challenge as well,something will happen that is positive I guess. I think as long as the club is happy for change then bring it on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dougie Posted February 25, 2021 Share Posted February 25, 2021 Forbury have been stuffed because of a number of reasons but a huge part for the last 5 years has been the race dates been given by HRNZ, very hard to have huge turnover on a wednesday or thursday evening or sunday afternoon, although these race times look perfect to get the students in for a drink or 10 and a bet they failed to even capture that market in student town!!! Why can't the major 10 trotting clubs in NZ have say 3 or 4 saturday race meetings a year starting at 13:00 or so and help fill the clubs coffers with $$$ and maximise the biggest betting day in our country and Australia, doing this will allow for the crap days clubs get for turnover. Having Addington as our only place with lights in the South Island isn't great planning, I for one don't want to see average Southland/Otago horses hiking up to Canterbury and getting beaten on a weekly basis over winter as eventually owners will give up- what's the plan for June to September for Otago/Southland this year? can't just have Winton/Invercargill every second week in the freezing cold, owners paying $1500 a month for a horse in training and very few meetings to even get a race they'll give up or a huge horse population will just be spelled and only race November to May. When Forbury goes I want to see the suits have a plan A/B/C/D/E but I highly doubt they even have a plan A. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davis Posted February 25, 2021 Share Posted February 25, 2021 43 minutes ago, Dougie said: Forbury have been stuffed because of a number of reasons but a huge part for the last 5 years has been the race dates been given by HRNZ, very hard to have huge turnover on a wednesday or thursday evening or sunday afternoon, although these race times look perfect to get the students in for a drink or 10 and a bet they failed to even capture that market in student town!!! Why can't the major 10 trotting clubs in NZ have say 3 or 4 saturday race meetings a year starting at 13:00 or so and help fill the clubs coffers with $$$ and maximise the biggest betting day in our country and Australia, doing this will allow for the crap days clubs get for turnover. Having Addington as our only place with lights in the South Island isn't great planning, I for one don't want to see average Southland/Otago horses hiking up to Canterbury and getting beaten on a weekly basis over winter as eventually owners will give up- what's the plan for June to September for Otago/Southland this year? can't just have Winton/Invercargill every second week in the freezing cold, owners paying $1500 a month for a horse in training and very few meetings to even get a race they'll give up or a huge horse population will just be spelled and only race November to May. When Forbury goes I want to see the suits have a plan A/B/C/D/E but I highly doubt they even have a plan A. It looks like Ascot Park will also be closed. They are talking that Wyndham could become the main track in Southland. Wyndham is a good track but it's a distance from Invercargill. Southland is one of the harness strongholds in New Zealand but may not be for much longer if these plans are undertaken. Thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeynz Posted February 25, 2021 Share Posted February 25, 2021 35 minutes ago, Davis said: It looks like Ascot Park will also be closed. They are talking that Wyndham could become the main track in Southland. Wyndham is a good track but it's a distance from Invercargill. Southland is one of the harness strongholds in New Zealand but may not be for much longer if these plans are undertaken. Thoughts? Gee the changes mooted keep changing aye,maybe it might makes sense Wyndham racing,all the money the Invercargill club give to the racing club might be better kept for the harness code,I think each need each other though. As for what would happen if Forbury go,winter racing was all Ascot Park last winter,something will happen I guess. Racing will continue in Dunedin in some form as well,probably at Wingatui,,I think so many factors stumped Forbury,if they go to Wingatui the number of meetings they have may be less relevant as the course i is not their sole responsibility. Cant really see Ascot going but who knows,everybody seems to have a new idea. With all the talk of change what are they going to do with the biggest sliding venue,Alexandra Park? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ludwig Posted February 25, 2021 Share Posted February 25, 2021 27 minutes ago, mikeynz said: Gee the changes mooted keep changing aye,maybe it might makes sense Wyndham racing,all the money the Invercargill club give to the racing club might be better kept for the harness code,I think each need each other though. As for what would happen if Forbury go,winter racing was all Ascot Park last winter,something will happen I guess. Racing will continue in Dunedin in some form as well,probably at Wingatui,,I think so many factors stumped Forbury,if they go to Wingatui the number of meetings they have may be less relevant as the course i is not their sole responsibility. Cant really see Ascot going but who knows,everybody seems to have a new idea. With all the talk of change what are they going to do with the biggest sliding venue,Alexandra Park? Sell Alex Park, bulldoze it, and build Cindy's "Be kind to each other" housing complex. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ludwig Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 I am curious to know what the relocation alternatives are for Forbury Park, apart from heading to Wingatui. Dunedin isn't blessed with a lot of available, accessible flat spaces so I am curious if there's a surprise Plan B. From a personal point of view, I would relocate to Oamaru, put the lights in, and upgrade my corporate box. But then I might be biased. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nomates Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 2 hours ago, Dougie said: Forbury have been stuffed because of a number of reasons but a huge part for the last 5 years has been the race dates been given by HRNZ, very hard to have huge turnover on a wednesday or thursday evening or sunday afternoon, although these race times look perfect to get the students in for a drink or 10 and a bet they failed to even capture that market in student town!!! Why can't the major 10 trotting clubs in NZ have say 3 or 4 saturday race meetings a year starting at 13:00 or so and help fill the clubs coffers with $$$ and maximise the biggest betting day in our country and Australia, doing this will allow for the crap days clubs get for turnover. Having Addington as our only place with lights in the South Island isn't great planning, I for one don't want to see average Southland/Otago horses hiking up to Canterbury and getting beaten on a weekly basis over winter as eventually owners will give up- what's the plan for June to September for Otago/Southland this year? can't just have Winton/Invercargill every second week in the freezing cold, owners paying $1500 a month for a horse in training and very few meetings to even get a race they'll give up or a huge horse population will just be spelled and only race November to May. When Forbury goes I want to see the suits have a plan A/B/C/D/E but I highly doubt they even have a plan A. Have to say i don't follow trotting as much as i used when younger , but it appears you guys are as f*^ked up as us gallops boys . As for plans , wouldn't hold your breath if your top guys are as poor as ours . It's a sad situation all over . 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nowornever Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 6 hours ago, Ludwig said: I am curious to know what the relocation alternatives are for Forbury Park, apart from heading to Wingatui. Dunedin isn't blessed with a lot of available, accessible flat spaces so I am curious if there's a surprise Plan B. From a personal point of view, I would relocate to Oamaru, put the lights in, and upgrade my corporate box. But then I might be biased. Looking at building a new facility on the Taieri plains I heard. Could be the best track in NZ if they do it right. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karrots Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 6 hours ago, Ludwig said: I am curious to know what the relocation alternatives are for Forbury Park, apart from heading to Wingatui. Dunedin isn't blessed with a lot of available, accessible flat spaces so I am curious if there's a surprise Plan B. From a personal point of view, I would relocate to Oamaru, put the lights in, and upgrade my corporate box. But then I might be biased. Luds, tomorrow nite Majestic Man, sorry quick change of subject. Go MM. Hope he gets a nice run and gets over the top of them or close. Regardless I see it as a successful campaign for them. Nothing wrong with winning a G1 & multiple G1 placings + this run another G1 also to boot all in a matter of what 3-4 weeks. Good for them taking the risk, making money and making memories. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nowornever Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 34 minutes ago, Nowornever said: Looking at building a new facility on the Taieri plains I heard. Could be the best track in NZ if they do it right. The only stumbling block to this would be a bunch of silly old farts who don't like change! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davis Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 4 minutes ago, Nowornever said: The only stumbling block to this would be a bunch of silly old farts who don't like change! Another stumble could be the cost... millions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nowornever Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 2 minutes ago, Davis said: Another stumble could be the cost... millions? Good chance Govt will pay for some of it. Cindy likes handing out money. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davis Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 6 minutes ago, Nowornever said: Good chance Govt will pay for some of it. Cindy likes handing out money. Not to the South Island she doesn't... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeynz Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 1 hour ago, Nowornever said: Looking at building a new facility on the Taieri plains I heard. Could be the best track in NZ if they do it right. I would suspect Wingatui, but who knows,Forbury was the first time I went to the races1975 Festival ,night 2,that's where I got the bug but at the time the spectacle was colourful and exciting,and the crowds who turned up were impressive too, times change,just trying to think of some of the horses and races that were . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ludwig Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 52 minutes ago, Nowornever said: The only stumbling block to this would be a bunch of silly old farts who don't like change! And don't forget, Dunedin has the "inspirational" David Clark as it's MP....so it's used to having silly old farts in charge. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeynz Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 10 minutes ago, Ludwig said: And don't forget, Dunedin has the "inspirational" David Clark as it's MP....so it's used to having silly old farts in charge. You say that and yes Dunedin being what it is does have a lot of negative fuckers but despite negativity they went from Carisbrook to the edge of the harbour stadium,seems to have turned out ok in the end Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeynz Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 1 hour ago, Nowornever said: Looking at building a new facility on the Taieri plains I heard. Could be the best track in NZ if they do it right. I actually think the track they have is not too bad,same size as Auckland it's just that Forbury go the right way around Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eljay Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 11 hours ago, Ludwig said: Sell Alex Park, bulldoze it, and build Cindy's "Be kind to each other" housing complex. Already a shooting at/adjacent to one of Phil's "be kind housing complexes" today and it not even finished. Perhaps these new prospective slums should have an MP from the party that built them housed there too. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freda Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 17 hours ago, Davis said: It looks like Ascot Park will also be closed. They are talking that Wyndham could become the main track in Southland. Wyndham is a good track but it's a distance from Invercargill. Southland is one of the harness strongholds in New Zealand but may not be for much longer if these plans are undertaken. Thoughts? Ascot Park closed? It was the designated track to remain in use for galloping....never mind that good old Gore had to step in when Invers was unable to be used....I seem to recall Saundry intoning about a 'greenfields' type development incorporating galloping, harness, dogs, and probably equestrian activities as well. So, if it is correct that closure for harness is in the wind, that notion goes out the window. Plan Z ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freda Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 8 hours ago, Davis said: Not to the South Island she doesn't... Riccarton got 10 mill..... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brodie Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 No money for racing in Otago. Very few trainers in Dunedin now, so they wont be building any nee tracks. They may race on the grass at Wingatui, which is a shit of a track for harness. They will just race at Oamaru, but not looking that flash for harness unless you have horses in Canterbury full stop!!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hunterthepunter Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 On 26/02/2021 at 8:32 AM, Basil said: https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/racing/forbury-park-be-closed-trotting-club-relocate Inevitable I guess, but still a bit sad for those of us who spent many nights parking the car in Plunket St and then wandering along to Victoria Rd. your horses be to fast to race at forbury rabbit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeynz Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 (edited) 4 hours ago, Freda said: Ascot Park closed? It was the designated track to remain in use for galloping....never mind that good old Gore had to step in when Invers was unable to be used....I seem to recall Saundry intoning about a 'greenfields' type development incorporating galloping, harness, dogs, and probably equestrian activities as well. So, if it is correct that closure for harness is in the wind, that notion goes out the window. Plan Z ? I read in ODT before Winton gallops will race in Gore,well that's a great vote of no confidence for Ascot aye Edited February 26, 2021 by mikeynz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mumbles Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 13 hours ago, mikeynz said: You say that and yes Dunedin being what it is does have a lot of negative fuckers but despite negativity they went from Carisbrook to the edge of the harbour stadium,seems to have turned out ok in the end That stadium along with others built ,like the Waikato Stadium are a sponge on ratepayers money.The bludging never stops. If the Rugby Unions had to pay market rates they would fold. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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