Karrotsisback Posted October 4, 2021 Share Posted October 4, 2021 13 hours ago, AndrewFitzgerald said: I was happy to take my place in the amateur ranks as a way to keep my hand in with driving horses, which is something i enjoy while obviously not working full time in a stables or driving full time. The amateur racing has improved significantly in the last 5 years from what it used to be, you've seen the addition of a number of drivers who have been relatively successful as juniors or open drivers and a lot cleaner racing. Turnover, Field Numbers, Starts per horse per season in amateur racing is still up on a large number of the other races held in the country. While racing for less money. So it is actually providing a better return on the money then a significant amount of racing in NZ. Not only that, but the horses involved are almost always the same horses and either owned and trained by the drivers or someone they're closely associated with. A decent amount of horses and benefit to the industry. All drivers will tell you that race wasn't a great look, but things like these are happening alot less often then 5 years ago in the amateur ranks, drivers are dealt with the same as open class drivers. amateur ranks growing with additions such as Ben Laughton who was successful in junior career but now working outside of the industry. It provides a platform for him to remain in the industry instead of being lost for ever like has been the case for probably hundreds of people over the last 20 years. Right morning, thought a proper reply. Thinking now, perhaps Amateur driving might be a bit like other things in life. Where there's a small percentage that ruin it for others. Similar to this chat site for example. Many good posters & contributors, yet a small percentage that act the fool & ruin it. Same could be said for human races, small percentage of entire population play up within a group, result gives that entire race a bad name. Seems to only take a small percentage & gives things a bad look (as you mentioned in a previous post - know exactly what you mean re bad look). Great re turnover, field number starts per horse per season. Would not have thought that so that is an interesting point to raise. Juniors I enjoy watching the Northern ones, lately they don't get many opportunities tho. Great you come on & put things straight re a rumour that was mentioned here. Golly gumdrops, mind you I guess a lot of us have posted something that isn't quite 100% accurate on here. And now at least its been cleared up immediately. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hunterthepunter Posted October 4, 2021 Share Posted October 4, 2021 good on mr Fitz on wanting to lead and not handing up . as had good drawn and plan to lead 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rangatira Posted October 4, 2021 Share Posted October 4, 2021 1 hour ago, Karrotsisback said: Same could be said for human races, small percentage of entire population play up within a group, result gives that entire race a bad name. Seems to only take a small percentage & gives things a bad look (as you mentioned in a previous post - know exactly what you mean re bad look). Like those 5 Victorian Jockeys. I see a few Victorian Trainers are now under investigation re a boozy lunch last Thursday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robalan Posted October 4, 2021 Share Posted October 4, 2021 I would like to see evidence of Mr. Fitzgerald's claim regarding comparatively high turnovers on amatuer drivers races 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rangatira Posted October 4, 2021 Share Posted October 4, 2021 7 minutes ago, Robalan said: I would like to see evidence of Mr. Fitzgerald's claim regarding comparatively high turnovers on amatuer drivers races Would love some regular turnover information 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karrotsisback Posted October 4, 2021 Share Posted October 4, 2021 34 minutes ago, Rangatira said: Like those 5 Victorian Jockeys. I see a few Victorian Trainers are now under investigation re a boozy lunch last Thursday. A more accurate example would be Harness racing. Small percentage of total population play up, create a bad name - image for the rest. Your sole input to this thread as above is just moving off topic. My response was between Fitzgerald & myself in which as a whole was on topic. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gammalite Posted October 4, 2021 Share Posted October 4, 2021 1 hour ago, hunterthepunter said: good on mr Fitz on wanting to lead and not handing up . as had good drawn and plan to lead Spot on Hunter. and horse wasn't up to it so caved in . but Fitz had a go. A few blokes and ladies having some fun. Shame it has to be a 'Tote' betting race.? all this fuss on thread. Better if just a "non-tote" affair. Amateur races are AMATEUR races. can't expect mind blowing standards like Dexter and Ant's are setting. Mrs Negus driving an 'interesting' race !! lol... but what possible good is suspending drivers having a crack.? People don't bet much on 'amateur' golf , tennis and the like , more likely to bet on the Pro's in those sports. Can't see why harness racing any different. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndrewFitzgerald Posted October 4, 2021 Share Posted October 4, 2021 51 minutes ago, Robalan said: I would like to see evidence of Mr. Fitzgerald's claim regarding comparatively high turnovers on amatuer drivers races If I get some spare time I'll get back through the figures and report back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rangatira Posted October 5, 2021 Share Posted October 5, 2021 1 hour ago, AndrewFitzgerald said: If I get some spare time I'll get back through the figures and report back. Are these figures consistently available to the public ? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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