Robalan Posted January 17, 2023 Share Posted January 17, 2023 I was at the Ashburton races yesterday and noticed the Chief Executive of Harness Racing New Zealand in the stables area talking to horse trainers. He was dressed in a pair of tatty old denim shorts and a scuffy T shirt. This man is responsible for setting the standard for the image of Harness racing. Edward Rennell was always dressed in a jacket and tie and presented a very respectable image, John Rowley, Chief Executive for about 30 years was never seen at the races without a suit and tie. Standards are slipping in many areas of Harness Racing, breeding numbers are falling, betting is down, stakes are collapsing and Mr. Woodham is supposed to be the person to lead us out of our dire situation. I don't think so 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted January 17, 2023 Share Posted January 17, 2023 Perhaps he didn't want to be mistaken for a suited Stipe Steward? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rangatira Posted January 17, 2023 Share Posted January 17, 2023 39 minutes ago, Chief Stipe said: Perhaps he didn't want to be mistaken for a suited Stipe Steward? does Chairman McIntyre wear Hugo Boss ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hunterthepunter Posted January 18, 2023 Share Posted January 18, 2023 3 hours ago, Robalan said: I was at the Ashburton races yesterday and noticed the Chief Executive of Harness Racing New Zealand in the stables area talking to horse trainers. He was dressed in a pair of tatty old denim shorts and a scuffy T shirt. he might still been in holiday mode Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the galah Posted January 18, 2023 Share Posted January 18, 2023 (edited) 5 hours ago, Robalan said: I was at the Ashburton races yesterday and noticed the Chief Executive of Harness Racing New Zealand in the stables area talking to horse trainers. He was dressed in a pair of tatty old denim shorts and a scuffy T shirt. This man is responsible for setting the standard for the image of Harness racing. Edward Rennell was always dressed in a jacket and tie and presented a very respectable image, John Rowley, Chief Executive for about 30 years was never seen at the races without a suit and tie. Standards are slipping in many areas of Harness Racing, breeding numbers are falling, betting is down, stakes are collapsing and Mr. Woodham is supposed to be the person to lead us out of our dire situation. I don't think so I can see your point because how someone dresses gives the perception of how competent they may be,but in reality how someone dresses is unrelated to how competent they may actually be. Also his dress code i guess changes based on who he is meeting and where. I think this type of thing people will judge him based on their own standards,some will consider it relevant, but what % will consider what you have said as important? Edited January 18, 2023 by the galah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robalan Posted January 18, 2023 Author Share Posted January 18, 2023 Harness Racing is regareded, by the general public so they might as well dress like a bunch opf gypsys. Take their example from their honarable leader Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted January 18, 2023 Share Posted January 18, 2023 1 hour ago, the galah said: I can see your point because how someone dresses gives the perception of how competent they may be,but in reality how someone dresses is unrelated to how competent they may actually be. Also his dress code i guess changes based on who he is meeting and where. I think this type of thing people will judge him based on their own standards,some will consider it relevant, but what % will consider what you have said as important? Not many that were there other than @Robalan Let's face it the general public is not allowed in the stabling area anymore and if they were it is doubtful any would know who Woodham is or care. Aren't there bigger issues? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ludwig Posted January 18, 2023 Share Posted January 18, 2023 The only issue that matters is are they competent at their job. What they wear is irrelevant. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gammalite Posted January 18, 2023 Share Posted January 18, 2023 48 minutes ago, Chief Stipe said: Let's face it the general public is not allowed in the stabling area anymore and if they were it is doubtful any would know who Woodham is They would Get to see him posing with his horse . Chambray winning the last race for him at Ashburton. Woodham Owns her along, with the Gibb's and the Kennard's. Young Nathan now training with dad I see. What a shame he didn't stay in Victoria to man a satellite stable . there is a lot of money coming up with the big Summer of harness starting shortly. so far Mark and Nathan 3 wins from 7 starters this year (2023 season) . will be interesting to see if they can keep a one win every 2 starters average going. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the galah Posted January 18, 2023 Share Posted January 18, 2023 3 hours ago, Ludwig said: The only issue that matters is are they competent at their job. What they wear is irrelevant. i think what robalans comments show is some people see how people dress as a reflection of how seriously they take their job and an indication of leadership. Its all about creating that perception,but i guess the CEO doesn't place the same importance on that perception. i hold similar views to yours ludwig,but can see why robalan thinks it could be considered relevant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forbury Posted January 18, 2023 Share Posted January 18, 2023 14 hours ago, Gammalite said: They would Get to see him posing with his horse . Chambray winning the last race for him at Ashburton. Woodham Owns her along, with the Gibb's and the Kennard's. Young Nathan now training with dad I see. What a shame he didn't stay in Victoria to man a satellite stable . there is a lot of money coming up with the big Summer of harness starting shortly. so far Mark and Nathan 3 wins from 7 starters this year (2023 season) . will be interesting to see if they can keep a one win every 2 starters average going. It will be interesting to see how they go now since Mark and Nat have been in retirement mode for awhile and more and more so.thats the main reason Nathan is back. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forbury Posted January 18, 2023 Share Posted January 18, 2023 22 hours ago, Robalan said: I was at the Ashburton races yesterday and noticed the Chief Executive of Harness Racing New Zealand in the stables area talking to horse trainers. He was dressed in a pair of tatty old denim shorts and a scuffy T shirt. This man is responsible for setting the standard for the image of Harness racing. Edward Rennell was always dressed in a jacket and tie and presented a very respectable image, John Rowley, Chief Executive for about 30 years was never seen at the races without a suit and tie. Standards are slipping in many areas of Harness Racing, breeding numbers are falling, betting is down, stakes are collapsing and Mr. Woodham is supposed to be the person to lead us out of our dire situation. I don't think so It's been all down hill since Edward Rennell left.he was a champion compared to the rest of the CHUMPS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forbury Posted January 18, 2023 Share Posted January 18, 2023 22 hours ago, Robalan said: I was at the Ashburton races yesterday and noticed the Chief Executive of Harness Racing New Zealand in the stables area talking to horse trainers. He was dressed in a pair of tatty old denim shorts and a scuffy T shirt. This man is responsible for setting the standard for the image of Harness racing. Edward Rennell was always dressed in a jacket and tie and presented a very respectable image, John Rowley, Chief Executive for about 30 years was never seen at the races without a suit and tie. Standards are slipping in many areas of Harness Racing, breeding numbers are falling, betting is down, stakes are collapsing and Mr. Woodham is supposed to be the person to lead us out of our dire situation. I don't think so Just trying to blend in?lol just joking Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rangatira Posted January 18, 2023 Share Posted January 18, 2023 1 hour ago, Forbury said: Just trying to blend in?lol just joking The Brodster more a trend setter than blender at Nelson. Great to see he got his bet on. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted January 18, 2023 Share Posted January 18, 2023 12 hours ago, the galah said: i think what robalans comments show is some people see how people dress as a reflection of how seriously they take their job and an indication of leadership. Its all about creating that perception,but i guess the CEO doesn't place the same importance on that perception. i hold similar views to yours ludwig,but can see why robalan thinks it could be considered relevant. I don't see a problem and have some empathy for Woodham wanting to see his horse race and be off-duty. He obviously has a passion for Harness Racing and has a significant investment in ownership. I've spoken to him on a couple of occasions when things got a bit over the top on the various racing forums. He was an agreeable chap to talk to surprisingly so given the grief he was getting. With regard to his competence as CEO he has a hard row to hoe regardless of his skill. The Harness and Greyhound codes have been dicked over by the machinations of McKenzie and TAB NZ with a supporting role played by NZTR management. The outcomes of those decisions made outside of Woodhams control (probably without his knowledge) are now being felt. Add to that the internecine warfare going on between various groups in the industry plus an out of control RIB behemoth and well having a day off incognito at the races is likely welcome relief for the CEO. 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndrewFitzgerald Posted January 19, 2023 Share Posted January 19, 2023 On 18/01/2023 at 9:44 AM, Robalan said: I was at the Ashburton races yesterday and noticed the Chief Executive of Harness Racing New Zealand in the stables area talking to horse trainers. He was dressed in a pair of tatty old denim shorts and a scuffy T shirt. This man is responsible for setting the standard for the image of Harness racing. Edward Rennell was always dressed in a jacket and tie and presented a very respectable image, John Rowley, Chief Executive for about 30 years was never seen at the races without a suit and tie. Standards are slipping in many areas of Harness Racing, breeding numbers are falling, betting is down, stakes are collapsing and Mr. Woodham is supposed to be the person to lead us out of our dire situation. I don't think so The "Scuffy" T-Shirt is actually a HRNZ Branded Polo Shirt and the "Tatty old denim shorts" are just denim shorts with "designer" rips in them. It was a bloody hot day in the sun at Ashburton, don't think you could blame anyone for not wanting to be in a suit jacket and pants. We've got bigger problems in the Industry than the CEO wearing shorts and a polo on a 25+ day in the sun - at least he's out and about at the races taking the time to talk to participants. I saw multiple people having long talks with him. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted January 19, 2023 Share Posted January 19, 2023 1 hour ago, AndrewFitzgerald said: "Tatty old denim shorts" are just denim shorts with "designer" rips in them. Surely he is the wrong species and a tad old for "Daisy Dukes"? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brodie Posted January 19, 2023 Share Posted January 19, 2023 5 hours ago, Chief Stipe said: Surely he is the wrong species and a tad old for "Daisy Dukes"? Suit and ties are just “so yesterday”Chief! What is the point of a stupid bit of material tied around our necks with the top button to the shirt done up? Smart casual is far more accepted now than people dressed up in a poncey suit with the hem around the ankles. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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