Harness Racing what are you doing.

[Arsenic]

Why would you go and ban the press from your meeting last night.

You have to be crazy to go down that path.

Just ignoring it and not fronting.  “ You have just committed the cardinal “ .

Dont hide , confront 

I think you have just buried Harness Racing.

[theshu]

It is like burying your head in the sand and hoping it will all go away,What a bunch of morons, it is now like they have something to hide bigtime.

[Guest CrossCodes]

Agree totally. Jensen should reconsider his position if he thinks a 'no comment' is sufficient to appease the media.

He could have taken it as a prime opportunity to state corruption and race fixing would not be tolerated, and those found guilty would themselves be the ones banned from the racecourse, not just people doing their job.

He has made it look like there is something to hide now, what a fool.

[With A Dream]

1 hour ago, CrossCodes said:

Agree totally. Jensen should reconsider his position if he thinks a 'no comment' is sufficient to appease the media.

He could have taken it as a prime opportunity to state corruption and race fixing would not be tolerated, and those found guilty would themselves be the ones banned from the racecourse, not just people doing their job.

He has made it look like there is something to hide now, what a fool.

Just look at what happened when some elements in the Catholic Church tried to hide from their scandals, it never ends well.  Only way is to be upfront otherwise it implies innocent people have something to hide.

At the very least Jensen needs to apologize  now for his actions and make clear the press are always welcome. & if he doesn't then he needs to resign or be removed from his position.

[Enteebee]

Peter Jensen has to go - had met with him to discuss improved access for owners to stables and not having to "discuss" the access with the front desk.  Addington is a very poor relation to Auckland and no hope of improving under their Board or Executive Management

 

[With A Dream]

26 minutes ago, Enteebee said:

Peter Jensen has to go - had met with him to discuss improved access for owners to stables and not having to "discuss" the access with the front desk.  Addington is a very poor relation to Auckland and no hope of improving under their Board or Executive Management

 

Funny you should say that Enteebee.  Found the same thing myself.  ATC have a couple of nice girls on their front desk who are friendly and always try to be helpful. 

Always feel at Addington the usual person on the desk gives me the impression she is doing me a favour by handing out the passes as if she was the gatekeeper.

[the galah]

What are they thinking?.  A very poor look , just another negative story.   Just when you should be trying to get the media onside for some positive spin and some balance.  How long is the ban to last. Maybe extend it after cup week?  Maybe ban the punters as well?   

[Double R]

From Garrick Knight on The Informant website  this afternoon.

Peter Jensen said he had three requests from media to record footage at the meeting, and he allowed it, but with some restrictions.

“Newshub reported from Addington last night, and they were given the same message as the two other requests I had, from The Press and Radio New Zealand.

“They were able to come on course, but I made the decision to restrict access to the stand and stables.

“Newshub did their live report to the news and it worked well for them – I even went and introduced myself.”

The primary reason for the restriction, Jensen says, was the on-course patrons, many of whom were guests of the race night sponsor.

“ITM sponsored our race night and they had 380 people on course and most of them don’t know anything about harness racing – they are employees and clients of that company."

Racing Media were not subject to any restrictions, Jensen said.

“It’s fair to say that other than Cup Week, we don’t ever see the news media here.

“The racing media are a different story altogether and are here every week.”

Jensen said he just felt it wouldn’t be fair on guests to be asked questions on something they potentially didn’t know anything about.

“What happens if they get a microphone stuck in their face and its their first time at the races?”

Jensen says he can see the other side of the coin, which is that it may look like he and the club have something to hide.

“Absolutely I can, but I made a judgement call and I stand by that.

[theshu]

Well you made the wrong call obviously jensen.   Actually it is a pretty lame excuse,not want to upset the sponsers  ,hahahahah. As if they didnt  know already and you would  have to be living on mars not to know whats been happening in NZ harness in the last week,.

[Chief Stipe]

28 minutes ago, Double R said:

From Garrick Knight on The Informant website  this afternoon.

Peter Jensen said he had three requests from media to record footage at the meeting, and he allowed it, but with some restrictions.

“Newshub reported from Addington last night, and they were given the same message as the two other requests I had, from The Press and Radio New Zealand.

“They were able to come on course, but I made the decision to restrict access to the stand and stables.

“Newshub did their live report to the news and it worked well for them – I even went and introduced myself.”

The primary reason for the restriction, Jensen says, was the on-course patrons, many of whom were guests of the race night sponsor.

“ITM sponsored our race night and they had 380 people on course and most of them don’t know anything about harness racing – they are employees and clients of that company."

Racing Media were not subject to any restrictions, Jensen said.

“It’s fair to say that other than Cup Week, we don’t ever see the news media here.

“The racing media are a different story altogether and are here every week.”

Jensen said he just felt it wouldn’t be fair on guests to be asked questions on something they potentially didn’t know anything about.

“What happens if they get a microphone stuck in their face and its their first time at the races?”

Jensen says he can see the other side of the coin, which is that it may look like he and the club have something to hide.

“Absolutely I can, but I made a judgement call and I stand by that.

The response puts a more favourable light on the action that was taken.  The "extra" news media that turned up were only there to provide sensationalist reporting.  Expect more of that as this debacle progresses further.

If I was a new racegoer I would want some investigative journo within two feet of me.

Certainly you wouldn't want race newbie journos in the stables.

[the galah]

44 minutes ago, Chief Stipe said:

The response puts a more favourable light on the action that was taken.  The "extra" news media that turned up were only there to provide sensationalist reporting.  Expect more of that as this debacle progresses further.

If I was a new racegoer I would want some investigative journo within two feet of me.

Certainly you wouldn't want race newbie journos in the stables.

Gee,do you really think that should be an acceptable way of handling media attention? The media attending the meeting last night was a virtual certainty and  could have been handled in  a 100 different ways to  get them on board to provide kinder coverage in the future. Are addington leaders that devoid of any forward planning for the obvious. Another self inflicted wound for harness racing.

[hesi]

1 hour ago, Chief Stipe said:

The response puts a more favourable light on the action that was taken.  The "extra" news media that turned up were only there to provide sensationalist reporting.  Expect more of that as this debacle progresses further.

If I was a new racegoer I would want some investigative journo within two feet of me.

Certainly you wouldn't want race newbie journos in the stables.

They can dress it up any way they want, but it is censorship

You getting soft in your old age Chief, wasn't censorship and inequity on RC, part of the reason an opportunity opened up for BOAY

[Chief Stipe]

1 hour ago, hesi said:

They can dress it up any way they want, but it is censorship

You getting soft in your old age Chief, wasn't censorship and inequity on RC, part of the reason an opportunity opened up for BOAY

I beg to differ.  Addington isn't a public place it's private property running an event.

The owner can decide on who he wants to allow to attend.  It wasn't censorship as they were allowed to attend and write what they wish.  

However in the interests of the paying customers and dare I say the sport the CEO chose to restrict or rather manage their access.

That's not censorship.  If to allow media vultures crawling all over the place looking to question patrons and stakeholders for an "angle" then we also differ on what constitutes news!

As the CEO said the only other time you see these guys is on Cup Day.  The normal racing media were there as usual.

 

[Arsenic]

I’m sorry if that’s the best excuse you can come up with then this whole affair is going to be covered by the press in a way that’s not going to be pretty for harness racing..

Were only 2 months from your cup meeting and you’ll be groveling for as much coverage from these very same people you denied last night.

Wouldnt  expect to many favours from here on in

[Rangatira]

1 hour ago, the galah said:

The media attending the meeting last night was a virtual certainty and  could have been handled in  a 100 different ways to  get them on board to provide kinder coverage in the future. 

can you give us 10 for starters

[Brodie]

The media nowadays hardly ever gives harness racing any good coverage at all!

They are only wanting to publish the garbage that they can dig up and what they want to make a story.

The Bronson Munro example was very unfair 

The Press nowadays has buggerall on harness worth reading anyway!

Chief, you are correct!

If you know that the media is turning up to your event just to dig up the shite, then why would you.

If you were having a party, would you allow the local gang to walk in?

No you wouldn’t because you know there will be trouble, so same thing!   

[Happy Sunrise]

4 minutes ago, Brodie said:

The media nowadays hardly ever gives harness racing any good coverage at all!

Because apart from Cup Day there is nearly nothing for the mainstream media to report on.

They only want to do sensational or feel-good stories which happen to be few and far between.

If it isn't a kiwi excelling in the USA or a trotter retiring after having its millionth start then it isn't worth turning up for.

[Chief Stipe]

58 minutes ago, Arsenic said:

I’m sorry if that’s the best excuse you can come up with then this whole affair is going to be covered by the press in a way that’s not going to be pretty for harness racing..

Were only 2 months from your cup meeting and you’ll be groveling for as much coverage from these very same people you denied last night.

Wouldnt  expect to many favours from here on in

There has hardly been any "favours" for harness OR gallops in the media.  Try and find the menu tab for racing on the two mainstream media websites.

I applaud the CEO for taking an assertive proactive stance in managing the situation the way he has.  Don't forget no one has been found guilty yet and there were 100's of hard working people doing their job last night without being annoyed by media vultures.

Let alone those few remaining on course patrons who were there for an enjoyable night.

Oh and don't forget the Racing Media were in attendance as normal.  If my recollection is correct they were right at the forefront of reporting on this story.

[Brodie]

1 hour ago, Happy Sunrise said:

Because apart from Cup Day there is nearly nothing for the mainstream media to report on.

They only want to do sensational or feel-good stories which happen to be few and far between.

If it isn't a kiwi excelling in the USA or a trotter retiring after having its millionth start then it isn't worth turning up for.

In its heyday The Press was very good with harness racing most days.

I appreciate that most people just use the Internet nowadays, however there is always a human interest feelgood story around that could be written, maybe just not this week unfortunately.

[Arsenic]

Yes the days when I lived in ChCh there were very good racing journalists.

Jeff Scott , Mark Conners , Alex McMillian and Tony Clifford.

All very good scribes and good all good blokes as well.

 

[Arsenic]

Actually I was unaware who the CEO of Addington was until I looked up his resume.

Southern Response, I’m sure that’s something he’s extremely proud of ,  from whats been written about them seem to be good at fleecing the insurance policy holders out of what their duly entitled to.  Apparently they still haven’t settled after all these years.

So now with Addington Raceway,  I hope it doesn’t turn out to be a disaster like SR.

This is not a good start.

Looking at what’s been happening I think this could get “ Very Ugly “ for Harness

[the galah]

14 hours ago, Rangatira said:

can you give us 10 for starters

Sure.If I was ceo. I would contact  the major news outlets that attended the other night along with any  local news outlets and invite them all to attend the next meeting at addington.

I would arrange  for each media representative to be met at a specific point upon entering, none of this lurking in the carpark stuff talking to unprepared industry participants. I would recognize the need to influence the message that is portrayed in the media to be a positive one,not a negative. I would have a chaperones already arranged for each group to take them to an area next to where the sponsors are wined and dined. I would provide a top class meal along with liquid refreshments showcasing that aspect of addington during their stay..    Once they have arrived in that area I would greet them all individually myself,thanking them for taking the time to attend.

I would advise them that you had arranged meetings with representatives of the harness racing industry directly effected by the current story,which of course you would have hand picked and discussed with prior,to ensure the right message was portrayed.   People like ken barron As head of the horsemans association, Mr bromley as promotions man who can highlight the areas that generate all aspects of employment associated with a racemeeting and addington raceway and the need to work through the current situation for the good of all those people not just licenceholders.  Have the chief stipe in control that night talk to them illustrating how every race is reviewed looking for any transgressions  ,inviting them into their room for footage if need be.Have the person who deals with sponsors highlight how they are looked after and point out there have been no cancellations,invite them to meet a couple of the sponsors representatives, preferably hand picked to comment on their experience on that night so far.   Have mr renell  there available for interviewing,he says the right thing and take advice from him at the pre meeting. Hes had experience in this before and obviously has learnt a thing or two first time around.   

Have them taken through a tour of the stabling area which they can film but point out in the interests of health and safety they must be chaperoned at all times. have some hand picked stop offs on that tour of licenceholders who could again reinforce the message and  portray the industry and the message you want to get out there. Also try and impress upon them that there is a human cost to those involved,that you have offered counselling for anybody in the industry directly involved or effected by this situation. Sell the message that the cases are currently before the court and you cant comment on any details involved. However work on a message where you are seen to want any transgressors firmly dealt with for this totally unacceptable behavior while at the same time having concern for the transgressors and their families, and their emotional wellbeing.      

    Not everyone dealing the press,especially the horsemans representative may  feel comfortable,however they have to do so for the greater good of everyone.        etc,etc.                    Finally when the press have finished thank them for attending,suggest they have a work do there and give them the contact details of their chaperone who will do their best to arrange any future meetings with people within the industry.  Even have a laugh about the pre race cup favourite being named  The fixer.  Its all about having the industry and all those involved being  portrayed in a fair way. Unfortunately they missed that opportunity the other night,but its still early days. 

Edited September 8, 2018 by the galah

[Rangatira]

On 9/09/2018 at 11:04 AM, the galah said:

Sure.If I was ceo. I would contact  the major news outlets that attended the other night along with any  local news outlets and invite them all to attend the next meeting at addington.

I would arrange  for each media representative to be met at a specific point upon entering, none of this lurking in the carpark stuff talking to unprepared industry participants. I would recognize the need to influence the message that is portrayed in the media to be a positive one,not a negative. I would have a chaperones already arranged for each group to take them to an area next to where the sponsors are wined and dined. I would provide a top class meal along with liquid refreshments showcasing that aspect of addington during their stay..    Once they have arrived in that area I would greet them all individually myself,thanking them for taking the time to attend.

I would advise them that you had arranged meetings with representatives of the harness racing industry directly effected by the current story,which of course you would have hand picked and discussed with prior,to ensure the right message was portrayed.   People like ken barron As head of the horsemans association, Mr bromley as promotions man who can highlight the areas that generate all aspects of employment associated with a racemeeting and addington raceway and the need to work through the current situation for the good of all those people not just licenceholders.  Have the chief stipe in control that night talk to them illustrating how every race is reviewed looking for any transgressions  ,inviting them into their room for footage if need be.Have the person who deals with sponsors highlight how they are looked after and point out there have been no cancellations,invite them to meet a couple of the sponsors representatives, preferably hand picked to comment on their experience on that night so far.   Have mr renell  there available for interviewing,he says the right thing and take advice from him at the pre meeting. Hes had experience in this before and obviously has learnt a thing or two first time around.   

Have them taken through a tour of the stabling area which they can film but point out in the interests of health and safety they must be chaperoned at all times. have some hand picked stop offs on that tour of licenceholders who could again reinforce the message and  portray the industry and the message you want to get out there. Also try and impress upon them that there is a human cost to those involved,that you have offered counselling for anybody in the industry directly involved or effected by this situation. Sell the message that the cases are currently before the court and you cant comment on any details involved. However work on a message where you are seen to want any transgressors firmly dealt with for this totally unacceptable behavior while at the same time having concern for the transgressors and their families, and their emotional wellbeing.      

    Not everyone dealing the press,especially the horsemans representative may  feel comfortable,however they have to do so for the greater good of everyone.        etc,etc.                    Finally when the press have finished thank them for attending,suggest they have a work do there and give them the contact details of their chaperone who will do their best to arrange any future meetings with people within the industry.  Even have a laugh about the pre race cup favourite being named  The fixer.  Its all about having the industry and all those involved being  portrayed in a fair way. Unfortunately they missed that opportunity the other night,but its still early days. 

top effort and interesting but if i was a non racing journo i would be attracted to the feed and refreshments the chief stipe explanation but i still wouldn't have the smoking gun for my readers