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Not suggesting for a second that jocks are out to Rort ,but no whips creates issues involving integrity, the whip portrays confidence as someone is ‘seen’ to be trying when it’s being flailed ? Would certainly help the stronger and more technical of riders one would think....this would be the perspective of an ignorant punter anyway 

I can't say I will be losing any sleep over that resignation. He's overseen the most disruptive and generally inept time of management (and I use the word "management" very loosely here you understand) in NZ's long racing history and all he does is repeat the same old platitudes about how well things are going when anyone in the industry knows that's just corporate jargon and  PR spin of the highest order.   The website is just a symptom of the greater disease now infecting racing.  With today's resignation it just puts me in mind of that  Italian cruise liner captain who ran the ship aground and then was one of the first in the life boats. 

Hotshot Anna gave owner-trainer Hugh Robertson back-to-back wins in the $400,000 Presque Isle Downs Masters Stakes (G2) Sept. 16, when she outran Talk Veuve to Me in the Presque Isle Downs stretch to win by 1 1/4 lengths. View the full article

Chief Executive of Racing Industry Transition Agency to step down   Racing Industry Transition Agency (RITA) Chief Executive John Allen is stepping down from his role at the end of the year. Mr Allen says the New Zealand Racing Board and now RITA, have invested in critical improvements in betting technology and broadcasting over the last five years and increased customer numbers. “The major programmes of investment are largely completed, creating a strong foundation to grow products for Kiwi punters and profit for the racing industry.  “After five years as Chief Executive it is time to begin the search for a new leader to oversee the transition to TAB NZ. “This was a difficult decision, but with the racing reforms underway, it’s timely for someone else to lead the TAB and deliver the revenue growth to support a sustainable racing industry.”  RITA Chair Dean McKenzie acknowledged Mr Allen’s leadership since becoming CEO in 2015 during which time there has been important investment in the TAB. “The innovations overseen by Mr Allen have provided the TAB with a solid foundation for growth to support racing and sport in New Zealand, and the Board is optimistic the investments will deliver the returns the industry needs in coming years. “We now need to focus on lifting profits, increasing distributions to racing and improving the betting experience for Kiwi punters. Achieving the outcomes set out in the current reform of racing will play an important part of securing a positive future for racing.” Mr Allen paid tribute to the team at RITA for its support and effort to deliver innovations that he says will have long and lasting benefits for racing. “It has been a great privilege to hold this position and lead an incredible bunch of people. “I also want to acknowledge the huge number of people from across the industry, in the codes, club volunteers, the owners and trainers for their support. There is significant opportunity ahead for the industry and I am genuinely confident of the future.” Mr Allen will stay on until Christmas to support RITA through the next phase of industry reform and to oversee a transition to a new CEO.

Staying till years end. RITA can get their own choice to run the cutter

John Allen has resigned this morning. Payout figure will be interesting. Real worry is will his replacement have any racing/ gaming experience?

What??? An early election because of this. It's hardly Watergate. If something of this nature leads to an early election then we'll be having elections called every 3 months.

Caulfield Cup order of entry....

Thanks Weasel!

Latest order of entry...

Meanwhile wily Winston has his feet up at Whananaki keeping the kind of low profile that only suits him when the bloodhounds are out and he may be savaged by association. He must know he and Jones et al are toast if they stay aligned with Labour. He must be wondering if/when to jump wakas and play in the sandpit with Simon.  In all seriousness, the state of politics in this country is shambolic, disgraceful. If it weren't so serious, it'd be laughable. Jacinda's advisors will be hoping that the Rugby World Cup will be distraction enough, but this serious crime scandal is not going to be allowed to die. It's what the Parliamentary Press Gallery live for. Could wily Winston be engineering the downfall of his coalition partner? What chance an early election, with or without Jacinda?

Reeves Thoroughbred Racing and Peter and Patty Searles' City Man will try to maintain a perfect record Sept. 20 when he lines up against four other 2-year-olds in the $150,000 Bertram F. Bongard Stakes at Belmont Park. View the full article

Oh my...this is one way of keeping the rule consistent!  https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/sport/2019/09/horse-racing-leading-thoroughbred-trainer-shaune-ritchie-wants-whip-banned.html      

There were 4 women who made claims of sexual assault by Jamie Lee Rossi. Bennett swept them under the carpet! A real scandal atm is National s Chinese spy MP and his recent trip with  Bridges to meet senior CPR  security officers.And let's not forget the confirmation that Collins coy was involved in the broken fuel pipeline that disrupted supplies.

Didnt do NZ Cup winner Gobstopper much harm

Nice correction, Charlie, but the phrase is actually 'hard row to hoe' ... as in gardening, mate! Cheers

I reckon it gets back to the Convicts (Oz) and the Puritans (NZ). The convicts always loved their gambling and dont see anything wrong with it, whereas the Scottish/English 'founders' of NZ contemporary society looked askance at gambling as an evil that had to be firmly controlled (eg no bookies on NZ racecourses)

Dean 1 Why is John Allen still running RITA, formerly NZRB? 2 Why is the bureaucratic, slow-moving DIA handling the crucial and urgent matter of creating revenue streams from racefields legislation and POC tax?

looks like it boils down to ‘justification’ Baz , if you ‘dont have to why ‘ ...it’s the basis of these new rules covering Animal rights, going by this decision it would be in the Jocks best interests to keep their eyes on the finish...which ironically could mean more horses hit with the whip ‘unnecessarily ‘.The Rule needs amending , because it all boils down to discretion, either on the part of the jockey or the judiciary ... where does the $500 go?

How is excessive whip use a lesser penalty ($300) than normal whip use on a horse winning($500)?