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NZTR has made it very hard for them sadly, we need Avondale, the tracks through winter we have to race on can’t cope as I see it, there have been far to many tracks closed , to the detriment of racing in my opinion. The horse facilities were fine, my apprentice lass Sienna Browne tells me the jockeys room was clean and tidy, I went upstairs to the lounge to watch my race, nice crowd up there. Ellerslie is great, but it shuts down over winter, plenty of trainers don’t like Cambridge Synthetic for some reason, Ruakaka resumes in July, float fees have gone through the roof, so that might just check enthusiasm from owners willing to send horses there. We don’t use TeAwamutu for some strange reason, that is a wasted surface. Mr.Messara had grandiose plans for the salvage of NZ Racing, the problem is we are not Australia, and we might just have been a goner with the level of stakemonies we had before Entain stepped up to rescue us. Food for thought, but I for one wouldn’t be getting rid of Avondale!

Classic recidivist. Does it in 2004 and quickly backs up in 2026.. If he does it again in 2048 we will see an obvious pattern developing.

You know what you are going to be retired for a spell..you are a rude prick and I am sick of your attitude to others...cheers.

Jenni is amazing I was critical of her racing on but she has some heart, what a super proper Group 1 mare she is. And Aussie Tom nearly stole it on Dubai Honour...but Aeliana has some will to win. Great racing at its best.

When the time off she has had as a result of numerous [and significant] injuries, as well as her regular trips home for the worst of the winter, is factored in, the achievement is an amazing effort.

If this is proven he should not be allowed to be involved in the industry, this is the 2nd round in a very short time. Why take out your frustrations/anger on these beautiful animals.If you do that you dont deserve to earn a living out of them.

The Breeders' lobby ( IMO ) can bear responsibility, in part at least, for the ridiculous top-end funding at the expense of the plebs. Their demands for big stakes to underpin the relevance of Grp races has done the industry no good overall. The dropping foal crop and disenchantment of rank and file participants are a direct result of these actions. A healthy industry - or sport - recognizes this.

Interesting that they make a strong point around the foal crop , yet we have 3 of the biggest players in the breeding industry as well as 2 from trotting who are large players in the group . Have they come up with any solutions for this major ( HUGE !!! ) problem . I'm still waiting for Mr ballasty's solution to it as he said 6 months ago that it was one of his 3 top priorities . Also for Russell to deny that the industry isn't fraught with infighting is laughable , our own head body is trying to railroad clubs to hand over assets for one , if that isn't creating infighting I give up . There are hundreds of participants throughout the industry who feel disenfranchised , and certainly don't feel like they are being considered relevant . Hence an 8% response to their own survey , says it all .

will cost venues big money in rent not completely sure of figures but have been told manawatu harness $100k + addington up to $500k dont know ascot or cambridge but its a real concern for those harness clubs who greyhounds pay rent.for me its a nonsensical call and bad for all racing codes as the greens and wousers will next attack jumps racing then 2yo racing andthen racing as awhole.its simply wrong when the numbers put down by the SPCA and killed on the roads when compared to greyhound racing. please note i dont race greyhound or bet on them but what has been done is wrong

Nice guy to, good work ethic here in Cambridge, good luck to him!

Usual Guerin lolly water - could have used 'prominent NZ trainer' or similar, but chooses to 'promote' the guy as a star in the public eye. He could have easily included details of the RIB stance by referencing the publicised case material, but true to form, fails to provide balance. His articles should be printed on soft paper with perforations so that they can be useful in some way.

It's Masterton, NOT Masteron.

Very good article - as would be the norm for Dennis. But, for most of us on here, doesn't tell us anything we didn't already know or suspect.

I know this is boring to most people, but what the hell. I was just looking at today's two meetings. Two fairly shitty little $18,500 meetings in the NI. 7 races at Matamata, 6 races at Taukerenikau, 3 with tiny fields. Meanwhile, in Canterbury yet another 21 day gap with no low grade meetings. Yesterday's Riccarton meeting had no maiden race and only 9 races in total, for some strange reason. But just as importantly there are no opportunities for lower grade horses generally. The Riccarton meeting had 10 ballots. In the north any horse gets an opportunity every week. It must be incredibly frustrating for Canterbury trainers trying to place a horse properly. Even if they can get into a field a premier meeting at Riccarton is hardly ideal for some. Just look at the rating 75 1,200m at Riccarton yesterday, an incredibly strong field. Hardly an option for a horse with a few wins who isn't as fast as it used to be. It would be a brave person who would try to argue that a low grade meeting at Timaru today wouldn't attract at least twice as many starters as today's Tauherenikau meeting.

This is a letter I sent today to John Oatham and Elliott Forbes Let's see if any response..... Dear Mr Oatham, I write to formally raise a concern regarding the enforcement of the Racing Integrity Board (RIB) Whip Rules, specifically in relation to the recent NZ Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes run at Trentham. As you are aware, the RIB Penalty Guide Updated February 2025 clearly states under the General Whip Penalty Provisions that: “No warnings will be issued for breaches of the Whip Rules in any Black Type race.” This provision is unambiguous and reflects the importance of maintaining the highest standards of compliance and integrity in premier racing events. However, it has come to my attention that in the above mentioned Group 1 Black Type race, the jockey George Rooke appears to have again blatantly disregarded the Whip Rules, yet was neither suspended nor fined, and instead appears to have avoided the level of sanction prescribed under your own guidelines. Given the clarity of the rule, I am seeking an explanation as to: • Why no suspension or financial penalty was imposed in this instance; • Whether the Stewards considered the mandatory nature of the provision prohibiting warnings in Black Type races; • How this decision aligns with the RIB’s stated commitment to consistency, transparency, and integrity in rule enforcement. The concern here is not merely about a single incident, but about the credibility and consistency of the regulatory framework. Where rules are clearly articulated but not enforced accordingly, it risks undermining confidence among participants and stakeholders. I would appreciate a detailed response outlining the rationale for the decision in this case, and whether any review of the process or outcome will be undertaken. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response. Yours sincerely,

I should add my lot don't need to lose points...

So that wonderful little rider Tina.com rode her 500th. winner on Saturday. Great effort Tina and long may it continue. Didn't notice any acknowledgement on the NZTR website though. Oh I forgot South Island rider, doesn't count.

Apparently he was unreachable and could not make contact due to a Pink Fairy on a Flying Pig swooping from above, grabbing his phone and flying off with it. Luckily, after a few days of thinking what she had done and the trouble it could cause, the Pink Fairy returned the missing phone and normal transmissions resumed.

I visited Avondale for the first time since night racing in November last year. It is certainly old and tired, and like Te Rapa they could easily demolish 90% of the grandstands, but the track itself and basic facilities look ok. There was quite a reasonable, content crowd there for a midweek meeting as well. And good racing. The big thing is you would never be able to afford to replace a facilty like that in the middle of NZ's biggest city. Once it's gone it's gone. It sounds like it is worth about $80m, not the $300m that has been talked about. Meanwhile NZTR is planning to spend hundreds of millions to build brand new tracks with no grandstands deep in the countryside somewhere in the Waikato and Hawkes Bay. It does look as if there is a bit of excess land they could sell off at Avondale to help fund the demolition of all the old dilapidated buildings. With some enthusiasm they could create quite a nice little facility there. It sounds like they have had all the enthusiasm knocked out of them over the years.

Debbie loves her. She bred her, it's her money and I hope she will eventually breed winners from her.

My reply... Hi ......., Wow just wow ,so you shut people up and refuse to communicate with them if the subject is too touchy. Wow is that how you want to handle transparency. As an industry stakeholder I have a right to ask questions and expect an answer not be treated like some annoyance that does not need a response. If this is the attitude of the people in charge of our industry at present then we are in a lot of trouble, in my opinion.

Switched on Trackside and are greeted with the smug dial of Cody Cole pre race. Good god the man has been found guilty of what is in my mind a crime and the fuckwits still believe nothing has happened. Integrity and decency has long gone in this industry, and mainly from the top. Still I have got fond memories of the good times, I suppose.

They booked ended the card today with two winners. I heard both horse's refused to give a sample in the swab box !

Being a bit of a lefty I wouldn't vote ACT at gunpoint but credit where credit is due. Of the 12 speakers to the third reading of the Greyhound Banning Bill yesterday the standout speech was delivered by ACT MP Cameron Luxton. ACT opposed the Bill. He gave an impassioned plea for the loss of of over 1000 jobs as a result of this bill- some third generation greyhound trainers included. Many of the trainers large kennel properties will be hard to sell. Factor in vet's and feed merchants etc. the closure of greyhound racing will have ripple effects on the whole economy.

The shut down of dogs is a disgrace and in my opinion the silence by the "we are better than them racing code" is a disappointing too. Those that shut down dogs will move to horses next, they don't stop.

A friend of mine got pulled over by the local constabulary, they asked him to blow in the bag, he said I can’t I’m a asthmatic, so they requested a blood test, he said I can’t I’m a bleeder, well we’ll do the old fashioned test and get you to walk in a straight line he asked, I can’t he said, I’m pissed.

All's right with the world !!! Craig is calling at Winton today. I know he's only a stop gap these days but let's hope there are lots more gaps ahead. As usual I'm staggered by his homework.

Maybe Terri is a very personal lady who shuns the limelight and attention. There are many people who do not like cameras and microphones. There are even more more dislike dealing with the idiots on the other end of the microphone. As for punters missing out, most trainers opinions pre-race are worthless unless you want $1.20 hotshots, which most discerning punters can work out for themselves.

Yes he is. bdgxxx is me. Along with Scooby and Traka, we bought the share. Thanks for the heads up and getting some interest by starting this thread.

Both were awesome runners and I had the privilege of running against Walker. He was a giant and his feat to be the first man to beat the four-minute mile 100 times was ultra impressive. Snell had freakish ability and as you say, his 200m kick was awesome to behold. But it's a bit like comparing racehorses of different eras I think Blue - virtually impossible. Walker ran on faster Mondo tracks and Snell ran on grass and cinder tracks and their shoes were a bit inferior back in the 60s too. NZ certainly punches above its weight in many sports and young Sam Ruthe is looking like one out of the box - great DNA for one thing. Gee I wonder what Walker and Snell would have run for the mile had they had the carbon fibre racing shoes they have today!

I know everyone else is getting all the plaudits for Jolliestar but Henry would have found her for the Lindsays and he in my opinion is one of the best judges in the business he has a super long list of top horses he has bought and is very unassuming and happy to stay out of the limelight.

Scooby3051, the construction of your letter was excellent. Sentence structure, spelling, punctuation, grammar; all excellent. It was courteous in the extreme. For a person such as yourself to be treated like used toilet tissue, that is, merely flushed away, is insulting.

scooby3051 NZTR has morphed from a lean machine whose main job was to act as a clearing house to channel betting revenue into stakes and amenities into a bloated dinosaur that has no interest in the coal face participants. Their head serangs love to join the back slapping hooray henrys at Ellerslie on Feature days. You won't sight one of them at any of the upcoming Winter Industry meetings.

Ahh, that was freakish, that's what brings people through the gates. The Dick Swingers must be flinching, squirming, she cost 10 grand!!!!! goes to show.......gotta luv that!.......

1st day of the championships at Ranwick today, note group 2 race worth $300k, group 3 race for $250k, now compare that to some of the sugar candy money some of our races have been boosted up to. Our top end prize money makes no sense what so ever.

So I take those that pushed for the end of greyhound racing in NZ will be happy to watch Aussie dogs breaking down in races ??? All a bit hypocritical IMO .

We shouldn't be critical of Te Akau. They have done a lot for NZ racing and seem to have got lots of new people involved. They have made it acceptable for people to have tiny shares in a horse and still get a large share of the enjoyment. They have set the benchmark really, Others are now following their model. There are several Australian purchased horses that we would never have seen in NZ, several NZ purchased horses that would never have been retained in NZ. And some of their horses have gone on to be successful stallions. It makes pretty horrific reading when you think about some of the horses that would have been Group 1 winners and placegetters were it not for the Te Akau horses that won those races. They have probably suffered from being the big fish in a small pond. It is good that there are now a few others following the same model and providing an element of competition at the top. The problems in NZ racing have got nothing to do with the trainers and the syndicators. I'm sure most of them would be as keen to see NZ racing run properly as the rest of us.

Unpaid Unhinged has a kidney stone so went to Rangiora as a day off so to speak, did put 500 on it's tough's snout , did a quick live stable tour then rested. I do work 5 day's a week 52 weeks a year other than stat days ,joys of being self employed although I do shut the business down cup day .Have had one sick day in last 35 years luckily, Saturday out at the beach where I have reasonable shares in 12 horse's . Volunteer at over 60 meetings Addington, 6 at Methven, president of NZ Owners Association and Canterbury Ass . Currently have over 500 Owners in Syndicates. Never taken money for anything I do for this great sport but sometimes I wonder when I get comments like yours. I will take it on board though. Ps bloody lucky I have a wife as dedicated as me that only what's to see our sport thrive.

Couldn't agree more. She's a superb rider, nice soft hands and great balance. Wouldn't hesitate to engage her. Another worth a mention is Terri Rae: Leading NZ current season strike rate trainer at 4.7: Congrats to both, keeping the South Island flag flying high, even if NZTR is too derelict to notice and acknowledge.

It is moving, as you can imagine a few hoops to jump through but have had very good progressive discussions, fingers crossed and stay tuned.

She drove a lot of winners over here….Mainly Queensland…. Drove in Inter-dominions …. Talented driver….Tetrick will be happy…..

Followed by: The guy continued to dream up stories in his head and then has the AUDACITY to state he doesn't trust the RIB. Then asks for an exemption for 'early education' which from my experience is probably the highest risk aspect in the training establishment - give me a break!!! With all these fantasies going on I'm suggesting something more hallucinogenic at play..... I would have given him the 12 months starter and added extra months equalling the amount that bullshit delays totalled.

Poor old Falcon - he's seen better days

I wouldn't get the SPCA involved. I hear they are ecstatic over getting the greyhounds banned, but don't seem concerned about all the wild dogs that roam free and kill people. I don't recall greyhounds killing too many people. So their priorities are all wrong.

For goodness sake, the current Ombudsman is the same Mr John Allen, many of whom would say, is partially responsible for the mess that the Racing Industry is in today.

I see Stephen Marsh is very active at the Easter sales, is this a changing of the guard at the top end of NZ Racing. He and his team and Wexford sold all their NZ yearling purchases really fast this year and continue to be active at all the major sales in NZ and Australia. Hope they continue to have success.

This is an absolute joke, we are so top heavy at NZTR, absolutely wasting our Entain proceeds! We wouldn’t have been in this spot stakewise without Entain, please don’t kill the goose that has laid the Golden Egg….. I am still shaking my head in disbelief……

Job creep on steroids. These two new managers will soon surround themselves with extra staff and create a fiefdom. This money should be directed into lifting stakes at Winter Industry meetings.

So why then does the headline say 'Harness Driver.....' , did he put it down as occupation? Otherwise how would the judge make that link... ? Other reason I'm asking is the media love any excuse to throw racing under the bus, this is what happened with greyhound racing, a huge smear campaign, whether it was drug use, violence or jay walking, oh hes associated with greyhound racing!? Throw that in the headline... be careful Harness Racing.. you're next in activists sights... starts with only publishing anti stories about your industry... lose your 'social licence'... you know the rest.