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What is wrong with people? Why do all these posts need to be turned into something negative? Why does it need to revolve around how much money someone has? Who cares to be honest. Money can't buy the heart and soul of this sport. It may buy a few wins but there is a lot more to this than just that. Why is it important to show how much better one is than everyone else? Is it a competition? Does making oneself seem bigger than another mean one is more worthwhile? Not by a longshot. Actions and words speak volumes about oneself. What is so fantastic about how much of a better retirement someones dogs have? I didn't know they passed out grades. Does someone personally go to every single retired dog and do a performance review on their owners? Hold an interview with the greyhound to learn all the ins and outs of what makes one retirement so much better than another? What rubbish is that? A retired dog with a loving owner is a damn lucky dog. Two retired dogs with loving owners are the same - damn lucky dogs. Why do there have to be posts nit picking on other peoples dogs? Snide comments and remarks? Does belittling others racers give one a sense of achievement or success? What can the outcome be other than another word fight? How productive is that? I don't understand the line of thinking. What can come out of this that is in any way positive for the sport? Absolutely nothing. This is a thread focusing on a cup race, but seems to be turning into a slagging match. Who cares if people do or don't like someone. Who cares what they think at all. It's what one does oneself that is important. We are all here for the dogs. We represent them. We need to be a role model not only for the dogs but the whole industry. Focus on the Topic. The Auckland Cup. Focus on the Dogs: We have some great ones in the fields from all over the country. Focus on being an example for the Industry: We have enough shit to deal with rather than add more to it.

After having a few days to think about the happenings at Auckland on Sunday I have come up with what I think are the major problems. Firstly why is the track being prepared for racing on the morning of the races? I believe it is a catalyst for concern and critisizim from trainers when they see it in this state.Also there is absolutely no way a track should be prepared for racing that close to a meeting.I understand the curator does not work Saturdays which to me seems rediculous when the club races Sundays. Secondly I noticed when the tractor was going around it was shuddering up and down in places which obviously means the track surface is uneven.If anyone has the dogzone recorded you will see it on there.I believe if the tractor is doing this it means there are hard soft patches all round the track and a slight unevenness.John did say the track gets laser levelled 3 times a year which is a must for all tracks. Thirdly I don't know why I have never noticed this before but looking down the back straight form the sprint boxes the rail disappears into a "corner".In my opinion that is causing a lot of the interference on that bend.I think there is an urgent need for a transitional bend to be put in. The greyhound tracks are the engine room of this sport and should and must be the major focus for this industry to continue to survive and prosper. NZGRA must find some industry money and get to work on providing safer tracks and improve how our tracks are curated. These are just my opinions but would like some constructive feedback. AC

I may get in trouble for saying something cause a lot of you only see me as the starter for the track but I just have a few question I would like to have answered. After the first or second injury did anyone go up to the stipes, tell them their concerns & then go out to where the accidents happened with the stipes (Ben & Steve), Robert Death, Peter Henley, John & Mike to have a look at the track? If not why not cause how can you blame the track if you don't go out there & look at it yourself? I lost my dog (False Accusation) in the same spot last year & I didn't blame the track or any one it's something that happens & yes it hurts like hell having to say "Yes put her down". Before you can blame the track or the track curator shouldn't you be 100% sure that is the reason behind it? I do fully support Tony, Steve & Kathy with pulling Yeboah from the last race & it was sad to see & hear what happened to Jay Low. She was a lovely dog & i will miss her cheeky smile at the track. My heart goes out to Steve, Kathy, Luke & Tony on the loss of a lovely girl.

Castles was a Weaver puppet. He was a cheer leader for The Auckland Cup being run on a Wednesday when it was obvious it was a failure. He was also a party to running Derby Day on the same day as The NZ v Aussie World Cup Cricket game and of course it was a disaster with a poor crowd and turnover on and off course minimal for such a big day.Then he appears on Weigh In saying it was a successful day. He then moves to the Hawkes Bay and a Group One Day is called off. He states that he is accountable as the CEO and then proceeds to blame others such as the RIU for calling the day off.

The fact that those people think its their business to get involved with a decision that has nothing to do with them, with a dog they have nothing to do with is disgraceful. Clearly they have very little concern for the dogs that broke down and the trainers that have lost yet more dogs to Injuries. I agree 100% with Steve and my dads decisions on Sunday because at least they got to take that dog home in one piece. Now a trainer has lost all income to his kennels for a month due to shit track conditions and all people can do is bitch and moan because Yeboah didn't get 28 days. Maybe those 3 people should pay more attention to their own dogs and their own lives instead of getting involved in others because the welfare of our dogs is the most important thing surely. Something nationally needs to be done about these tracks and FAST. Carolyn & Emma.

I hope that Castles can do well at Hawkes Bay Puha as the Club deserves it. However, Castles got off to a poor start with his comments when the Group One day was callled off. At least Rutherford took the blame for Waikato the other week. Castles may have been the employee of The ARC but surely as Racing Manager he would have significant input into decisions.After Derby Day was a failure you would not expect him to be declarng the day a success on Weigh In. He liked to knock other clubs on Weigh In whilst his was non performing. He rubbished Otaki for having a 4 horse race saying that the race should have been called off. The next week his club had a 5 horse race for a $40k stake. Of course he was silent on that.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/racing/77197284/Top-trainer-Steve-Clark-claims-track-conditions-putting-greyhound-lives-at-risk-after-dog-put-down Well now the front line media is involved. Isn't an urgent investigation with its report to be tabled at this week's board meeting moving quick enough? A very poor decision has been made.

Just to whet your appetite for this Sundays racing, how the Aussie media are rating D A Me. And just look at that last 800 unbelievable and a 3 year old. This Dream Princess is the heir apparent 22 February 2016 Our Dream About Me winning the second of the NSW Oaks heats on Saturday night. Photo by Ashlea Brennan. RACE nine at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Saturday night was the final race on a big card and short priced favourite Our Dream About Me won the second heat of the NSW Oaks. While the victory itself was expected, as the filly is yet to taste defeat, the closing sectionals the daughter of Bettors Delight ran were something out of the ‘Twilight Zone’. At the end of 2400 metres, Our Dream About Me reeled off a personal last half of 52.53. For those not accustomed to the Menangle sectionals that is literally ‘low flying’. Only three other horses broke 54 seconds for their final 800 metres on Saturday night. Sophies Ideal ran home in 53.93 when finishing 7th in the Robin Dundee Classic, while Rocknroll Music (53.33) and Gina Grace (53.91) competed against Our Dream About Me and were both brave in defeat. However, comparing the times to the Chariots Of Fire meeting makes for even more compelling reading. The conditions at Menangle for the Chariots program were ideal for fast times. It was still and hot and the times reflected the perfect conditions. The Chariots Of Fire was won by Have Faith In Me in 1:48.8 and here are the closing halves for the three horses that broke 54 seconds. Have Faith In Me 53.36 Lord Zin Zan 53.92 Arms Of An Angel 52.73 Two qualifiers of the Miracle Mile were also run at the meeting. Here is a list of horses that broke 54 seconds. Cordina Sprint Monifieth 52.86 My Hard Copy 53.33 Coca Cola Amatil Sprint Beautide 53.60 Blazin N Cullen 53.26 Easy On The Eye 53.63 Major Crocker 53.94 Our Hi Jinx 53.51 Suave Stuey Lombo 53.91 Cold Major 53.75 Not only is Our Dream About Me giving age away to all of the horses mentioned above but she also had to race over 2400 metres compared to the Chariots, Cordina and Coca Cola Amatil Sprints being contested over the 1609 metres. She is bred to be a star – her older half brother Christen Me has already won the Chariots/Miracle Mile double and Our Dream About Me’s mother Splendid Dreams is a sister to Adore Me and Have Faith In Me. A win in Sunday’s NSW Oaks would see Our Dream About Me’s prizemoney go past $550,000, a remarkable achievement for a filly that will have only raced on twelve occasions. For the sake of the harness racing ‘kingdom’ let’s hope this Princess ascends to the throne and continues to compete for seasons to come.

really the NZRB/TAB need to front up if they are serious about encouraging punters and these competitions. As SMD and others has said the change in funding model gives the clubs little incentive to run these comps at levels which are going to attract anyone half serious. Pity because done properly they generate a lot of turnover, introduce you to other racing people, and help you remain betting with the TAB....

Yeahhh....I would have had a crack at you for today once I got the inside that Ted was on the case.

HaHa trouble with B Mac is he changes his story ( Cairns case 3 times ) and i dont think Ross taylor would appreciate it he may think another back stabber in the racing industry PS just a joke I vote Colin Meads

You would think the numerous overpaid Stipes would have the gumption to call a meeting off without waiting for a test guinea pig to be injured and the Vet becoming involved.

I received on 16th Feb the following email form Christina Buddle - Marketing Manager for the ARC: I thought the prize money was a little "lean" to say the absolute least. Will this get any serious attention? My reply follows the invitation - I'm still awaiting a response 1 week later. Good Afternoon, I would like to extend an invitation to join our 2016 BMW Derby Day Punter of the Year Competition. The competition will take place in the Guineas Ballroom (may be subject to change) on BMW Derby Day, Saturday 5th march, with a first prize of $5,000 cash and a highest turnover prize of $1,000 cash. Lunch and non-alcoholic refreshments will be provided to all competitors free of charge. There will also be a cash bar available should you wish to purchase subsidized alcoholic beverages. Entry into the competition is free! Each competitor or team is however required to put up a $1,000 betting fund and to place a minimum bet of $100 on each of the 10 races at Ellerslie on BMW Derby Day. For additional information, pre-registration and terms and conditions see this link: http://www.ellerslie.co.nz/#!punter-of-the-year/c1ag5 We look forward to welcoming seeing you at Ellerslie for the 2016 Punter of the Year competition on BMW Derby Day! Should you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me Kind regards CHRISTINA BUDDLE MARKETING MANAGER AUCKLAND RACING CLUB | ELLERSLIE EVENT CENTRE DDI 09 522 3917 | TEL 09 524 4069 | FAX 09 524 8680 80 Ascot Avenue, Remuera, Auckland 1050 PO Box 852, Shortland Street, Auckland 1140 With two amazing days of racing, New Zealand’s richest racing carnival hosts top-class racing, fashion competitions, exquisite hospitality and entertainment. Be trackside and experience the style, glamour and thrill of winning at Auckland Cup Week! Hi Christina Thanks for the invite. The Punter of the year has always been an enjoyable event – not so long ago the prize money was $50,000 now only $5,000. I know talking to previous TAB reps the event apparently was run at a loss – I wouldn’t have thought a $45,000 loss. I thought with some clever marketing it could get closer to some of the “glory days”. There may be even an old company car that could go along with the prize money, date with Kylie Bax, helicopter ride with Sir Patrick, free whip session with Sam Spratt, etc. You could make it 2,000 with the TAB matching half to get the “churn” working. I always think this event is a golden opportunity to get the serious folk on track – not sure this has the ”horsepower” to do it. Just my humble opinion.

Starting Saturday week (5th March)Anyone interested in starting a Racecafe team?

Going by the fields for Sat, we are in for a feast! Turn Me Loose, Winx, and a host of gun horses in the Group Racing at Caulfield and Randwick. How good are the fields. No golf this Saturday - that's for sure! I see OP is down to ride Hey Doc in the Blue Diamond. A good friend of mine is a part owner and they have an opinion of it. But I like the stablemate, Concealer.

Who'd be a Gooner Supporter eh Col.....

Is there no trainers association for greyhounds? This is when you would expect your northern training 'mates' to make their voices heard and stand up for you. I believe you have been extremely harshly treated when your animal welfare is clearly your main priority when scratching your whole racing team. It's a sad day for the industry when your punished for doing what you have done. The industry needs more people like yourself!

Iraklis, I promise you if Gracie (AOAA) is leading with a hundred to go on sunday I will be screaming at the TV and bugger the kiwi horse!. We are looking at this is a different way. She is my breed, my horse. A kiwi horse. So, I hope she wins by lengths! And I promise you, having worked with many Aussies in different parts of the world ( and - yes - even some good buggers!), I am the most pro kiwi anti aussie of any guy. What a win lie that will do for th breed I have spent 10 years building up is immeasurable. There are winners and losers when horses are sold overseas, but it is a fact of life if you are breeding in nz. Arden Rooney is a kiwibred horse. Waikiki Beach is Aussiebred. Hell, most of our winnners are by American stallions. Are they american? Tis a world game. One of my mares left Mr franklin who went 1.49.4 running second in America. AOAA has gone 1.48 in Aus. What chance of them doing that here at the moment?

I sent her an almost identical email last Monday and am also waiting for a reply. The last two years the prize was $10k for first plus a $1k turnover prize - even these prizes were marginal in terms of making entry worthwhile, but I still put in a couple of entries both years; however, I certainly won't be bothering this year. Mind due, Ellerslie aren't entirely to blame, the changes to clubs funding made this season was always going to make such competitions uneconomical for clubs so really its just another example of stupid decisions been made by those in charge ending up adversely effecting turnover and reducing interest in betting on NZ races.

I think butch will be a breathe of fresh air forvHawkes Bay racing . Has passion and drive open to ideas give the man a chance before casting your stones to far.

Leggy I had to pull the market down [see Sat post] very suspicious and lucky I was onto them early.

Hi Steve, Sorry to hear about "Jay Low". Having been through the same thing with "Hurdy Gurdy Man", we know how gut-wrenching it is. They're now chasing the big bunny in the sky. Lottabull

No. No. Yes. Purcell heads NZTR..another import...you would think after Brown, Bayliss, Saunders etc we might have learnt...

Bleeding typical two weeks in as row trying to pick losers and they win .......!!!!!! AND when you NEED winners in other competition they bleeding well run second or lose !! now i have more time to sort out those extra ruffies for my MIGHTY Team mates !!

I'd like to give him a bed Ted, in a place with people in white coats, blocks of wood with bite marks and a huge electricity bill!

Give him a beard and he would make a great Owen Newitt (Vicar of Dibley)

Nah, they'll all be down the road at the pub and choke on their burger/fries/beer/chardie when they realise.......trials are up, too late for me, Glenda give me a call and I'll explain the facts of life to you, and I'm not putting the shot.

So true. The stipes are pathetic when it comes to animal welfare sometimes. So hellbent on that dog bringing in '$xx' amount of turnover. In the thoroughbred code they can late scratch if a track gets downgraded, NZGRA need to take a long hard look at themselves and the way they are policing these diabolical tracks they dish up week after week and month after month.

I'm just waiting to see whether they have cottoned on to the early start in Oz today because of the heat. Still showing a 2pm start on screen....first race ran at 10am Oz time.........

Seemed a bit of a nervous presentation at the AGM. I would have expected something a bit better from a man that knows public speaking. Saying that, I couldn't really give a toss about how good a he is at public speaking, but I really would like to see some action on commingling. This rubbish of terminating Quaddies on selected meetings and guaranteed First 4's on dog races from Western Australia at two in the morning has to come to an end.

No, i think Trump would be their worst nightmare, unlike the moslem loving obama, and the lying deceitful hillary.

Yeboah might as well have gotten 28 days, because i can almost guarantee he won't be going around the northern circuits in the next 4 weeks, because why risk dogs on a track you think is unsafe. Whether they are some of the best c5 dogs, or the battling c1's. We all have our different perspectives on track conditions. Some will want to race, some do not. Why give someone 28 days for the welfare of their animal. I was not up there, so couldn't comment on track conditions, but when Dunedin was abandoned a few weeks ago, myself and Andy McCook were pulling our dogs out before they called it off. We were going to get 28 days, but was called off after the next race when the vet stated he thought the track was the cause of an injury. Good on you Steve, Kathy and Tony. The right decision made in my opinion. -Corey Steele-

One week, yep, one week and no videos. The most alarming fact to all this is where are the owners and trainers? I've seen nothing in social media about it. Do the trainers not care? Most owners like to see their horse trial, many wouldn't have made it to Foxton, so where's their anger?........if there was tech issue why is there not an explanation......they behave like this because they can, no one holds them to account......what an absolute disgrace, just another splinter in the bum to contend with, what fools we are.

and they have as much charisma as a brick being dropped on the ground and going 'thud'

Guys cut the personal stuff... no need for it from either of you.

On course turnover was $136,000, up from the $53k they did last year. Well done to all concerned.

Snapshot and Hoof share some common owners if you didn't know. I doubt Snapshot is much more than a handy horse at this stage. In receipt of 3.5kg from Consensus yesterday, add in the gender allowance and he's 5.5kg better off in the handicap than her, he led her up and just beat her home after checking her slightly in the last 50m so I'm going to say he's quite significantly inferior to her. Then line Consensus up with Hoof, they met in the Rich Hill mile at levels but of course he should've been giving her 2kg. He beat her two lengths in the RH so they're of equal or similar ability at this stage. In both races described above neither gelding could take any ground off Consensus in the last 600m. That puts Hoof and Consensus a long way ahead of Snapshot, and we all know Hoof and Consensus are just good honest slightly above average horses. Snapshot is also a bit of a worrier, he sweats up and jig jogs a lot. Not many good mature horses do that. The whole lot are panels behind Stolen Dance, and probably Kawi anyway, but as always you're entitled to your opinion and who knows, over time Snapshot might improve and he could be a superstar.

Magicman, there has always been people on the poverty line in NZ. In fact in our past it was almost everyone so things have improved greatly in the last century. Much of the poverty we experience today is imported & on a world scale is very insignificant. Those who pay large taxes and contribute massively to this countries well being are surely allowed some money (less than $30m & a drop in the ocean compared to what is spent on other stuff) to debate our identity. Identities with countries evolve and change & this is a great time to re-assess what it means to be a NZer. I think the new flag will bolt in as people who were for more of the status quo will move over and vote for the new flag when they realise it sybolises the country of today. Its not really a big threat, its only a flag. a symbol and an identifying mark that is distinguishable for NZ.