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I think what these sorts of things continue to show is that the strength of NZ racing is often in the provincial circuits rather than the metropolitan clubs. Sure we need the metropolitan clubs to provide the Derbies etc, but don't continue to blame the country clubs for the failings of the NZ racing industry. I find it hard to comprehend that NZ racing is struggling because of Hokitika, Waimate and Winton. We should celebrate our strengths and not be embarrassed by them. Make the most of our points of difference. Those early $40,000 races at Trentham this weekend wouldn't even have three dividends if it wasn't for the SI contribution. So don't knock the SI contribution. I bet the WRC is ecstatic to have that form from Waikouaiti and Kurow enhancing their meeting.

Was a great circuit all round. Where are the baggers?? Probably praying theyll be right next year

He should be the 'poster boy' of NZ racing.Leads jockey premiership by at least 10 wins now. Totalled 8 wins prior to this season ! What a story.....had NO horse experience , and at 18 left Japan to work in Australia to learn English. He worked as a strawberry picker......got introduced to horses while picking strawberries ,and his passion grew from there. Basically taught himself , and so keen to learn. Good on him........a lot more in store for him !

I had no idea of all that. The industry hasn't done a great job promoting such an incredible achievement. Didn't they employ someone for exactly that media relations role?

Well said, and agree with your and the torches comments, managed to get to 3 of the 4 westcoast meets, weather on the whole was good, fields stood up very well, well supported by both north and south island horses, racing was good with very competitive finishes, grassroots roots racing at it's best, you can see why they keep coming back, well done to greymouth for stepping up to the plate re the kumara cancellations, much more exciting than going to the big Mets where the stakes are high but the fields are average, well done to all those owners trainer punters and jockeys, pleased to see all get around safely, let's look forward to next year.

With special thanks late Peter Kelly. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xA6nfXJkAsc&t=642

Hello Anzac friends I have spent a few weeks in you land over Christmas and experienced the pressures you’re suffering in Vic and NSW. I can offer my assistance in the form of a green paddock and good feed. If you require a clean air opportunity for a developing yearling or 2 YO, and a home to continue their growth from your ANZAC compatriot for some months free of charge, I am happy to provide that opportunity. As a small breeder and conscious of your present conditions I can understand the concerns some of you have challenging you daily existence. Please let me know if I can help. Cheers John

For about twenty years the double was THE BET. Then it was stuffed as the take out was increased and concession doubles introduced. At one time the minimum doubles bet was 10 shillings on course but you could take a straight two horse 5 shillings double at the TAB. Until information technology advancements came along the on course tote could only accept exchange doubles. That is, if you picked the winner of the first leg you had to exchange your ticket for a couple up in the second leg. Usually the first and second legs were the 4th and 7th races, to give plenty of time, what with an enquiry or whatever, one had time to do the exchange. Tote staff monitored how many successful first leg tickets were not exchanged for the second leg. At that time the take out on win, place and doubles was 17.32%. Then they increased the take out on exotic bets such as doubles. As tote machinery advanced and quinellas were introduced the take out on quinellas was higher than win and place. Quinella machinery also enabled the tote to run straight doubles on each division of a two division race. Trifecta machinery was still some years down the track at that stage. As your eyes are now glazing over with this historical treatise, consider the effects of inflation. In 1967 the minimum bet was $1 which is about $17 adjusted for inflation in 2020 dollars. I recall, at age about 13, organising a syndicate whereby some kids put in a bob and some two bob and a mate's oldest brother put the ten shillings on for us; the betting age, like the voting age, was 21 at the time. There must have been a lot of pennies and three penny pieces involved in the syndicate payout as it was a favourite and won!

Watching the Live broadcast of the MM Sale on the Gold Coast and all the Auctioneers are doing a great job. I especially like Clint from the Gold Coast - very clear and concise. However, one can’t ignore the fact that Steve Davis is on a higher level. Clear, concise, entertaining and he also reveals the bidders during the duels. Excellent work by Steve - a thorough professional. Congratulations to him - Australasia’s best.

One major point of difference between Steve Davis and his predecessors is that he is a recognised international auctioneer working at major sales in South Africa, Australia and NZ.

In 2008 I was asked to do a Top Ten Greyhounds Of My Time for the 60-Year History of the Christchurch Greyhound Racing Club (1948-2008). I came up with Misty Anna, Magic Command, Shorty Bijou, Cecilia Bale, Red Hot Zinger, Mega Maxi, Denzil Bale, Awesome Paul, Marn Groot, Another Gale, and Winsome Ashley. I listed many more very capable greyhounds but such selections are quite subjective and those named were my Chosen Ones. Each of them was a favourite of mine for a variety of reasons and for a certain length of time but if I had to put one at the very top, it would have to be Winsome Ashley. Ashley had a stellar season in 2007-2008, winning 4 Group 1 races and setting 3 track records, one of which still stands - 527m at Manukau in 29.77sec.. I cannot recall another greyhound with such third-phase acceleration and what so often appeared to be a contest with perhaps 100m still to go became a procession as she put on the turbo booster.and won by many lengths. Winsome Ashley was whelped in February 2006 and was trained by Jean and Dave Fahey for the Pave The Way syndicate. In more recent times Swimming Goat with its 22 consecutive wins would certainly have found a very high place in the best of the sprinters' ranks at Addington Raceway.

The lady punter who followed Noel Harris netting $36288 from $2 all up will be switching to K Asano I'm guessing.

Outstanding! Is he the new James McDonald of NZ ?

Peter Kelly had always been New Zealand's best auctioneer of thoroughbreds; until Steve Davis came along.

Very much like Richie McCaw continuing to play rugger for North Otago. Must be the most under-rated sportsman going around in NZ. I do hope there is the equivalent of a testimonial match for CWJ when he decides to retire. I would hate him to go out quietly. He deserves to be celebrated, and it would be a disgrace if the industry doesn't recognise him. Sir Christopher?

NZ's Champion hoop best of the best, God knows what happens to SI racing when he retires Rides Trentham and Awapuni so well Just gifted with large loads of hard work and you have a horse on Monday they are all looked after

Well done Greymouth JC , stepped in and pulled it off real well. Top days racing , bloody good fun . Take a bow Mr Moseley doing the biz, keeping bit up sleeve on keen horse and sending the boys home happy .

Just like books there's many people that like their info in a format where you can hold it , fold it , spill your beer or coffee on it in essence you OWN it ' it's personal. The computers good but you can't beat a best bets or lift out in your back pocket.