ownagreyhound.co.nz

Today we laid to rest one of the great Dogmen of our times ending a forty year involvement in the sport.
My Dad was a Good Bastard.
Brian
 
 

The world is being forced into a radical rethink and not before time. For once in my lifetime, nature has been allowed to breathe. We are witnessing natural phenomena that humanity has never experienced before. People who never exercised now stroll pollution free streets. Families sit down to dinner cooked from scratch. Gardening has become a thing once more. A new type of hero emerges, they are not the 5 million dollar All Black, the overpaid CEO of Spark. Many positives balance tragedy and hardship. Every aspect of our lives is being examined and re-examined. Nature has hit the reset button.

The racing industry was in trouble long before COVID-19 reared its head. The divisions within growing at an alarming rate. We created and promoted monopolies, we adopted a more is better mentality, a corporate culture of saturation. Those at the top believing they are all that and renumerating themselves accordingly, those attached reaping the benefits of that aliance. We now see that model failing across the world. From our lounge sofa, we are watching the world unravel. Nothing will ever be the same again.

We somehow believe we are important, that we are untouchable. Big mistake. Fact is we are non-essential. We exist to satisfy the needs of a very small percentage of the population and that is scary. We have the opportunity to make ourselves over. To discard what came before and start anew. Strength comes from supporting each other, not propping up the few. Over the next six months, life will be very challenging and I personally don't believe that our present leadership has what it takes to get us through. They seem hellbent on following an existing prescription, a flawed model.

We have the opportunity to make ourselves over, use our time in pain to build a solid industry where all prosper. We don't need 60K or 30K races, we need a healthy industry that satisfies public expectations, that supports participant and canine health. We need to clean up our act if we are to recover and thrive. Saturation will kill us.

Well done Adam for looking for solutions, unfortunately, to experience future growth you first need to fix the cracked foundation.
 
 
 
 

I get the possum skin rule, and the thought process  behind that.
The squeaker rule is subjective due to its definition and i would suggest difficuilt to enforce. 
For example what if you had a squawker or a bleaker (not a squeaker) and it didnt mimic an animal - it just made a noise, then there would be no problem. 
The focus for NZGRA needs to be on the fact the NZ greyhound industry in its current state is not sustainable, that is what will cripple the code. Sustainability plays a very important part in all aspects of life, the greyhound code is no exception. There is too much window dressing going on and the code trying to make itself look good to those that have little knowledge of the industry, this needs to stop and the real issues addressed.  
 

I get the possum skin rule, and the thought process  behind that.
The squeaker rule is subjective due to its definition and i would suggest difficuilt to enforce. 
For example what if you had a squawker or a bleaker (not a squeaker) and it didnt mimic an animal - it just made a noise, then there would be no problem. 
The focus for NZGRA needs to be on the fact the NZ greyhound industry in its current state is not sustainable, that is what will cripple the code. Sustainability plays a very important part in all aspects of life, the greyhound code is no exception. There is too much window dressing going on and the code trying to make itself look good to those that have little knowledge of the industry, this needs to stop and the real issues addressed.  
 

I get the possum skin rule, and the thought process  behind that.
The squeaker rule is subjective due to its definition and i would suggest difficuilt to enforce. 
For example what if you had a squawker or a bleaker (not a squeaker) and it didnt mimic an animal - it just made a noise, then there would be no problem. 
The focus for NZGRA needs to be on the fact the NZ greyhound industry in its current state is not sustainable, that is what will cripple the code. Sustainability plays a very important part in all aspects of life, the greyhound code is no exception. There is too much window dressing going on and the code trying to make itself look good to those that have little knowledge of the industry, this needs to stop and the real issues addressed.  
 

I get the possum skin rule, and the thought process  behind that.
The squeaker rule is subjective due to its definition and i would suggest difficuilt to enforce. 
For example what if you had a squawker or a bleaker (not a squeaker) and it didnt mimic an animal - it just made a noise, then there would be no problem. 
The focus for NZGRA needs to be on the fact the NZ greyhound industry in its current state is not sustainable, that is what will cripple the code. Sustainability plays a very important part in all aspects of life, the greyhound code is no exception. There is too much window dressing going on and the code trying to make itself look good to those that have little knowledge of the industry, this needs to stop and the real issues addressed.  
 

I get the possum skin rule, and the thought process  behind that.
The squeaker rule is subjective due to its definition and i would suggest difficuilt to enforce. 
For example what if you had a squawker or a bleaker (not a squeaker) and it didnt mimic an animal - it just made a noise, then there would be no problem. 
The focus for NZGRA needs to be on the fact the NZ greyhound industry in its current state is not sustainable, that is what will cripple the code. Sustainability plays a very important part in all aspects of life, the greyhound code is no exception. There is too much window dressing going on and the code trying to make itself look good to those that have little knowledge of the industry, this needs to stop and the real issues addressed.  
 

I get the possum skin rule, and the thought process  behind that.
The squeaker rule is subjective due to its definition and i would suggest difficuilt to enforce. 
For example what if you had a squawker or a bleaker (not a squeaker) and it didnt mimic an animal - it just made a noise, then there would be no problem. 
The focus for NZGRA needs to be on the fact the NZ greyhound industry in its current state is not sustainable, that is what will cripple the code. Sustainability plays a very important part in all aspects of life, the greyhound code is no exception. There is too much window dressing going on and the code trying to make itself look good to those that have little knowledge of the industry, this needs to stop and the real issues addressed.  
 

I get the possum skin rule, and the thought process  behind that.
The squeaker rule is subjective due to its definition and i would suggest difficuilt to enforce. 
For example what if you had a squawker or a bleaker (not a squeaker) and it didnt mimic an animal - it just made a noise, then there would be no problem. 
The focus for NZGRA needs to be on the fact the NZ greyhound industry in its current state is not sustainable, that is what will cripple the code. Sustainability plays a very important part in all aspects of life, the greyhound code is no exception. There is too much window dressing going on and the code trying to make itself look good to those that have little knowledge of the industry, this needs to stop and the real issues addressed.  
 

First, I accept we need to highlight what's wrong but credit to GOM for making the effort to highlight what's right.
Liz is rightfully a star and has done a lot for the dogs on screen and off.  It's a real pity she's going - she's a real intergenerational star.  She has the respect of the old school but is also championing changes ahead particularly with the way information is presented.  The fundamentals of racing will always be the same but there is a real need for change in the data and information space - you only need to see the growth of sports betting with younger generations.
While it's a pity to see her go she has already left her mark and you never know - she may come back with even more experience and ideas to grow the game.
Top person all round.
 

Agree mike..liz and her family owned triple parked with us and you could not want for better owners...mind you if she interviewed before a group race..she put the mockers on my dogs...lol...lizs paasion in home interviews was second to none and she always put the dogs and you first.....all the  best liz...which you dont need really as you will be a hit with greyhounds were ever you go.....there is a ceo job at grnz you know??...cheers steve and stacey

I am surprised there has been so little comment on here about Liz farewelling  us, as she has been the most pro greyhound racing presenter we have seen in years.
    obviously intelligent , easy to communicate with, able to see all sides in an issue and a very presentable presenter, liz appeared out of nowhere and quickly developed  a passion and subsequent great knowledge of the Greyhound industry. I think Liz's presence over the last few years has had a very positive affect and we should all thank her and wish her well in her future pursuits. Even if she did get a bit emotive about things from time to time.
All the very best Liz
Mike and Linda 

Can't say they weren't warned quite some time ago...   From:
Sent: Thursday, 11 August 2016 10:42 p.m.
To: Phil Holden
Subject: NSW ban on Greyhound Racing   Dear Sir,

Firstly, let me congratulate you on your recent appointment to the position of Chief Executive Officer of the New Zealand Greyhound Racing. I hope the role will be a fulfilling one for you.

I write to you as a very concerned participant in the industry. Despite breeding and owning a number of greyhounds in New Zealand I am based in NSW and have been following events here very closely. After sitting through numerous hours of debate last night from the NSW upper house of state parliament, I made a few observations.

Those speaking in support of the industry could rightly point out that wastage in greyhounds was no different in principle than many other animal industries from equine racing to dairy to chickens, domestic pets etc. Death and injury of animals as a result of an industry providing a gambling medium was no different to horse racing. The inability of the industry to stamp out live baiting was as much the fault of government appointed oversight and a lack of appetite to go after offenders by those tasked with that responsibility as it was the industry's fault in not doing more to eradicate the people involved.  There was one area though that really cut to the bone so to speak. Given all the controversy after the Four Corners episode last year when transparency and accountability should have been at its zenith those involved at Greyhounds New South Wales sought to sanitise figures relating to deaths and injury's in the form of stipendiary reports. Whilst the intentions may well have been to protect the sport, once exposed it only reinforced a belief that the industry and completely lost it's moral compass or even it's "social license", such that any other alternatives the industry might come up with to reform couldn't be trusted to be enacted.

I point this out because a similar process has been exhibited in New Zealand racing and I hope it is being stopped. There will come a day in the near future where pressure will come to bear on Greyhound Racing in New Zealand from the Greens and animal activists like the Greyhound Protection League who made submissions to the McHugh report. They will no doubt be seeking to draw as many parallels as possible and as an industry we need to distance ourselves from all similar behavior. 

To watch a sport I love being torn apart by politicians and the media is heartbreaking. The untruths littered through the McHugh report have been used to deride the efforts of thousands of good hard working folk who have never done a thing but love their dogs and cherish there company. To have these untruths splashed across television and print media as fact by a government so malicious in its intent horrifies me.

I firmly believe the New Zealand Greyhound Racing Association has an opportunity to get well ahead of the debate about the industry's right to exist by implementing a groundbreaking and world leading set of measures to ensure full lifetime management for all dogs and the highest level of welfare enforcement. Whilst the structure of the sport in New Zealand is different, similar issues never the less remain. There are systemic welfare and wastage issues arising from the business models employed by some in the industry that I believe we need to address and address quickly before the same tactics employed by Four Corners and some of the animal activists arrive on NZ shores.

I thank you in advance for taking the time to read this email.


Regards,


 

That may be the case, but that is not where I was going. What the other two codes do as far as welfare and statistics has nothing to do with our situation and should not ever be used as a comparison, excuse, or justification for our own behaviour. The same applies to comparing euthanasia statistics of other organisations. It's not relevant. What is relevant is our statistics and how to correct the balance.

With all the doom & gloom going on in our industry at the moment with the investigation & the report that has come out I would like to put a little bit of sun shine back into it.
I would just like to wish every one in the greyhound industry , all the members of the of Racecafe & the staff that run the site a very Merry Christmas & A safe New Year.
I look forward to seeing & reading all your posts in the new year.

A true legend & an icon in our industry has passed away.
SERGIO
10/09/2007-22/11/2017
Collision -Tarawi Lass
NZ Greyhound of the year 2011
Winner G1 Waterloo Cup,G1 NZ Cup,G1 Spion Rose
Finalist in Golden Easter Egg Australia 2011
457 Track record holder Cambridge
NZ Sire of the year 2017
2015 Adopted by Natalie McCartney Lane and Lincoln Lane
A super racedog Sergio was successful winning on both sides of the Tasman.Upon retirement and after stud duties Sergio was adopted by Natalie and Lincoln in Drury.He quickly adjusted to the life of a very spoilt pet and became their daughter Apolimas bestie and Lincolns running partner.
In February 2017 Sergio survived a horrific dog attack while out on a walk with Lincoln.
At this years NZGRA awards for the third consecutive year Sergio was named Sire of the year.
It is with great sadness I have been asked to let you all know that on Monday Sergio was diagnosed by veterinarian Steve McGill with an aggressive form of bone cancer.
Due to his age and the severity of the cancer their options were limited.
Sam returned home on Monday night to spend time with his family.
Today 10am Sam at peace.
Love to Natalie Lincoln and Apolima.
R.I.P Sergio aka Sam
PAWNOTE
Dogszone will do a tribute to Sergio on Monday 27th November.
 
Can we have No NEGATIVE COMMENTS please.

Sorry to hear off one off the best passing....at this time he is pain free and in peace.....it hurts those left more...

Most threads on this forum are motivated by a desire to moan about something (I too plead guilty), so I thought it'd make a pleasant change to instead say "very well done to all those involved in this".
http://www.hrnz.co.nz/news-and-events/latest-news/5925-smith-raises-more-than-30k
 

If ever a dog was given the right name it's this one. Completely fearless and a champion

I think having the likes of Cyborg & Lightem Jax in there really makes this race a bit different and exciting, otherwise it's just another top grade race for the same olds. I have loved Cyborg and personally hope she can go a blinder!!

Grnz put their roadshow on with their objectives to try and change the perception of the sport to the general public (which lets face it is terrible) and to try to intice new people to get Involved in the sport. I thought It was good. obviously proof is in the pudding and we'll see how it goes. But every old school participant just winges about everything that happens and is proposed in this game. I don't envy any person that works or has worked in the admin of the greyhound industry, in fact I think they are great because in the 20 years I've been in the game, it hasn't mattered who has been in charge or what they try, the same people just moan and moan!

just go straight to you tube and subscribe to greyhound racing, they are up there a lot quickert han when the link arrives on the website page.

So just to clarify, youve spoken to one board member 6 weeks ago...... so your statement on this public forum of   "most of them laugh at you, argue the opposite or ignore you completely. They actually think they have improved the track. " is completely untrue.
If you dont feel the tracks up to standard fair cop, by all means make your thoughts known, i would encourage anyone to do that, but dont lie on a public forum to try and strengthen your opinion, you will simply get yourself into more trouble than your pseudonym can protect you from.
Like i said previously ring the club, get my number im more than happy to discuss with you.

So just to clarify, youve spoken to one board member 6 weeks ago...... so your statement on this public forum of   "most of them laugh at you, argue the opposite or ignore you completely. They actually think they have improved the track. " is completely untrue.
If you dont feel the tracks up to standard fair cop, by all means make your thoughts known, i would encourage anyone to do that, but dont lie on a public forum to try and strengthen your opinion, you will simply get yourself into more trouble than your pseudonym can protect you from.
Like i said previously ring the club, get my number im more than happy to discuss with you.

I generally wouldnt respond to a post that isnt directed to me directly. In particular a criticism by someone that is quite happy to call people out by their position,but cant  sign their name to their post. Personally i think its a reflection of someones character that isnt able to stand up for what the believe in. So alltheway!!!, id like to know who the board members are that you have made a complaint to, i know i'm not one of them, and i know at least one other director you havent spoken to, so that leaves 3 others are you sure you have spoken to all three, ie most of the directors, i would suggest that you havent... however if it strengthens your statement feel free to post mis-truths.
ph the club and they can give you my mobile number, I am more than happy to discuss the track and where I think it is at. My opinion of the track may surprise you.
Im waiting for your call....