RaceCafe..#1...Tipsters Thread.... Share Your Fancies For Fun...Lets See Who The Best Tipsters Here Are.

thephantom

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  1. There has to be plans for a all-weather track (like KranjI - there's can handle monsoon conditions) surely for the sake and future of NZ racing? yet, the NZTR have made no plans in their 5-year budget. Its stupidity!! We all can see the executives in Petone wont lower their salaries, either. In my view, the only company making money from NZ racing (apart from the bookmakers) are New Zealand Bloodstock. NZB make millions profit without competition. NZB percentages from this years Yearling Sale would have raised enough to construct a all-weather track. NZB have a monopoly on the sale of horses in this country, yet do they REALLY put money back into NZ racing industry. Yes I agree that they do sponsor about 200 races (of minimum stakes value) in NZ. but all they are doing are just topping up the stakes. And NZB do sponsor the Karaka Million Twilight meeting - but those races are subsidized by the runners themselves - NZB are hardly digging into their deep pockets. NZB also sponsor the four races (Memsie, Lawrence, Underwood, Caulfield Stakes) in Melbourne worth $1.4 million yearly. Isnt this money more valuable to invest in NZ racing. NZB should invest their monopolized money more into NZ racing? We desperately need a all-weather track. Whether at Te Rapa or Ellerslie (inside track) Personally i like to see the under-used Ellerslie inside track used as a all-weather (model on Kranji - turf outside and a fibresand polytrack track on the inner). Ellerslie could have a race meeting every Friday all through the year. Call it 'New Zealand Bloodstock Ellerslie Racecourse,' as far Im concerned. What better marketing is that? At least a joint venture with NZTR, or an offshore group is worth considering.
  2. After another cancellation of a meeting, when is NZ going to invest in a all-weather track?
  3. Is there any chance of him taking GREG PURCELL with him, but make him swim back to Aussie!!
  4. Firstly After last weekends Breeders Stakes appalling decision, there should never be another relegation in NZ racing! Never will you see such a clear cut decision that placings should have been reversed! Isn't time for NZ racing to follow Australia racing and get rid of the judicial, and have the stipes ruling the enquiry decisions. JCA are allowed to breed, own etc. horses but the stipes are NZTR professionals, where this conflict of interest isn't involved. There were five stipes at Matamata, with Oatham declaring interference, obviously if he had been ruling the decision, the placings would have been reversed. Two extra JCA is unnecessary with NZ racing, if they are making incompetent decisions like that. If the stipes declare interference but cant charge the rider at fault of the interence, its farcical! If the JCA cant control Rogerson on his performance, they have obviously lost control in the room. Imagine Roggie carrying on like that in Sydney or Melbourne? Bailey or Murrihy would have ordered him out of the room!! Which carries my next point. It is unnecessary to have owners/trainers in the room with a decision like that when emotions are running high? Another point is, the conflict of interest. I wrote about this 18 months ago. Racing managers being jockey agents!! It shouldn't be allowed. It is the first thing that NZTR should stop, after seeing weigh in. I have no problems presenters being agents, but its a bad look for racing WHEN Clubs Racing Managers are!. Imagine if this happened at Ellerslie? Would the ARC Board like their Racing Manager making public comments about his jockey if hes involved in one of ARC Group I or II races? Watch the replay! Strada Lady moved slightly outwards BEFORE the other horses moved inwards towards her. Serena Miss has moved at least 4 widths over and has hit Nuhema 4 times, which has made her move over to Strada Lady, causing Craig Grylls to stop riding. Strada Lady has been pushed closer to the rail because of the outside pressure Never did Innes try and correct his mount to straighten. Very clear cut! Feel very sorry for the connections of the 2nd horse. But, just shows how unprofessional NZ racing is becoming these days!
  5. ok. 2 wins, a 4th and pulled up from 4 starts. Should have gone up more than 4 points for winning a $50,000 race. Under rated at 67, and so it proved today.
  6. Can someone please explain to me. How is Stolen Dance rated 67 at Matamata today? She has had four starts, for 2 wins and a second. Pulled up at her only other start. Her last win was in a race worth $50,000. How is she rated 67? Surely this is a mistake?
  7. Has this been cancelled now? It used to ALWAYS come out on the 1st August by the previous handicapper. Last year it was well over a month late!! Plus he messed it up!! With the fillies allowance. It should have been released before the Awards voting! As he got any clue this new handicapper, Brett Scalley? Or is his time being used, filling out new job applications?
  8. Scooby - We have had our disagreements over this matter before! He is a paid servant of the NZTR. His public comments criticizing the very people that pay him. A Handicappers Complaints Officer, is also represents NZ top owner of horses! It wouldn't happen anywhere in the world. Its like Lloyd/Nick Williams of Australia also handling the handicapping complaints. Its just not INTEGRITY. But still, Greg Purcell (boy wonder) knows all about INTEGRITY.
  9. Just because he is a great racing personality, doesn't mean he's a good presenter. Only my opinion, and know that many agree with me. Auctioneer ....he's the best!!
  10. Is there anyone out there like me, who either turn the volume down or switch the TV off when the drone (Steve Davis) is presenting? No wonder turnovers are down in racing, as he would turn anyone off! If he repeats himself one more time, that's the end for trackside!!haha He is a great auctioneer (world class) but I think he should stick to it!
  11. Sherwin - Although I agree with your comments, do you think as a paid servent of NZTR (Handicappers Complaints Officer) that you have put yourself in a position to make comments on the very people that employ you? This is not personal attack, its a matter of INTEGRITY. Myself along with others in the industry agree that it is a bad look on your behalf.
  12. Wonder what fasthorse (NZTR) has got to say about this one? Have heard that Greg Purcell (120kg) or fasthorse will take the mount!
  13. How is it that Opie Bossom is declared to ride Sarsarun, when he is the part owner of another runner in the race, Karla Bruni (D. Bradley) in race 9 at Te Rapa? This is against all rules of racing!! Another example of how incompetent the NZTR are!
  14. Shows how much confidence Mr Purcell has in New Zealand racing, when he recently got 2 horses (Baldovino and Sweet Suitor) off Rogie and sent them to Australia to race. What does this show you? Perhaps, Mr Purcell is thinking of going back to Ozzie to live and have a couple of horses to watch going round! Taumarunui have always raced for good stakes, and I cant think of any reason why NZTR had to make the change. Lets all support Taumarunui!!
  15. Non Raceday Inquiry RIU v GV Vile - Decision dated 25 June 2014 Created on 26 June 2014 BEFORE THE JUDICIAL CONTROL AUTHORITY UNDER THE RACING ACT 2003 IN THE MATTER of the New Zealand Rules of Racing BETWEEN RACING INTEGRITY UNIT Informant AND MR G V VILE Respondent Information no: A4159 Judicial Committee: Mrs N Moffatt, Chairman - Mr T Utikere, Committee Member Appearing: Mr B Bevege (for the informant) – Mr G V Vile (as the respondent) Registrar: Mr B Bateup Venue: Awapuni Racecourse Date of Hearing: 14 June 2014 Date of Decision: 25 June 2014 DECISION OF JUDICIAL COMMITTEE [1] Mr Vile appears before this Judicial Committee on the following charge: Information Number A4159 THAT On 14th January 2014, at Palmerston North, Gary Robert Vile, being a licensed person, committed a breach of Rule 340, of the New Zealand Rules of Racing, in that you used insulting and abusive language, namely “and I will get on National TV and tell them what a f****** idiot you are” and “you are a dickhead and I am telling you straight out I hope you are recording because you are a straight out dickhead” to George Strickland, an official of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and that you are therefore liable to the penalty or penalties that may be imposed upon you pursuant to Rule 803(1). [2] The rule reads as follows Rule 340 “A Licensed person, owner, lessee, Racing Manager, Official or other person bound by these Rules must not misconduct himself in any matter relating to the conduct of Races or racing.” [3] Mr Vile acknowledged he understood the nature of the charge and confirmed that he admitted the breach. We therefore find the charge proved. [4] Mr Bevege tabled a signed authority from Mr M Godber (Operations Manager RIU) to proceed with the charge against Mr Vile. Copies of the Information and a summary of facts were also produced. FACTS [5] Mr Vile is a licensed Class A Trainer under the Rules of Thoroughbred Racing. He has been a licensed trainer since 1987 and is currently the Chairman of the Central Districts Trainers Association. [6] Mr Vile is a senior Trainer who has an impressive performance history having trained over 400 winners. [7] On the 14th January 2014 Mr Vile made a phone call to New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and spoke to NZTR Cadet Handicapper Mr George Strickland. [8] During the call Mr Vile was abusive, intimidating and insulting to Mr Strickland. (The transcript of the full telephone conversation is produced) [9] Mr Vile was spoken to by the Chief Racing Investigator, Mr R Carmichael, at Awapuni on the 29th March. In that interview Mr Vile admitted making the phone call in question stating that he had become frustrated and annoyed as he didn’t think that Mr Strickland understood his argument with regards to the re-handicap of one of his horses. [10] After taking advice Mr Vile was formally interviewed and made a written statement on the 27th May. He accepted that the transcript of the telephone conversation was a correct record as far as he could remember. He also accepted that he had previously received a phone call from Mr Greg Purcell regarding his phone behaviour towards NZTR staff. [11] Mr Vile was remorseful for his conduct, indicated that it will never happen again and is prepared to apologize to Mr Strickland. He again reiterated that the tone of his conversation was due to his frustration at not getting any satisfaction from the handicappers at NZTR. [12] Although this matter has taken some time to resolve Mr Vile has co-operated with the investigators at all times during this enquiry. [13] Following a question from the Judicial Committee as to why it had taken 5 months for the charge against Mr Vile to be laid, Mr Bevege explained that the RIU only received the complaint from NZTR (Mr Purcell) in March, two months after the incident, and following that a combination of RIU matters had meant the matter was only now being heard. Mr Bevege emphasised the delay was in no way attributable to any actions on behalf of Mr Vile. PENALTY SUBMISSIONS BY INFORMANT [14] The rationale of the Misconduct Rule is quite clear in that there is a high expectation that license holders will conduct themselves in a professional and responsible manner. [15] Section 803 states that persons who commit a breach of the rules shall be liable to (a) be disqualified for a period not exceeding 12 months, and/or ( be suspended from holding a license for a period not exceeding 12 months and/or © a fine not exceeding $20,000 [16] It is the submission of the informant that, depending on the personal circumstances of Mr Vile, that neither disqualification nor suspension is appropriate and that the matter can be disposed of by way of a fine. [17] It is a fact, as reported in the case of NZTR and C (2006) that; “Most cases of misconduct involving licensed persons were unpremeditated, they were a direct reaction to an action they felt aggrieved about, often including language of an obscene or offensive nature, and all is usually as a result of race day pressure”. [18] The aggravating factors in this case are (a) Mr Vile’s language was directed at a junior member of the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Staff. ( Mr Vile has previously been warned by the CEO of NZTR with regards his telephone conduct when speaking with NZTR staff. © Mr Vile’s position as Chairman of the Central Districts Trainers Association. [19] Against this, the Informant accepts that the penalty may be mitigated by (a) The frank admission made by Mr Vile. ( The admission of the offence at the first opportunity and his willingness to have the matter determined prior to a race meeting in an effort to minimize costs. © The fact that Mr Vile has never appeared before the JCA on any charge of a serious nature [20] Recent cases involving misconduct charges, together with the penalties imposed are listed below: RIU v M - Faced three charges and was fined $350 on each charge being a total of $1050 RIU v P - Fined $850. [21] Due to the aggravating factors of this matter the RIU seek a Penalty of a fine of $1000. There are no costs sought by the RIU. PENALTY SUBMISSIONS BY RESPONDENT [22] Mr Vile denied being previously “warned” by the CEO of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and explained that Mr Purcell had rung him one day at the Foxton trials and suggested Mr Vile call him personally if he had any problems or issues with NZTR. This followed a minor altercation Mr Vile had had with another member of staff on a separate occasion, after which he apologised. [23] In relation to this charge Mr Vile informed the committee that he did not ring Mr Strickland. Instead he had tried on four occasions to call the Chief Handicapper, Mr Scelly, leaving messages on the telephone for him. [24] Finally, after two days, Mr Scelly returned Mr Vile’s calls. At the time of this phone call Mr Vile was attending a yearling parade. [25] Mr Vile subsequently became upset when Mr Scelly passed the telephone to Mr Strickland, a cadet handicapper. He believed that, as a senior trainer, he deserved to be spoken to by the Handicapper, not a junior person. [26] Mr Vile acknowledged his conduct was “terrible” and said while he was very remorseful he could not turn back the clock. He said he fired up at Mr Strickland because of the fact that Mr Scelly did not pay him the courtesy he believed he deserved, which was to talk through his concerns with the Handicapper. [27] Mr Vile believes the incident would not have happened if Mr Scelly had spoken to him instead of passing the matter over to Mr Strickland. He said Mr Strickland did not deserve to be spoken to like he was. [28] Mr Vile concluded by saying that he had been treated very fairly throughout the inquiry process by Mr Bevege and reiterated he was remorseful for what had happened. It was not his wish to bring any bad publicity to racing and he would accept any penalty that was given to him and move on. DECISION [29] In coming to a decision on penalty we have carefully considered all of the submissions placed before us. [30] Mr Bevege presented two cases for us to refer to and while both were misconduct charges one was of more use than the other. The RIU v P case contained the penalty decision only and, without all the facts of the charge, was of limited use. [31] There were a number of differences between the RIU v M case and Mr Vile’s case. [32] One referred to misconduct within a public forum and encompassed three separate charges whereas Mr Vile’s charge followed an exchange of words, person to person, via a single telephone conversation. [33] We accept an aggravating factor to be that Mr Vile’s outburst was directed at a junior member of NZTR staff. While it was not his intention to speak to that person Mr Vile’s standing and experience as a senior trainer should have led to more professional conduct. [34] There was some variance between the original summary of facts (and which the RIU has submitted as aggravating factors) and that which Mr Vile told us at the hearing. He said there had been no prior warning from the CEO of NZTR and that he did not initiate the call to Mr Strickland. [35] Mr Vile’s outburst was in response to a high level of frustration brought about by a particular set of circumstances. This is in no way an excuse for his behavior but does provide a background to the incident. [36] Mitigating factors are Mr Vile’s very good record, his cooperation with the RIU and his early admission of the breach. He has also indicated that he is willing to apologise to Mr Strickland. PENALTY [37] Taking into account all of these factors we impose a monetary penalty of $350.00. COSTS [38] There was no request for costs from the Racing Integrity Unit and as this matter was heard on a race day we make no order for costs Why did this take 5 months for Purcell/Scalley to lay a complaint? Did Purcell REALLY warn Vile? Vile says this is a not true. Vile deserves to by explained by the Senior Handicapper, and not the cadet, Strickland? Couldn't this have been dealt with internally? This paints another bad picture for Senior handicapper Scalley after the "The handicapper is the most corrupt person in Racing?" from Ralph Manning