Grant R

I too am a shareholder in a few horses it is turning into a dictatorship i got into this game in the mid nineties I'm like any shareholder, trainer, stable worker this so called organisation is sucking the life blood out of the industry we don't deserve to be treated like this . I'm into different options for sure

rtytdy which filly do you have

I will start by saying that I have allegiance to Richie and his team at Matamata . However I am going to give Richie and Rochelle and there team a huge plug for the work they do in attracting new people to the thoroughbred industry with there creative ideas. It was fantastic yesterday to hear approximately 70 shareholders were there to witness the Battle of the sexes horses go head to head in there maiden race at Matamata .These 2 horses alone have attracted around 160 shareholders some are existing clients but the majority are new people to the stable and new to the industry. As everyone knows this is a tough game and can be expensive however they have put a product out there that is affordable but most of all fun .

It was interesting that twiggy made the statement that there was no personal attack on certain people involved that was like he had been warned by the NZTR over other things he has said on the show isn't it freedom of speech? its about time these dudes accepted that they are clutching at straws . My advice to Twiggy go at them mate with both Barrels

I viewed with interest last evening the Weigh In show and the questions asked of Mr Purcell. It appears to me that he must read out of the same book as the parliamentarians how many bloody enquiries do they need ? and how many managers of this and that are required to travel down to inspect the track at Wingatui . Talk about going over the top do they think all these inquiries help ? why don't they sit down and just admit that they haven't got it right you can't put a PC band aid on it. The policies of the NZTR are wrong in my opinion where it needs to start is to put the money into the clubs help them to get there tracks and facilities up to scratch so we don't have all these abandonments. Go to the clubs, trainers etc ask them what they think is required then prioritise from there . A classic example the starting gates debacle how long has this gone on for and finally something is getting done I was shocked to find out that a new set of gates are between 120- 150k that's a pittance. I work in a industry where you have to upgrade equipment all the time breakdowns, maintenance cost money so as little downtime as possible is a pre requisite keeping on top of things costs less in the long run.

Maybe Leith got Rogerson in to defend

I just thought it was a fantastic effort i have followed this horse and as soon as Opie said I don't want to be on any other horse in the Derby than Mongolian khan after the win at Te Rapa I thought that will do me . To be headed like he was by close to half a length and to fight back and win by a length just a out and out stayer be interesting to see what he does in the future .

I suppose I'm a bit awe struck when it comes to Oppie Bosson in the way he can judge a race and win the big races . I have watched with interest and being following his interviews regarding his ride in the Derby Mongolian Khan from day one when interviewed on Weigh in after the horses run at Te Rapa he said he felt sorry for Craig Gryll's having been suspended however it was his mount now and he didn't want to be on any other horse , Then I watched the interview after the Avondale Guineas in which he won same reaction and comments that the horse was going well and was a comfortable winner. Then I have just watched a interview Oppie and Matt Cameron together on Trackside on Wednesday and the comments he made and quote " I had real problems pulling him up after the guineas race and he had a big blow afterwards so will be improving a lot from the run" He has a very calculated undeniable confidence when he speaks not cocky at all and to be honest he will be in my opinion putting the horse in a position to win the race, I back that up with the number of wins in group and stakes races this season in my mind best Jockey in NZ at the moment

I suppose I'm a bit awe struck when it comes to Oppie Bosson in the way he can judge a race and win the big races . I have watched with interest and being following his interviews regarding his ride in the Derby Mongolian Khan from day one when interviewed on Weigh in after the horses run at Te Rapa he said he felt sorry for Craig Gryll's having been suspended however it was his mount now and he didn't want to be on any other horse , Then I watched the interview after the Avondale Guineas in which he won same reaction and comments that the horse was going well and was a comfortable winner. Then I have just watched a interview Oppie and Matt Cameron together on Trackside on Wednesday and the comments he made and quote " I had real problems pulling him up after the guineas race and he had a big blow afterwards so will be improving a lot from the run" He has a very calculated undeniable confidence when he speaks not cocky at all and to be honest he will be in my opinion putting the horse in a position to win the race, I back that up with the number of wins in group and stakes races this season in my mind best Jockey in NZ at the moment

When Weigh in started I watched and thought who was this opinionated guy ( Twiggy) and I new Butch Castles . I thought Butch spoke with a lot of knowledge but has since gone down in my estimation as I believe its all about his little world AKA Ellerslie .As for Twiggy he has grabbed my attention because he has the guts to come out and say what he thinks which I admire that's journalism and freedom of speech personified . There was obvious tension there on Monday's night show but to me the arrogance of Castle to I believe defend the decision was a travesty he was entitled to his opinion but to sit there and watch the replay and say it was the other 2 horses fault as well WOW . Don't get me wrong I do enjoy the show I think DA does a good job hosting and is not biased in any way but Castles is getting on my wick

I viewed Weigh in last evening and was pleased to see Twiggy Shailer tell it how it is and how a lot of the public think on the protest ,he was prepared to go out on a limb and say the whole thing was a disgrace ( Now will he suffer a back lash from the powers to be ?) . However Butch Castles surprised me with his interpretation of events saying it was 50/50 on how the decision would go was that the power of Rogerson again waving his wand upon Butch ?. And Steven Marsh sitting there and I think holding back incase of repercussions had he said anything derogatory against the decision very professional. However the highlight to me was Robert Hannam what a great bloke so enthusiastic about his profession and so close to 1000 winners good on you Robbie a career in broadcasting for you after you hang up the whip

The outcome is the outcome whether it was right or if it was wrong it happened but what amazes me is in the way it was conducted there appeared to be only one judge jury and executioner that was Mr Rogerson .I have sat in on many a court session and if anyone spoke like that someone with higher authority would have told him to pull his head in and speak on fact based issues and not telling everyone on the committee "Its the best horse in the field" and "If we ran this race 100 times my horse would win it every time". Now that is not Rogersons fault that is the judicial committee's fault for letting it happen . Spineless I call it.

Now the saga continues I emailed again this morning no response so I phoned and got the answer machine twice . It was a question I was trying to find on there site about nomination and eligibility requirements to get into the Derby field. Tongue in cheek it must be Friday again.

Now the saga continues I emailed again this morning no response so I phoned and got the answer machine twice . It was a question I was trying to find on there site about nomination and eligibility requirements to get into the Derby field. Tongue in cheek it must be Friday again.

Here it is Thursday I am aware that the videos were up on Monday but and its a big but where is the courtesy of a explanation email from NZTR . I am aware of 9 emails sent by different people I have been in contact with 6 of them and same as I no reply ?. I work in a business where communication is so important it creates working relationships and trust this NZTR lot appear to be only interested in self promotion, stuff the rest of us.

What matters in this race is the best horse won on the day take every race on its merits every race is different and remember another 300 m for the Derby tactics tactics tactics

What i believe i watched was the best Jockey in NZ win that race yesterday Oppie's ability to judge a race by putting the horse in the best position to give him the best chance was so apparent. I watch Weigh in and listened to oppie speak about his first win on Mongolian Khan at Te Rapa and I quote "I won't be on any other horse than this one in the Derby I feel sorry for Craig ( Craig Grylls was suspended at the time and Oppie took the ride). Now to me when NZ top Jockey says that I know who i will be backing.Volk stoknbarrell is a freak i admit and i think a lot will hinge on the draw especially in a field of 18. There will be others as well Prima awesome run Mcqueen not far off but Oppie is the man

Look people that know me will Know that i don't bitch and moan but what is going on with the NZTR and the video's of trials . This morning i checked again to see if the trials video from Tuesday was on the site "NO" . What really annoys me is that i know of at least 4 people who have sent emails yesterday to the NZTR and no reply as yet . I have phoned them on several occasions and have ben delivered the same answer again and again and i Quote " Trackside has not sent them to us as yet they are still editing " Now thats fine but why don't they kick Tracksides Butt and get it sorted . Example Austrailian trial video's are online normally with in an hour after trial is completed . You might think I am being a dick for posting this but my reasons are genuine I live in the far North I have several horses in training in the Waikato its not easy for me to jump in a car and drive 4 to 5 hours to watch a trial. I am glad i have a extremely well organized and dedicated trainer who gives us up to date emails or a phone call and a ground level video of the trial . But to see the whole trial would be advantageous your thoughts please

Whoknows I am probably the wrong person to comment on this because i am one of the stables biggest fans I have shares in several horses with Richie i respect the man his team immensely in fact i have had some extremely bad experiences with other stables in years gone by. Believe me when i say most stables go through a lean time ., but agree totally with Hedley and Gubellini the stable has a lot of up and comers you just need to look at trial results or if you feel inclined go to the stables website or Facebook page . Graham does not thrash his horses he likes a minimum 2 weeks if not longer between runs and watch this space some very nice 2 YO and 3 YO are in there next prep for Autumn . I will admit that Gubbelini and I have several horses together in syndicates that Graham has put together we get weekly updates and Richie tells it as it is the horses welfare comes first we know things will change

As a shareholder of a horse that was scratched in this race after this debacle I could vent big time but won't . The ramifications though make good reading our horse was on a path for bigger spoils and needed this race to help in getting enough rating points to get into the field (Derby) now it wasn't a given he would make the Derby field and the adage that that is racing doesn't really wash when its out of the control of Trainer , Jockey and horse . Its now time someone up there in there glass emporium stepped up and accepted responsibility for the out dated non functioning equipment and give a guarantee that the safety of Jockeys , Horses etc is paramount , how close was another serious injury to Trudy Thornton? come on you suits wake up smell the roses

Hedley I have the Bred To Race facebook page and own shares in the Darci Brahma Filly you have shown weare very happy with her progress and agree she will be a lovely 3 YO and beyond