Sickopunter

Cool. And if someone accused you of dishonest or criminal behavior and you were found not guilty you'd be fine with people taking that attitude with you?

I've seen no evidence yet to suggest that anyone is guilty of anything other than stuff related to extasy - and that's nothing to do with Harness Racing. Yet these people have lost their income and had their lives and that of their families and loved ones turned upside down. That's part of the empathy.

Not a crazy as it sounds but my understanding is that the only “punter” identified had been losing with the tab in that period.

I'd go a step further and say I wouldn't be surprised if sackings and or lawsuits were on the way.

I think part of the problem is that neither of those professions pay well. And I get what you’re saying but there may never have been a trackside presenter who could actually “make it” as a punter. Punting, managing a jockey and presenting on trackside are all pretty different. I think questioning their integrity is a little unfair.

That’s what I thought....

Lots of people who end up working for the tab have a betting interest or tendency to begin with. They’re well within their rights to have a bet unless that breaks their contract in some way and I can’t see how a racing presenter betting on a Tennis match in his own time would constitute that. To me all he did wrong was disguise himself.

Steal? Really? That’s a long bow.

I totally agree but I feel I’m compelled to act in self defence.

You implied it. And I don't think it even slightly relates to whats happening now. And that's two strikes now so I think I am well within my rights to give some back. Dumb arse.

I did see it and if you want to get mouthy two can play that game. He handed to the favourite who went on to win. Would have been a poor drive to hold it out. He stopped. No-one but those two know what they said. No story here.

Did you hear the discussion? Didn't think so.

You’re correct but you need to fix stakes, tracks and how owners are looked after before you promote ownership.

If you knew the regular turnover on bf there’s no way you could think that.

This time of year I totally agree. Bring on the synthetic for winter.

Come on now, I know you're kidding when you're saying James Stormont used to pull. All in fun here. No worries. Just sounded like the words of a thoroughbred fan.

Go back under your thoroughbred rock.

They didnt say who? Or what his racing connection was?

My main point is that its about what people do in their personal time, its not something which is specific to Harness Racing or that is really even about Harness Racing. But when people see headlines about race fixing (which I have still never heard anything substantial about yet) and drugs in racing its misleading and unfairly damaging in an unfair way. Im not sure there is a lot of evidence that the recreational use of MDMA is any more damaging to the individual or others around them than that of alcohol. But it is illegal, potentially dangerous?? and as such no-one should be doing it and certainly not supplying it. I think its totally unfair for you to say "with such attitudes it makes me wonder what they think is ok to put in a horses system".

We all know none of these guys I reckon youll find the opposite. Little or no race fixing and a whole bunch of recreational drug use and supply. Which has nothing to do with harness racing.

I think whats remarkable is how people are all jumping to conclusions. Some of our industry people like taking class b drugs recreationally. They shouldn't do it but there are a lot worse things going on in the world. I'm yet to hear anything substantial regarding race fixing I don't expect the boys in blue to be experts in decoding conversations between drivers about who may want the front or what chance they think their horse is. That and race fixing are very different things. It may be no different in most cases than what we hear in trackside interviews. Maybe we should wait until the facts are out?

Why do we have to hear this crap all the time? Who cares? Just lazy presenting and waffle. Punters don't care.

Did I miss something? Isnt it Extacy/MDMA?

Here's a thought. I have a feeling I know who gets more and better information from trainers and drivers than anyone else in nz. And its not an individual. Any guesses? Could put some of this in perspective at some point.

Racing to win tv show before the races. Very common.