Pam Robson

The Canterbury Belle, Cuddle Stakes....

I have met Darryll Park. He was recently at the Coast circuit, was very willing to chat to anyone who wished to have an ear, and as the son/stepson of Tom and Greta Lalor, would certainly have knowledge of the grass-roots side of racing. I can't comment on his other directorships, obviously.

I also remember a Trainers' Assn meeting, many years ago, where the merits of bringing in the ' permit to train ' category was discussed. As a relatively young and naive sort of person [ then ] I couldn't really see any reason why there should be opposition. But, there was quite a swell of opposition. Standards will drop, said one, there will be licence holders now who can offer far cheaper rates because they have another income, so the professional trainers will lose horses, and - how can these part timers teach apprentices or stable staff? The licence-from-a weetbix-packet t

Slightly off the topic..I remember - just - Jack Shaw from when I was a green school-leaver, working in my first stable job at Riccarton. Female stable staff were a rarity then, as were riders - I think, in those early days Fran Kerr was the only one I recall, followed by Jan Kerr, and Patsy [became Mrs Eastwood ]...but Jack would always doff his hat to the girls. 'Morning, ladies' he would say. Boy, times change!

It irritates me, too, when people try to 'compare' horses, which inevitably means one or other has to be considered a lesser performer. All mentioned are wonderful horses, it is a privilege to watch them perform and equally, to see the very able handling of their fine young trainer.

A woman scorned.....

Good comments, Chris, and yes, I have heard similar opinions as to the potential value during winter and spring, given your local climate as well as horse numbers. But, as others have also said, rushing ahead with the other two venues, instead of just taking the time to evaluate, seems premature, does it not?

Yes, an awful death. I think another horse, Knight's Review, also lost his life.

Yep.

Look at the opposition....what a field

On the National Hunt roster?

I think you can use a VPN ( too technical for me) but why would you want to go to the bother when the alternatives are superior?

I should think they would be very welcome among punters anyway...and provide much-needed colour and atmosphere to some very bland days. And, surely, competition has to be good for all?

It is a concern if coercion to produce a particular result is applied.

Absolutely, all licence holders are obliged to comply with drug testing, too bad if you don't like it. As said earlier, their ball game, play by their rules. But what has been overlooked in this discussion is the reality of having a drug habit. To acquire the goods, you need dealers. And there, there is the risk of coming into contact with some very unsavoury characters. Heavy pressure to pay up - or even start dealing - is a very real threat. We are in a gambling industry, there can be no justification for any involvement whatsoever, whether or not safety is an issue.