JJ Flash

Just ran into one of Bobs brothers who was sorting out a trip to Melbourne Cup week for the Skelton family Reunion. 50 years since Van der Humm won in the bog for the unflappable RJS Just seems like yesterday for some of us.

Craig Baker to join NZTR in key racing role Craig Baker will join New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing on October 27 as NZTR works through racing plans and wider industry changes, with Charlotte Mills’ advisory contract set to end. By Bren O'Brien ● Racing Industry ● September 28, 2026 Craig Baker will join NZTR next month. (Photo: Supplied) New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) has appointed Craig Baker, Auckland Thoroughbred Racing’s (ATR) executive general manager of racing and operations, as its head of racing development. NZTR general manager of racing Mitch Lamb said the appointment, which will take place from October 27, strengthened NZTR’s capacity to create and deliver its strategic racing plans. “Over the next 12 months, we will be working closely with clubs, the Racing Integrity Board, Entain, TAB New Zealand and the newly formed Establishment Board to advance a number of important change initiatives. Craig’s practical experience and industry-wide perspective will be invaluable as we work through that programme,” Lamb said. Baker said: “After 11 hugely rewarding years, it has been a privilege to work alongside such a great team at Auckland Racing Club and now Auckland Thoroughbred Racing.” NZTR said Baker has more than 20 years’ experience across racing administration, club operations, governing bodies and the breeding sector. “I’m looking forward to working with Mitch and the wider team at NZTR and using my experience to contribute positively to the future of thoroughbred racing,” Baker said. Charlotte Mills’ separate 12-month contract as NZTR Racing Advisor is due to end around the time Baker starts. Mills, who was previously Head of Racing at Moonee Valley, was appointed in a contract role this time last year. “I’m proud of what we have progressed over the past 12 months and grateful for the support, openness and collaboration I have experienced across the industry,” Mills said. “There is important work ahead, and I look forward to seeing the initiatives now under way continue to develop.” Lamb praised Mills’ contribution during her time at NZTR. “Her willingness to share the learnings from her enormous industry experience with the entire NZTR team has been of great benefit,” he said. NZTR’s 2027–29 Statement of Intent and Business Plan outlines its direction for the next three years, with operations initially focused on the 2026/27 season. For that season, NZTR targets 16,200 registered horse owners, compared with 15,106 in 2024/25, and wagering income of $500 million, versus $475 million. Its average NZTR-funded stakes target is $4,245 per start, compared with $4,024. The plan aims to expand participation and ownership, while NZTR continues to uphold welfare and integrity standards. It also outlines improvements to digital services and a sustainable model for operations and infrastructure. TAB New Zealand’s minimum guaranteed funding remains NZTR’s principal revenue source. The plan says NZTR intends to grow income through sponsorship, tourism, international opportunities and digital products as the five-year guarantee ends after FY28.

yes. immediatley

Are you for real. Hes run 4 clubs sucessfully,ran the 2020 Racing Act process as well as right sizing TAB when executive chair Not to mention his work on restructuring a massive Canterbury food operation for a successful sale. The key is he is independent and wont suffer fools nor would he let his integrity be challenged. Just my thoughts and i have had a number of dealings with him over the years

Correct in all respects. lets see how its driven in future especially if drawn wide.

Again.

BECKY'S GIRL - when questioned regarding the tactics he adopted driver M Williamson advised that after drawing wide he sat back on a solid early pace. He further advised he did not want to improve wide and risk being pushed even wider on the track adding he was hoping the runners in front of him would give him a drag into the race however this did not eventuate. He therefore elected to leave his run until the final bend when he was forced to race wide. Mr Williamson further added that he was pleased with the way his inexperienced filly had raced. Stewards noted the comments. R4 Fav who IMO was never put in the race at Invercargill yesterday. No wonder the sport struggles with M Williamson type drives like this one. Given hes one of the most agressive drivers in commission you have to wonder whether the stewards down there have any balls let alone ability to read a race. Go and have a look at the drive on HRNZ site.

Only happens to the goods one. Here hoping it does not permantly derail his promising career

And there was Pitty telling all and sundry on Trackside yesterday that the Riccarton one is the best in the world!!! I never knew he trained in all those Asian and European tracks- you learn something new every day

In terms of racing their are none that i can see these day. Most wont be interested for fear of getting offside with you know who. Its a fine line

Scary credentials dont we think?

You forgot about the Baubles of Office

Its has been suggested that WP has no interest in being racing minister post election. Might it be hes milked the cow to its max in terms of donations and knows there is a cold front on the way

Notable for 2 rare events. Waller never trained a winner and Andrew Calder rode one.

A lot more than Bernard in terms of my professional career. Besides look at the context of my reply to Pams post. You are clearly off track re KW comment but each to thier own as they say