TARANTULA

I think you will find that the increase in races and meetings in the NI is far greater than 10%, so that increase in T/O of only 10% will actually be a net loss.
ATC gets 45 race meetings, up 14 from last season, and 422 races, up from 294
WBOP     41                            up 13                                      338 races  up  from 250
Manawatu  19                         up 7                                       142 races  up from  92
105 race meetings, an increase of 49%..       902 races, an increase of 42%
This was the programmed plan for the season, I suspect that not all of the races will have been held by the end of the month.
Information given by HRNZ is highly selective and misleading, it is often a misrepresentation of reality.

My Prediction for the Future of Harness Racing in New Zealand   It’s becoming increasingly clear that harness racing in New Zealand is heading for a serious crisis—one driven not by a lack of passion within the industry, but by poor leadership, financial mismanagement, and strategic failures at the top.   At the centre of this downward spiral is John Mooney. His reckless spending and apparent disregard for fiscal responsibility are putting our industry at serious risk. It’s baffling how someone with such questionable personal financial history was entrusted with oversight of our industry’s money in the first place. His mismanagement is evident in the race date allocations, where races are created in direct competition for the same small pool of horses. This not only splits fields but drains financial resources—losing the industry money instead of generating it.   Communication with clubs has broken down, leading to infighting rather than collaboration. The lack of transparency and consultation from those in charge only deepens division and alienation. This is not how a national sporting code survives—let alone thrives.   While the introduction of geo-blocking may offer a temporary fix, the real reckoning comes when the Entain funding deal ends. Our turnover figures are already falling short of what’s needed to sustain current stake levels. When that guaranteed money dries up in a few years, and we’re left exposed, those responsible—Mooney and Brad Steele—will likely walk away, leaving the damage behind for others to clean up. We’re also wasting time and money fantasizing about training centres, at a time when we’re losing trainers and horses. The focus should be on retaining and supporting what we have—not building infrastructure for a future that may never come under the current direction.   Auckland Trotting Club is another financial sinkhole. Despite receiving disproportionate industry funding, it continues to produce small fields, low GBRs (gross betting revenue), and poor attendance. The decision to sell Pukekohe—yet still be in financial turmoil—makes no sense. Auckland is losing its training base, which will reduce horse and trainer numbers even further. Alexandra Park is a logistically difficult venue for many, and it’s not serving the wider industry.   The only sustainable path for Auckland is bold: sell Alexandra Park, retain Pukekohe, and invest in a world-class training and racing complex, similar to Menangle in NSW. With the right structure, Auckland could then re-emerge as a vibrant centre with strong prize money, improved horse numbers, and renewed interest from owners and trainers.   Meanwhile, the proposed handicapping changes—also driven by Mooney—threaten to destroy the bread-and-butter racing that actually generates revenue. Overemphasis on high-end age group races may look glamorous on paper, but it risks alienating the core participants who race week in and week out. It’s the country meetings in Canterbury and Southland that keep the engine running—alongside major days like Cup Week. Harness racing in New Zealand is a television sport, and that model only works if you have full fields, competitive betting, and regular racing.   In summary, if we don’t act decisively now—by stopping the flawed handicapping changes, completely reworking our major race dates, developing logical and aligned carnivals, placing the right people in charge of the industry’s money, and getting clubs working collaboratively—the sport will not survive in its current form. We are on the edge of the cliff   Mark Jones   Never one to shy away from major Harness issues IMHO. Good on him

Where they rob is on place bet odds.  Always a couple of points lower on all horses.
An all up place bet on favourites in Rosehill tomorrow returns $420 bet 365 and only $151 nz tab. That's massive. 
 
  1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 All up BET 365              2.50              1.80              1.80              1.70              2.05              1.60              1.60              1.90              1.75              1.75        420.49 TAB              2.40              1.65              1.55              1.55              1.85              1.45              1.50              1.65              1.60              1.50        151.59

It's not just about racing, the sports betting product that entain provides is amongst the worst you'll see & I would argue in many cases criminal - I'll paste some examples of it below.
 
And to those banging on about this being a good thing (morons), tell me how selling out to a multinational gambling company based in the UK is a good thing for NZ? The money being taken off-shore by them will more than match that of the NZ punters betting overseas. The NZ govt just sold out to a British giant and is trying to convince us that is a good thing for NZ?
 
I dont know if people are thinking straight here but forcing people to use your product instead of improving your product and being competitive in the marketplace is NOT what we want as a country in ANY industry, why would u guys accept that?
If you're a fan of NZ TAB that is fine, and you can continue to use them, but to pretend like this is a good move is pathetic. 
 
In sports, they'll very often suspend betting on one side but allow it on the other side.
They have games offering $1.02 bet pairings (instead of $1.90 pairs as it shiuld be), they offer a $1.02 fave with a $3.70 underdog?? (That pairing should be at $13-$15, not @ $3.70) 
In soccer, late in games, they'll offer "under" betting but not "over" (example- @ 1-0, you can bet under 1.5 goals, but not over 1.5 goals) I have seen this occur at least 10-15 times now, I imagine it's a regular thing. You simply cannot offer one side of a bet and not the other, just because the liability will be higher on your end if said event does happen. 
 
The bet delay (how long it takes to place a bet) on the gold cup soccer (international) was 14 seconds when I checked the other day - you can't even get a bet on options like that as the odds move before the bet can even be placed. 
Monopolies of any kind are bad, British-owned Monopolies owning our country is even worse! 
Nothing makes me more angry than governments or entities forcing people to do something, controlling our actions as if we can't control them ourselves. 
Also, how can they ban NZ hounds,  but allow betting on aussie greyhounds? Hypocritical much? Reminds me of the climate change mob who act like emissions are down in western countries while China polluted everything instead (on our behalf)
 
People will get big mad at my rambling here, instead of being mad at their own government 😒
 
And dammit, I can't seem to paste these images from my phone here, but I have countless examples saved that I'm going to make as many people aware of as possible 

Darryl, Entain said in last night Herald that NZ would share the same odds as Ladbrokes in Oz. One would think that they would need to be competitive with other Oz providers. And Winston (Mr 5%) says he will keep them honest. How much value do you place on that.
Regards your Boundless comment we could have one that beats her record, but its early days. Its a Hello You' and the other clue is my first name is Philip. 
I

Pretty sure on social media earlier today she posted a photo of herself down at the beach living life

Ulrika Holmquist.
Positive news from Ulrika Holmquist after the accident: "The doctors are very pleased"
12 May 2025 17:26
During Thursday's races at Norwegian Övrevoll, jockey Ulrika Holmquist was involved in an accident in connection with race 6 when the horse she was riding fell. Many people wonder how it is with Ulrika and now after five days she is ready to go out with several positive news.
What happened?
"I felt that the horse was about to fall and just then it just went straight down. I landed on my head and neck and was lying on the track. Then I was taken by ambulance to Ullevål Hospital. When I got to the hospital, I had a serious concussion and felt very bad. It was very scary not really understanding what was happening, but it's much better now.
After several examinations and yesterday's surgery, the doctor finally came with the news today – they were very happy with the result.
"I have fractures in three thoracic vertebrae in my back that have now been operated on and stabilized. In addition, I have nine broken ribs and a punctured lung. No nerves in my back have been damaged, which is absolutely fantastic. I have a fracture in my neck, but after two MRI X-rays, they were able to assess that it was stable, so the prognosis is very good.
Ulrika says that it feels like she has been given a second chance in life, that she is very grateful and tries to stay positive.
"I'm so grateful for everyone who contacted me after the accident. Even though I haven't answered everyone, I've read every single message and greeting. It means so much to me. The love from the gallop family is great and it means so much. I'm grateful to be a part of it.
In a few weeks, the doctor estimates that Ulrika will be on her feet and be able to start with lighter activities.
"I had surgery yesterday and have been up and walking and standing today. The staff here said that they have never experienced anyone who has done it so quickly before, which feels very positive and gratifying.
Ulrika will not ride any more races this galloping season.
"Now my main focus is on healing and recovering at the right pace. Then we'll see what happens.
The horse that Ulrika was riding, Mon Amant, unfortunately injured himself so seriously in the accident that he had to be put down.
We wish Ulrika a good recovery!
 
 
Positive news from Ulrika Holmquist after the accident: "The doctors are very pleased" - Swedish Gallop

I agree one million percent, everytime they legged up onto a Racehorse, they put their lives on the line.  They have also got the life of the Horse they're riding in their hands too!!  Joe Doyle flew out to Norway to be with Ulrika on Saturday evening.  He gave up his ride in the last race at Rotorua, as well as the rides that he had at Wanganui yesterday that were ridden by Craig Grylls. 

FB message from Ulrika:
 
  Thank you all so much for the incredibly kind messages and support after my fall on Thursday in Oslo. I suffered multiple injuries and have since undergone surgery — I’m relieved to say it went well, and my prognosis for a good recovery is looking positive. It’s been a tough few days, especially with concussion and fatigue, but I’m in good hands and feeling truly cared for. Ulrika is not able to attend to her phone at the moment, but I’m sending all love and thanks. Your support means the world and truly helps Ulrika on her way to mending.          

.  The injuries sound very serious and we can only hope and pray that she can make a full recovery.  Our hearts and thoughts go out to her and her loved ones. 

Can only wish all the best for a speedy recovery, brings home some reality for us that just punt, watch and critique the riders, and I can plead guilty of that occasionally, certainly reminds us of the important things in life.

Ulrika Holmquist who has  ridden successfully during the summer in NZ a few times in the last few years had a bad fall in Norway. She has neck, rib and back injuries from what was a serious fall.
I would  like to wish her well in her recovery and hope everything with her rehab goes well for her and she can make a full recovery.
This industry can be bloody rough some times.

I certainly hope not. They don’t have the resources to bail out the ATC and if they try the ATC will will drag down HRNZ with them. 

And they just turned the public's support away with their decisions over things like the HALL OF FAME and the CARDIGAN BAY MEMORIAL etc. 

Well I simply don’t see how Alexandra Park survives this. 😩

For the year ending 31/7/24;
Total Borrowing  $79.177m        Total Finance Cost $6.914m for the year
Westpac Loan $76.6m,  during the year $8.375m was paid off the Loan, this was the clear funds left over from the $10m Franklin deposit.
All Interest on the Westpac Loan is added to the amount owing, I am not aware of any other sales that would be credited to the Loan during the current year.
Actual Interest paid by ATC was $265k ( not connected to Westpac loan)
If indeed the property sale goes ahead, there will be commission and legal costs to deduct as well.

As much as I agree with Pure Steels assessment of the contribution to racing by Purdon, Herlihy who are champions of our sport, and others, this is about a sustainable future long term for harness particularly in the northern region.  Due to the development problems that are well documented the ATC is in a perilous financial position.  Add to this the fact they struggle to fill fields due to lower numbers of horses trained in the region it is probably unsustainable to carry on this way.   It needs to be put on a financially viable path.  Most likely bymoving to Cambridge.  Just my opinion. 

All valid points Meomy but HRNZ don’t have the resources to bail out the ATC. That’s just a financial reality. If action isn’t taken soon to bring the debt down to a servicible level the bank will take over and neither the ATC or HRNZ will have any say in the matter.  The bank aren’t going to be concerned with the rights of horse trainers & owners or the public who support the ATC or any social divide the lose of Alex Park causes.   It will be a disaster if we bury our heads in the sand and ignore the financial realitiy the ATC is facing. 

Herbie rode a few for colourful owner-trainer Nick Grafas. Nick owned picture theatres in Te Puke and Maketu for many years. Old school trainer that are sadly lacking these days. One day Herbie copped a fine for intererference one of Nick's. Nick marched into the Secretary's office and in his thick Greek accent asked"Ha mucha de fine fa Herbie. On being told the amount he whipped out his cheque book and paid the fine. Not many owners or trainers would do that today!

News of the passing of one of the best jockeys of yesteryear Herbie Rauhihi over the weekend.
He rode 495 winners and was one of the best riders of his generation.
Thoughts and prayers to all his family..RIP Herbie fly high now with the angels.

Two big red flags...field sizes and NZ Betting revenue...but hey everything's great...right????🤔

https://nztr.co.nz/sites/nztrindustry/files/2025-05/June 2025 Racing Operations Report.pdf


 

Happy Birthday to Entain NZ, reality is only 3 years away!!

Thanks and luckily some of our threads never disappeared into thin air after our technical outage.