racingoutsider

I'm certain that it is. I have two reports from trainers who have taken their own measurements. Not as extensive as those indicated in the CW report and with some variance, perhaps depending whether they were taken in the front or back straight, before or after grooming, or before or after the power harrowing. However, those all show depth variation from 70-80mms at the low end to 130-150mms at the other. I agree that it should be a simple matter to get an independent engineer such as did the original sign off at installation, to confirm or otherwise that the track is up to specs. I'm somewhat surprised that hasn't been done or at least hasn't been reported yet by NZTR or the club. That would put an end to any further speculation.

They were all speced the same according to the NZTR review document, EXCEPT that the type of sand (the main component of the fill) used was chosen by Martin Collins for each specific location. Otherwise, everything was the same, including the depth of fill, and signed off by an independent engineer at installation. The depth was 150mms (6") at all tracks which becomes 170 - 180mms (7") when fluffed up by the grooming process. Exactly how come the Riccarton poly at least, is now way below that and very inconsistent remains to be established or confirmed.

Are you saying that Scooby, or are you quoting someone? I don't think many are concerned about whether or not that was the case. Rather, that the maintenance, including keeping the materials topped up to specifications on a regular basis, is occuring as it should.

Yes. The NZTR data supports that. A fatality rate of 0.52 at Cambridge cf. 0.81 across all 3 synthetics suggest that the injury rate at the other two is much higher. Balcombe also said that at the road show and that they are investigating why that might be.

Following the abandonment of Saturday’s meeting at Hastings, NZTR has made the decision to move the 12 October raceday and Group 1 Livamol Classic to Te Rapa Livamol Classic Meeting to Move to Te Rapa Following the partial abandonment of Saturday’s meeting at Hastings, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) has made the decision to move the Saturday 12 October raceday and Group 1 Livamol Classic to Te Rapa. The move of the Group races is still subject to final Pattern Committee approval. The Saturday 28 September Group 1 Arrowfield Stud Plate meeting at Hastings was partially abandoned following a horse slipping in the first race. Post abandonment work was carried out to the area of concern past the winning post and a set of jumpouts were held on Monday at the track. The jumpouts went without incident with several senior riders in attendance. A risk assessment was undertaken by NZTR management into, not only the safety of the track, but whether the industry could risk further damage should the worst happen given the tracks recent history. “NZTR Board and management have carefully considered the remedial work that was completed on the track. After assessing all aspects of the situation, management believe it will pose considerable financial and reputational risk to the industry in the event of another abandonment at the same venue. Given the limited time to thoroughly test the track, the difficult decision was made to move the meeting to Te Rapa.” - Darin Balcombe, NZTR COO “NZTR understand the devastating impact this will have on the Hawke’s Bay Club and region, and we will work with the Club over the coming weeks to provide support and identify a pathway forward.” NZTR recognise the significance of this decision for Hawkes Bay Racing. However, the transfer will give industry participants certainty that a day of this importance to the industry can move forward without any apprehension. “NZTR is committed to the long-term sustainability and safety of our racing operations and intend to return racing to the Hawke’s Bay.” More information regarding the programming for the raceday will be announced in the coming days. Corporate Communications New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Contact: Catlyn Calder +64 27 252 2803 nztrcommunications@nztr.co.nz

Trentham aside, it doesn't sound like Sharrock sees much hope of the Livomol meeting going ahead at Hastings and he also cited the camber as a key factor in Saturday's incident whether you like it or not Insider. Guerin Report - Ep. 5, Ft. Bruce Sharrock_2024 10 01_06 52 14_1_285 - Trim.mp4

Whether the grass is rooted or not they have stated that the camber is a risk. How could they possibly race on it? Weigh In, September 29_2024 09 30_18 31 40_1_557 - Trim.mp4

Well Balcombe certainly suggested the camber was a contributing factor and the photos suggest that the grass rooting is very shallow.

Don't see how they can fix the camber or grass rooting in 2 weeks though I agree it's a man made cock-up.

Ellerslie?

That fell over years ago, being quashed by the local Charitable Trust that owned the land.

How they think that verti-draining can alleviate surface slippage is beyond me.

...or Wairoa.

They surely won't send horses and riders around on it again to test safety? Once a day is enough to put them at risk.

Woodbine is one of the safest racetracks in North America, with 0.42 racing fatalities per 1,000 starts on the Tapeta surface in 2022, according to data from The Jockey Club's Equine Injury Database. That compares to an overall 2022 average of 1.25 fatalities per 1,000 starts on all racing surfaces in North America, and a 1.44 per 1,000 fatality rate on dirt tracks.