Leggy

What does this symbol mean in a TAB formline? Enrolled in some scheme? Or, put the house on? Or what?

Hmmmm.. no explanation? They change their mind like the weather. Think it is anything to do with the matting being broken up changing the readings? After discussing the matter with the team from StrathAyr, Chris Hay, Track Manager at Elwick Racecourse in Tasmania (a racecourse also in possession of a StrathAyr track) and New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, it has been agreed that using penetrometer readings to determine the level of firmness of the Ellerslie track is a flawed process. Therefore, for the foreseeable future, the Ellerslie track will be declared a Good 4 irrespective of rainfall. This track rating will be a more accurate guide for stakeholders including the wagering public. ATR has every intention of continuing to publicise the Ellerslie track penetrometer readings once they are more reflective of how the track will perform.

...and I take it you think it's ok, and good for the integrity of racing that they should have to do that to preserve their own and their horse's safety?

And he's a horse welfare advocate, so I'm hoping he might bring a halt to the crash test dummy approach to testing track safety.

Bloody good summary of what I think we know PS. Thanks.

At least Insider lasted a few days. Scooby couldn't manage even a few hours after saying he wouldn't engage with me again

Yep. it's your site and you do what you like. But that post is exactly what I mean. Name calling seems to have been substituted for intelligent, constructive discussion.

Thanks Oman. I thought so too and there was a time when you weren't supposed to say stuff that you couldn't support. A forum for reasonably intelligent and open debate. Some may need to look in the mirror before they foist the knowitall label on others.

I don't read the Herald, least of all the racing section. Did Dillon write that? Could be correct. It's on the top level of the growing medium level but below the turf level. Next time you are there, get them to show you a core sample and explain, then report back here.

I totally agree and have stated that a number of times. I'm only pointing out that the current problem is subsurface root mat, not surface thatch as Nerula claims.

The matted area is between the turf layer and the underlying sand/mesh layer. That's what has been reported by Strathayr, NZTR, ATR etc. If it were simply surface thatch the remedy would be a day. Couple of passes with the chain harrows and remove the loosened debris, not a year of aeration and 3000 tons of sand. How it got like that and they seemingly didn't know even though they were supposedly core sampling is another question. Sounds like you still haven't got it.

Not sure that comment helps your case Neil but it sounds like you have finally grasped that the issue is NOT surface thatch and that no-one has ever suggested that.

I think you were told wrong then. The issue has always been reported as matting in the root zone. PW said on Weigh In that the remedy is "to remove 100% of that matting that's causing us the issue which is just the grass rooting right in the joining of the profile sand surface." They would not be solid coring to 190mms to remedy thatch on the surface. Nerula seems unable to understand that.111111111

Where did he say that?

I make that about 1750 cubic metres which on say 60,000 sqm is about 35mls over time isn't it?

They have put on 90. Plan to add 90 more after the last meeting but 3000 tons total presumably over the winter or next year.

Yes. If it needed another 3000 tons of sand, why wasn't that in the mix when, they built it? Has me flummoxed.

I can't find him to get his current opinion on rooting. Seems to have gone AWOL through all this. Any idea where he might be?

??? what was that?

Exactly. More kick back? Wouldn't that suggest that the turf is holding together less well than before?

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing [NZTR] and Auckland Thoroughbred Racing [ATR] would like to provide an update on the 'Return to Racing' for Ellerslie Racecourse. Following the Club's abandonment on Wednesday 10 April, all work that was prescribed has now been completed. A set of eight trials were held successfully at Ellerslie Racecourse today [Monday 15 April] giving the Club clearance to return to racing. A number of industry personnel and senior jockeys were in attendance at the trials today to monitor the surface including representatives from; Strathayr, the Racing Integrity Board, NZTR and ATR. The overarching feedback NZTR and ATR received following the trials was positive, with the following comments provided by senior jockeys on the state of the track: "The track felt a lot better – they [ATR] obviously had done a lot of work on it since Wednesday. The horses are getting a good bit of traction and there’s actually a bit of kick back now, which highlights the more traction the horses are getting." - Senior Jockey Warren Kennedy "I noticeably felt more traction and more give in the track. The machinery work and the spreading of sand since last Thursday has certainly seen an improvement.” - Senior Jockey Craig Grylls The first race meeting set to be held back at Ellerslie will be Saturday 20 April 2024. We extend our gratitude to Chris Hay from Elwick Racecourse for his assistance and advice post-abandonment. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact either NZTR or ATR below. Darin Balcombe Chief Operating Officer Darin.Balcombe@nztr.co.nz Craig Baker Executive General Manager-Racing and Operations craigb@ellerslie.co.nz

Not much I don't think. The issues were when the track was rain affected as well, including on the rail, and 50 horses galloping round the corner near the rail, on the bridle, on a non-rain affected surface, is not much help to me in assessing its safety

https://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/racing-families-devastated-by-bondi-mall-attack/