scooby3051

@Insider suggested I also post this edition from the previous week for those interested.
The Corner with Garry Chittick
5 December 2025
 
Well, reprimanded I have been. I confess to forgetting about last week’s Corner. At 4pm, it dawned on me I had not put finger to iPad, it was then too late. However, you two need to accept there is not always something worthy of comment. I will endeavour to search deeper into racing’s mysteries to retain your interest.
As The Corner is simply a reflection of my passion for our sport, perhaps it shouldn’t be taken too seriously. As there are only two of you, I will take the liberty of naming Gerald because not only did he miss The Corner, he thought he had this week’s subject covered. “The industry should acknowledge the success of our feeder clubs”, quite right, Gerald. Racing at Cromwell, Waipukurau, Taupo, Kumara, and Matamata present the sort of day that encourages participation. The problem is, our sport is more than ever dependent on off-course turnover. The conundrum is that participation encourages ownership, stakes races for retain ownership. In recent times, particularly during our negotiations with Entain, I have had many opportunities to debate this issue with them. We are all becoming aware of their push to tweak dates, focus on particular venues with the aim of better turnover.
I want you to think about this, future stakes, in 30 months, will be dependent on 50 per cent of the net wagering margin. Take a brief look at our TAB NZ end-of-year ’24 report. The distribution to the codes and sport of $225 million required above Entain’s guaranteed $160 million. Income from gaming, which filled part of the deficit, with a $42 million drag on the Board’s capital, to balance.
So, readers, we are going to need a significant improvement in turnover to avoid the total depletion of any reserves created by the sale. When I was Chairman of the Racing Board, we came to an arrangement where a guaranteed margin of 8% of gross turnover was returned to the codes. This is the net margin over their outgoings, therefore under the current fifty-fifty deal 16% on average would be extracted from the punters. Competition from other wagering operators, or punter resistance, rightfully meant that any increase resulted in decreased turnover.
We are told by Entain the current guaranteed $160 million is costing them $20 million annually, yet another challenge to fill both shortfalls. I recently read a report on Entain Australasia, where the Chief Executive, when commenting on NZ, suggested they were comfortable with progress but may have to support NZ racing further.
Gerald, I’m afraid the need to increase turnover will dominate venue selection, a decrease in stakes will dissipate all the goodwill that our feeder clubs may achieve. Ironically, if it is that Entain dips into their pocket beyond their obligations, one would have to wonder who got the best deal.
Cheers,
G

Yes it was good to see him win but I wouldn't be getting carried away. He had the most difficult 3yo campaign I think I have ever seen and hasn't recovered with all that travel. In my opinion Rogerson stable didn't think about the horse or his future. This is his level, has only just beat Gigi and The Odyssey who are good horses but if they were to run in a Sydney or Melbourne Cup would get lapped.

I am going to give specific industry leaders a platform to answer questions on major issues within the industry. Its still being finalised and members will be able to ask and reply but all will be moderated as I do not want to let the thread becoming a place where industry leaders decide not to post or participate in. I am working through the ways we can make this a good addition here and where everyone can get some answers and hear both sides of the issues as at present we only get one and dont know actually in some instances why things are done. I would  like the people who are involved in the decision making to participate here so we can then have a clearer picture of why certain things are done the way they are.
But it won't become a place to attack them or it will not work...I hope that is clear.

I am going to give specific industry leaders a platform to answer questions on major issues within the industry. Its still being finalised and members will be able to ask and reply but all will be moderated as I do not want to let the thread becoming a place where industry leaders decide not to post or participate in. I am working through the ways we can make this a good addition here and where everyone can get some answers and hear both sides of the issues as at present we only get one and dont know actually in some instances why things are done. I would  like the people who are involved in the decision making to participate here so we can then have a clearer picture of why certain things are done the way they are.
But it won't become a place to attack them or it will not work...I hope that is clear.

Not sure why you waste your time in the other one horse town...you know you will get derided and walked on...poor old Hesi even thinks Doug is an intelligent hombre...now I know he has lost his marbles...always suspected it now fully convinced.They would love to have 10% of the input we get here at both of their sites together.
Members here love to have a debate not a lecture..oh unless its about TA of course .....😂🤣
440,000 views in November alone... up over 12% on the previous month...thanks for everyones continued participation and support.

Exactly unfair advantage to  Northern trained horses.

There is a Liam Birchley trained filly called Dream Roca (El Roca x Petrachor) racing tomorrow at Eagle Farm Race 3, they are hoping to get to the KM. It's not picked by anyone but I thought it was newsworthy.
Butler Cabin has been scratched for Te Rapa tomorrow.

No I hope it will be honest debate but a few some who are now gone can't help themselves and if we want to have honest open dialogue then it needs to be mutually respectful.

I am going to give specific industry leaders a platform to answer questions on major issues within the industry. Its still being finalised and members will be able to ask and reply but all will be moderated as I do not want to let the thread becoming a place where industry leaders decide not to post or participate in. I am working through the ways we can make this a good addition here and where everyone can get some answers and hear both sides of the issues as at present we only get one and dont know actually in some instances why things are done. I would  like the people who are involved in the decision making to participate here so we can then have a clearer picture of why certain things are done the way they are.
But it won't become a place to attack them or it will not work...I hope that is clear.

No I hope it will be honest debate but a few some who are now gone can't help themselves and if we want to have honest open dialogue then it needs to be mutually respectful.

I am going to give specific industry leaders a platform to answer questions on major issues within the industry. Its still being finalised and members will be able to ask and reply but all will be moderated as I do not want to let the thread becoming a place where industry leaders decide not to post or participate in. I am working through the ways we can make this a good addition here and where everyone can get some answers and hear both sides of the issues as at present we only get one and dont know actually in some instances why things are done. I would  like the people who are involved in the decision making to participate here so we can then have a clearer picture of why certain things are done the way they are.
But it won't become a place to attack them or it will not work...I hope that is clear.

I am going to give specific industry leaders a platform to answer questions on major issues within the industry. Its still being finalised and members will be able to ask and reply but all will be moderated as I do not want to let the thread becoming a place where industry leaders decide not to post or participate in. I am working through the ways we can make this a good addition here and where everyone can get some answers and hear both sides of the issues as at present we only get one and dont know actually in some instances why things are done. I would  like the people who are involved in the decision making to participate here so we can then have a clearer picture of why certain things are done the way they are.
But it won't become a place to attack them or it will not work...I hope that is clear.

No I hope it will be honest debate but a few some who are now gone can't help themselves and if we want to have honest open dialogue then it needs to be mutually respectful.

I am going to give specific industry leaders a platform to answer questions on major issues within the industry. Its still being finalised and members will be able to ask and reply but all will be moderated as I do not want to let the thread becoming a place where industry leaders decide not to post or participate in. I am working through the ways we can make this a good addition here and where everyone can get some answers and hear both sides of the issues as at present we only get one and dont know actually in some instances why things are done. I would  like the people who are involved in the decision making to participate here so we can then have a clearer picture of why certain things are done the way they are.
But it won't become a place to attack them or it will not work...I hope that is clear.

This will be where industry leaders can have their say so we get both sides of the stories and a clear picture of issues confronting the industry.

I am going to give specific industry leaders a platform to answer questions on major issues within the industry. Its still being finalised and members will be able to ask and reply but all will be moderated as I do not want to let the thread becoming a place where industry leaders decide not to post or participate in. I am working through the ways we can make this a good addition here and where everyone can get some answers and hear both sides of the issues as at present we only get one and dont know actually in some instances why things are done. I would  like the people who are involved in the decision making to participate here so we can then have a clearer picture of why certain things are done the way they are.
But it won't become a place to attack them or it will not work...I hope that is clear.

I am going to give specific industry leaders a platform to answer questions on major issues within the industry. Its still being finalised and members will be able to ask and reply but all will be moderated as I do not want to let the thread becoming a place where industry leaders decide not to post or participate in. I am working through the ways we can make this a good addition here and where everyone can get some answers and hear both sides of the issues as at present we only get one and dont know actually in some instances why things are done. I would  like the people who are involved in the decision making to participate here so we can then have a clearer picture of why certain things are done the way they are.
But it won't become a place to attack them or it will not work...I hope that is clear.

Worst move ever changing both the Derby and Auckland Cup from their long standing places over NY...both races have never recovered...in my opinion.

Mid week race and good luck to them and connections. They need Metrop winners which is why i started this thread. Its very expensive to race in Oz so  they need to win top end races if they are to make a decent go of it over there and inspire owner confidence to go to sales

La Dorada  R1 at Te Rapa ........unbelievable
 
 Imported three-year-old having first run in this area for the Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson stable. Finished 11th over 1200m in the G3 Scarborough Stakes at Moonee Valley at her last appearance 11 weeks ago

An experienced racing CEO said to me once,  disregard tradition at your peril.

6c7531aa3f8b4f6bb52c3aefc435d55c.mp4    

Worst move ever changing both the Derby and Auckland Cup from their long standing places over NY...both races have never recovered...in my opinion.

Worst move ever changing both the Derby and Auckland Cup from their long standing places over NY...both races have never recovered...in my opinion.

Worst move ever changing both the Derby and Auckland Cup from their long standing places over NY...both races have never recovered...in my opinion.