JETSUN

Was surprised to see CHCH card a full 12 race program of C1 for their low grade meeting today. No maidens. Obviously we have a big problem and it is not just the quality of the dogs. anyway our current welfare regime requires us to give all dogs the chance to race. 
At least today there are no maidens to upgrade to C1, but I wonder if the biggest problem is the grading or downgrading rules. Dogs downgrade so fast today that we find previously C4 & C5 dogs back down in C1. Maybe down grading should stop at C2. Maybe all dogs only get 1 win in C1.
Would be interested in the current thinking of other trainers, thinking of the betterment of the sport, not of the effect on their pocket.
Gordon Wilson.

Of the 5 dogs given a 28 day stand down Fri, 3 are racing today at Manawatu and Bigtime Monty and Dazzler are in the fields for Wednesday. Can anyone enlighten us.

Judicial report: As a result of being entered to race at both Waikato GRC and Wanganui GRC meetings, the following Greyhounds were scratched from Wanganui and stood down for 28 days under the provisions of Rule 64.4. BIGTIME MONTY, BIGTIME DAZZLER, ALLEGRO GUN, SKUZI and TIMMA TURTLE. and TWO UP. A.Turnwald the Trainer of TWO UP admitted a breach of Rule 64.4 and under Rule 64.3 of the Minor Infringement table was fined $150-00. An information will be filed with the JCA in relation to charges under Rules 64.3 & 64.4 against Trainer L.Ahern and concerning the other five Greyhounds which were scratched from Wanganui GRC and raced at Waikato GRC on 30.12.16.

Your kidding me....why arnt we trialing Tuesday?...Cambridge trialing Monday.....there is no thought for owners and trainers again...how to you prepare pups for racing when there are no trials?...sorry it's a disgrace...

Bigtime Monty, Bigtime Dazzler, Allegro Gun, Skuzi, and Timma Turtle are all in both. Surely rule 64.4 applies.

I've made no error and I haven't been given leeway because I'm new in the sport, yes I'm new and starting off but this was just a case of an unfortunate error in which should not have occurred. Yes I'm dissapointed with the situation I was placed in & with little options I had with this error ocuring the morning Of the day Darcy was to race. Due to a certain trainer who contacted head office and RIU the morning of race day complaining about my runner which I was not aware of because her papers were cleared, I had no options but having her scratched. I was allowed to complete a quali trial on the day, not because I'm starting off new... Simply because I got drawn the short straw from an office error. As the trainer I had simply nominated my dog in which I had papers registered and stamped "cleared to race" People can sit and point fingers blaming who they like but at the end of the day action was taken to resolve this error fairly. As for my quali trial, she has been scratched on Saturday at Cambridge also as she does not meet the requirements of qualifying before nominations close so rules are abided by. Double standards where Australia and NZ have differences in there qualifying policy is wrong and must be changed equally for all! The situation has been resolved and things are moving forward.
Onwards and upwards I say and I'm sure there will be many exciting times ahead in this sport! 
Best wishes & Merry Christmas to my local northern friends  

(a) The kennel facility must be reasonably secure to prevent access by unauthorised people. (b) Each kennel must be fitted with a secure closing devise that cannot be opened by greyhounds with double barriers (a secure area outside the immediate kennels) recommended to prevent the escape of greyhounds. (c) Provision for fire fighting equipment must be readily available and an emergency exit plan as required. (d) All potential poisons and harmful substances, whether in storage or use, must be kept secure and out of reach of greyhounds. (e) Prescribed veterinary products must be kept secure with all treatments administered recorded for each greyhound. (f) Appropriate fire fighting equipment must be readily available and staff trained and practised in its use. (g) Emergency procedures should be developed for the safe evacuation of both humans and greyhounds from a kennel block in case of emergency.
Not in the rules but in the Code of Welfare.

(a) The kennel facility must be reasonably secure to prevent access by unauthorised people. (b) Each kennel must be fitted with a secure closing devise that cannot be opened by greyhounds with double barriers (a secure area outside the immediate kennels) recommended to prevent the escape of greyhounds. (c) Provision for fire fighting equipment must be readily available and an emergency exit plan as required. (d) All potential poisons and harmful substances, whether in storage or use, must be kept secure and out of reach of greyhounds. (e) Prescribed veterinary products must be kept secure with all treatments administered recorded for each greyhound. (f) Appropriate fire fighting equipment must be readily available and staff trained and practised in its use. (g) Emergency procedures should be developed for the safe evacuation of both humans and greyhounds from a kennel block in case of emergency.
Not in the rules but in the Code of Welfare.

Name TAB MELBOURNE CUP FINAL Type S/E Group 1 Distance 515m Stakemoney $420,000 - $120,000 - $60,000 Jesaulenko was vetted following the event.  It was reported that the greyhound sustained a left and right deltoid injury and left and right pencil injuries, a 7 day stand down period was imposed.
Samples were taken from placegetters - Ando's Mac (1st), Jesaulenko (2nd) and Worm Burner (3rd).
Stewards spoke to Mrs T. Morris, the trainer of the greyhound Jesaulenko regarding the greyhound's racing manners approaching the winning post . Acting under GAR 69(1) stewards charged Jesaulenko with marring.  Mrs T. Morris pleaded not guilty to the charge, Jesaulenko was found guilty and suspended the greyhound for 3 months (all tracks) and it was directed that the greyhound perform a Satisfactory Trial (all tracks), pursuant to GAR 69(2)(b),before any future nomination will be accepted.
 
Here in NZ the dog would have either gotten a slap on the wrist with a wet bus ticket ,
or it would have been sent to the JCA and been let off because it wasn't 100% the dog made contact .
Aussie Stipes  do there jobs not like the ones over here that don't know what they are doing and don't know how to read a race.
 

Got to feel for the connections of the second dog (number 8 )costs it's connections $250,000 because it didn't want to go straight . Chases all the way and wins $350,000 decides to cheat and only gets $100,000!!!!

Its interesting what is getting responded to and whats not.
1/. No one has posted taking the challenge of helping out at a gap event.
2/. No details on the dog that had a broken a leg at GAP.
You are presenting the information that South island dogs are in the Levin kennel (and on the surface what is the problem with that as GAP is about rehoming greyhounds). You are stating that so you back it up with the facts, I'm not going chasing. I really want discussions to be made based upon fact. If you present a problem present the facts that support it.
I do talk to Trainers.
I have never said GAP is perfect. I just reacted to the emotive GAP is crap sentiments being expressed. There are problems with any organisation and it is very difficult to keep everyone happy when there are so many stakeholders. 
In my opinion, from what I have seen and heard across the board, Greyhound racing is on a slippery slope and if GRNZ, their clubs and trainers do not move rapidly and strongly to reform and be transparent then its not going to end well. I am not anti racing!! GAP is an organisation that in one context is helping your industry survive, and we need to work together to ensure as many as possible are rehomed. Incidentally,  GAP Victoria has recently been handed just over $3 million to further develop their kennels and structure and they already have extensive kennelling in Victoria. I am obviously aware the size comparisons are the not the same before anybody says anything, but still.
Yes, there may be individual situations that occur which are frustrating and make the blood boil but it is not intentional and overall GAP does a mighty fine job. Many of you would have absolutely no idea how much time many people are giving up to rehome your dogs and in many cases spend their own money which does not get reimbursed. While I don't want to be a prick about it but it needs to be said: These are dogs which you have bred or bought and no longer want. You can put as much sugar around it as you like about loving your dogs (and I'm not doubting that you do) but at the end of the day you don't want them anymore. GAP rehomes them for you in many cases. Be a little bit grateful to everyone who gives up their time, money and effort to do this for you (be it GAP or NIghtrave or anyone else).
 

Anyone who has greyhound racing at heart anywhewre in the world would be loathe to congratualte any person or government that employed outright lies, stupid baises, and subterfuge to try and gain some ill gotten goal. If youthgink there is something noble about their actions you are in cookooland. If you want to feel something feel for the inncent people that have had to endure the labelling, the prospect of losing their income and assetts, their life's work and the mirth of the unworthy as we have seen already in NZ including from ourpartners in racing.

...... to be starting this thread as I am seen by most as a serial offender, but maybe the NZGRA should take some responsibility for the catching of greyhounds at meetings, or maybe even the clubs.
     The rule is all over the place with some clubs insisting it is a health and safety problem with others saying it is not. This is lunacy, either it is or it isn't. If one club can prove it is then that is enough evidence to convict the other club under the H&S act is something did happen.
     What happens when a catcher does not turn up to catch a dog when the trainer has made the arrangement. The trainer is charged. That is crazy and defies logic.
     I see some of the larger trainers running around like chooks with their heads chopped off at the beginning of the meetings arranging catchers. This is crazy.
    I heard a group of ususal reliable catchers  a while back discussing how they were going to refuse to catch for a particular trainer because of some imagined sleight that was never intended.  This is annoying.
   I had two dogs in the first race the other day so needed four people to start and catch the dogs. I found that at the beginning of the meeting everyone is busy kennelling dogs (often up to and after race1) and looking after their dogs for pre race trials or qualifying trials. So it seemed most embarrassing for me to have to annoy people with another task. Rain doesnt help much either. The same often happens in later races where because most of the trainers have finished for the day and left the track there is just not sufficient numbers to fullfil the task.
    Waikato have a novel way of getting around the later race scenario where the danger in running back that has been identified  is now ignored and it is OK to run back and catch with full support from the RIU. This is a nonsense.
 If catchers are  not optional on race days they should be part of the clubs responsibilities. Not every race needs a catcher so it would be easy to employ a group of professional catchers that are paid on a per catch basis for each meeting. The cost would be minimal Overall it would probably lead to a better deal for the dogs and the participants and add a few more years of productive life for Pammy.
Racing would become far more enjoyable.

He was so desperate for an inside box. Have to pinch myself every week. They do try so hard for us.

You should alter that statement Gordy to some of the tainers because we entered two for a straight C0 527 as well. (even though they go around in a circle)

It is obvious that the trainers of the 10 dogs in the C0 final in 2 weeks time did not nominate for a straight C0 527 grade race as well for this Sunday, on the assumption that heats would not be held.

Indeed , great win form a very good dog

Well done to the mouse family on winning the Sandown GRC Stakes yesterday at Manukau. Bobby (Kimetto) had a beautiful run & did you proud. Also well done & it was good to see your full team back at the track racing again.

Geez Warren, they really gave you a terrible box draw this time LOL.

Geez Warren, they really gave you a terrible box draw this time LOL.

Geez Warren, they really gave you a terrible box draw this time LOL.

We do nominate. Unfortunately at present we can't nominate for Cambridge due to my health issues. We've got our faithful helpers in Auckland. So we keep hoping for the best. As you say Slim,  maybe Silver Collar time.  

Unfortunately all of the above is correct and as Johhno says oh so predictable. Slim it is not fair to blame no petrol voucher and the increase in middle distance stakes for not having an instant effect, that was impossible, it took to years to gradually run it down and it will take longer to put right. I reckon there it will have the desired effect eventually. Have a look at the imports recently far more middle distance dogs.
      I think it is probably not possible to ever right and I believe the problem got worse when frozen semen became legal. Until then each area of the world had it's own bloodlines and there was always the chance to introduce hybrid vigour to each of the area's with a sire imported from one of the area's outside your own. Because of the logistics in doing this there was not the chance to create one large common gene pool as is happening rapidly throughout the greyhound world.
      The reality as we all know if you shun sprinters we cannot run the industry in NZ, if you do not wish to race sprinters here your options are limited. Slim is right with his stayer. The only way  you will get races for him slim is get another 7 like him as Arch has had to do. I remember when Thrilling Brat was at his best and flying the flag in Aus. He seldom raced in staying events in NZ and I thought I'm glad I don't own him I would be tearing my hair out.
   Even when we had Matanuska going well I never wanted the sprint races going group one. It was a mistake and there is also some merit in Johhno's suggestion of making different rules when considering greyhound of the year. An example is the unbroken winning sequence in the greyhound world. Matanuska, Bright Star, Swimming Goat, Cecilia Bale. None of those seem worthy as Little Mother who took on all-comers on all tracks at the highest level. I know in the case of Matanuska, Bright Star and Swimming Goat, because there were more often than not, two sprint races on the card they got split seeded races that were sometimes embarrassing in depth.
   As for the Old Farts going down the gurgler. The Hayley Mullanes and James and Alesha's are going great guns up North. Tacey Craik looks set to step up when Ben and Barbara cry enough and Slims only a young fella yet as are Wayne and Tracey Steel. More will come along. The circumstances with the industry probably make it look a less attractive career than ever before but it will settle down
     What about Shakey and Corey, they are gaining the necessary experience.

WhoKnows you'll get your wish but maybe do it with a little more tact.
Bright Star tore a grassilis hence the reason for her poor run today and that that has certainly bring brought about her retirement. 
Compassion and dignity go hand in hand.

I accept that the sport, participants and powers to be in NZ need to be aware of and learn from any mistakes made in NSW and not rest on their laurels or get complacent because the anti-racing brigade, greenies and animal rights activists will stop at nothing to bring about the demise of not just greyhound racing but eventually all racing. They are well funded and well organised and happy to run with publicity that portrays the sport in a bad light irrespective of where it occurred be it anywhere in the world. all participants are tarred with the same brush in their eyes and their campaigns are designed to convince the general public of this.  
It's quite unbelievable though that the falseities and untruths from the NSW report are now being trotted out here.
The wastage figures quoted have already been proven to be incorrect.
The figure of only 6800 dogs currently living in NSW is also rubbish as there is four times that number still alive in the state. The saddest part of that is that many will no doubt be put down now as a result of this decision. Little wonder Baird now can't come up with a compensation package because he (via the Commission figures) has greatly underestimated the true number of dogs still alive. His budget would see a massive blowout.
The disgraceful Baird propaganda machine is in full swing over there and sounds very much like some on this side of the Tasman have either swallowed it whole or conveniently accept it because they don't want to believe anything different.   
GOM hit the nail on the head with his summations and this was a done deal a long long time ago well before the commission was ever finalised. The truth will eventually come out and heads will roll. Listen to the podcasts of the Ray Hadley and Alan Jones morning shows on Radio 2GB each weekday as they are already exposing the departing CEO and  politicians for what they really are as well as giving out the real facts and truths and the terrible cost, trauma and destruction of livelihoods and the community this decoision has now caused.
The Supreme Court challenge later this month will be very interesting.