Stables

Thanks Kotare Hunter, I find that explanation to be a bit bizare. The trainer is allowed to race horses but can't go to the races. His name appears in the race book, therefore to the general public a person facing criminal charges is still allowed to train and race horses. The public have no idea if the trainer is on course or not. The fact is that none of the people facing charges have been found guilty as things stand at the moment. Therefore they should not have any penalties imposed upon them. If any of them are found guilty, which I think is unlikely, the obviously penalties can and would be imposed on them, but until that happens they should be left alone. They are all, already suffering under a heavy financial burden in order to fund their defense of farcical charges.

A 5 star posting Poundforpound. I too have seen some of the evidence. What I have seen is farcical. The defendant I know has no case to answer. What right have the RIU to demand evidence from the defendants. The question I would like answered is why is it only the drivers that are being chased. Why are the trainers who have been charged able to continue racing horses without restriction. I'm not advocating for this to happen but I can't see the difference between a driver driving at the races or a trainer racing a horse. The whole saga is a disgraceful travesty of justice.

Iraklis, I think your profusion of over the top rants in the last few hours prove my earlier post to be on the mark. For your information, I did not back the horse and I seldom bet these days. I am a breeder probably in a much more extensive way than you have ever been. I agree with scooby's post, however, this subject has been done to death and there's nothing else to say. I will therefore withdraw from any further discussion on this matter and leave it to you and Jack to fight it out if you so wish

I listen to The Whale and Mick Guerin rattle on ad nauseum before a race and almost in every instance their pre race predictions of how the race will be run are totally incorrect

Iraklis, I think it's you who needs to get over yourself, I find your over the top rants bordering on childish nonsense

Many of the harness racing stipes were previous licence holders and drove in races with very average results. They couldn't make a living as trainers/drivers so hence they are now stipendiary stewards. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing

The industry does not need so called enthusiasts like Iraklis who don't bet or contribute financially. It needs punters like Jack Sprat and I agree with him. Trainers must not be allowed to use races, particularly feature races which attract more betting, to be used as trials to improve a horses fitness for a forthcomiung event. That preparation should be done at home or at trials and workouts. When horses go to the races they should be ready to win and driven accordingly. Isn't that what operation Inca is all about?

Janitor, I was responding to Harewoods previous post regarding Balraj

Just a poor drive by a very average horseman in my opinion

I for one agree with Tasman Man. When I give a horse to a trainer I intend that the horse will be good enough to compete at Alexandra Park or Addington. If it was only good enough to race at a grass track meeting at Te Aroha I wouldn't bother keeping the horse in work. I would sell it to Australia for as much or as little I could get for it

There are bound to be one or two anomalies, I am sure these things can be easily rectified with communication between the TAB and the users

Well done Tasman Man. Any one who thinks grass track racing is going to be the saviour of Harness Racing is deluded. Just ask one or two of the 30,000 people who attend on NZ Cup day at Addington

Would agree with that Tim except the stake money for the horses finishing further back than 5th is taken from the stakes of the first 4 horses. It's not new money and the value of winning a race is much reduced. It's like communism actually. Take money from people who have earned it (with having the best horse) and give it to the poor (who have mug horses that can't even keep up)

Why would a trainer with a horse that he thought had ability risk it by racing on a rough grass track which would be subject to whatever weather conditions prevailed, that is either too wet or too hard

What a lot of nonsense. The Rangiora all weather track is the only thing that is holding the racecourse together. The galloping people don't want the track and if it was up to them the place would be sold. If the Messara report is properly implemented then the place would be sold. It would be worth millions as it is now surrounded by houses. Property developers would lap it up. Grass track racing is a thing of the past and until that is recognised and we concentrate on developing the main race courses by upgrading their facilities and increasing stakes then racing is going to continue to disappear down the plug hole.