Chameleon

G Unit are you aware of the amount of land that would have needed to be floodlit and how many cameras would be needed? This place is the size of a small holding (? hectares). And the fires have been all over the place. It isn't like trying to protect the average house and backyard. Plus there is a great escape route, one that is almost impossible to adequately watch (even with cameras and lights). And, if you believe that Foxton shouldn't be operating because they can't (it seems) afford to pay for endless security measures then I respectfully suggest that, using your measures, then there would be few clubs/consortiums left racing in NZ.

The insurance situation is always a difficult one for policy holders to navigate when you have repeat events. I don't envy the Club - they must be tearing their hair out.

Very true, Jess. But... you still have to either have the capital to pay for it or be in a strong enough financial position to prove to a bank or institution that you can repay a loan. While I am not suggesting that Foxton can't afford it (because I have not seen any recent financials to be able to judge how well off they are/aren't), I don't think it is too bigger stretch to say that many racing clubs (big & small) are in perilous financial situations right now.

B.....ds! I really feel for the Foxton club and for those who have lost possessions. Thankfully no animals or people have been injured/killed in these despicable acts. Good idea, G Unit, but who is going to pay? Like so many racing clubs I doubt that Foxton has the financial resources to set up what would be required, even if it could be done in 'no 8 wire' fashion on a temporary basis. So, unless the insurance company is willing to front up, who will pay?Any benefactors out there willing to help? The sooner the police are able to 'nail' this person/these people the better. Unfortunately they can't just arrest and charge people without sufficient & strong enough evidence - evidence that will stand up in court.

I trust that Grant has received a suitably humble written apology from both the vet and the RIU. Also, that any costs he may have incurred during the investigation are rapidly reimbursed.

Is it merely a coincidence that the former Minister of Internal Affairs is now the Minister for Racing?

Rumour has it that this will not be the only item on the agenda but all is to be 'hush, hush' until the meeting. A nod is as good as a wink to a blind man... now where is my white cane?

No rain here as yet, but it doesn't look to be too far away......

Any person wishing to help out the two trainers affected by the fire in the stable block at Foxton racecourse on Saturday 19/1/2011 can leave donations of money or gear at the Levin Jumpouts on 23/11/11. The Levin track Trust will ensure that these are passed on. Queries to 027 55 44 073 or emailed to levinjumpouts@gmail.com

If it is the stables I hope there are no horses in the boxes... that doesn't bear thinking about.

I've just had a phone call saying there is another fire at Foxton Racecourse right now. Anecdotally it is in the area of the stables. Hopefully there isn't a fire-bug at work in Foxton

Congrats Redrew, well done! Who'd have thought that picking a loser could be so entertaining....

Flemington R5 #2 Karuta Queen please. I don't think anything in NZ will start any shorter. Thanks for running the comp. Congrats to the eventual winner - whoever you are, you deserve it!

The option of racing at Wellington on Tuesday for reasonable stakes may have mean't some took a punt on the weather improving over the next few days. If I had a 'fresh' horse then I would not have risked starting it today, even though the industry as a whole may suffer because I choose to be selfish by nominating (in the hope of further drying during the week) then withdrawing it due to the fact the weather didn't play into my hands. To me, the horse comes first. All other considerations follow on from there.

Feilding R7 #5 Nuits St Georges

1. The Waverley trials aren't even in the Manawatu O&T area. 2. A number of Clubs hold their own jumpouts (Foxton, Woodville, Otaki, Awapuni) at various times but you choose to single out Levin as the ogre.... Say no more.

So sad for everyone involved. RIP Lion Tamer. Thanks for the memories.

Great news! Hopefully it will be the first of many.

A number of trainers have asked that we hold the jumpouts so we are doing as they have asked. Also, the Waverley trials have been on/off/on so people may be feeling a little unsure about whether they will actually be held. And given that most of the horses that attend the Levin trials would be travelling a minimum of an hour and a half to get to Waverley then it gives trainers a 'local' choice in tough economic times.

Wellington R1 #1 Planet Rock

Wet spring, insufficient numbers at times, conflicting local dates (trials and other jumpouts) have all played their part. You'll be pleased to know that there are jumpouts scheduled for 26 October. As for the other issues I'm sure you'll raise them at the AGM as is your right as a member. The answers will be a matter of great interest to many, myself included. Btw, have you put your name forward for the Committee given that you seem so concerned about the current regime? And are you planning to resume training there anytime soon?

Wanganui R10 #3 Between the Beats Thanks

Cbry R8 #1 Titch Thanks

Hawkes Bay R6 #1 Antonio Lombardo

Auckland R2 #3 Magna Carta for me, thanks