Overcheck

Good to see a well known person of much commonsense, and of high calibre and integrity, speaking out about the rort that is the modern version of the Treaty Of Waitangi. Well said Sir Bob.

Of course.

Quite ironic isn't it?

Doesn't appear to be much to get enthused about, as far as I can see. It will take more than a few new graphics to improve the First Call show.

No concern then about white children living in poverty? Perhaps there aren't any.

Yes, and perhaps all race commentators should have to call the races in both Maori and English, which would make interesting listening don't you think????

The only thing that inspires a lot of these players is money, so if no pay for a loss was brought in I think then you would see a vast improvement very quickly. The jersey and following in a great All Black's footsteps meant everything in amateur days but sadly today I don't think that hunger is there. It seems to be more about playing rugby for very good money. However I may be wrong.

He is probably genuine in what he wants to do to improve racing, but won't be allowed to bring about anything constructive to the industry. It's the same with new members of parliament who soon find out they cannot rock the boat and then become just another drain on the taxpayer.

The only passing lane I like richie is the one at Ashburton which lets horses get through from the back, and seems to be fair to all horses if they are good enough. The one at Cambridge is a joke.

DD probably thought the horse he handed up to would keep going to the passing lane and so he could give Bit Of A Legend a softer run. By doing that he was looking after his horse. As Maurice Holmes used to say,"look after your horse and there is always tomorrow if something goes wrong in a race".

The Post Office have been complaining about not having enough business and may have to only deliver on three days a week, but can take out a full page ad supporting Maori Rock Art. The stamps being produced showing Maori art is in itself perfectly ok but to state "stamps on sale now at PostShops, REAL Aotearoa" is offensive to say the least. Evidently New Zealand is not a REAL place anymore except for the Maori part.

A photo in today's Press showing Bob Parker at Addington has written underneath that "also pictured is retired pacing champion Monkey King". Since when did he become an inanimate object, and where do they get these so called journalists from?

Just more Maorification of NZ and to hell with any other race of people who have helped develope this country. The Moriori were here before the Maori anyway.

Agree with you entirely Tom zzzzz.

Drink more water than normal starting in the spring when the warmer weather comes. Has worked for me since my doctor told me to do this.

Not to poor cold water on the idea, but without access to a stable(s) I should think it very difficult here in NZ to make a living from punting. The standard of horse is getting worse which means you cannot rely on form like you used to, and with incorrect pentrometer readings track conditions history data cannot be relied on. Good luck to him though.

Yes that is largely true, but it is still the best day's racing to watch on TV, and for punting.

Although it is usually good to be inovative I prefer to see natural ability to jump as preferrable. I don't agree with the lifting in the lineouts of rugby for that reason. In netball, if both defence and shooters use lifting then things could perhaps become a bit of a shambles. Prepared to wait and see though.

The same could be said of the gallops in NZ.

And knowledge and experience within the racing industry is desirable but NOT essential, so another over priced director with no racing involvement will surely be elected.

Not sure how you would do it Idolmite, but perhaps the rule should be that if you accept in two races you start in both. That way you could decide whether the horse could handle two runs or not. Last night I think they put Living The Dream in two races in case he broke from a stand (he had only had one start from a stand) and then would have another chance from a mobile. The only problem of two starts is that the modern horse may not be tough enough to handle two hard races in the one day/night.

But they didn't take thursday night either, so it looks like commingling is run to suit Australia and the NZ Tab just does what it is told.

I noticed that the Forbury meeting last thursday night and Addington last night did not have commingling, according to the teletext. In both cases win, place and quinella pools were well down on normal, and I am wondering if this means a reduced payout to those clubs. All other Australian harness and dog racing had commingling so why not the NZ trots?

Sure is Gruff, and don't forget David Clarkson the greatest of them all.

I don't think the clubs have much say in the timing of races. It is probably the Tab that decides start times and an earlier time before 5.20pm for the first race would interfere with Australian racing, which appears to be their priority. Perhaps 10.25pm is a bit late for the race you mention but do you know for sure the club had any say in the matter?