RaceCafe..#1...Tipsters Thread.... Share Your Fancies For Fun...Lets See Who The Best Tipsters Here Are.

grandad47

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  1. Like
    grandad47 got a reaction from Japess in Welfare   
    Animal Welfare
     
    There have been two articles in The Press recently calling for the closure of greyhound
    racing. The writers' agenda appears to be nothing more than jumping on a bandwagon that spreads misinformation and distorts outdated facts to suit. If they are genuinely concerned about animal welfare and euthanasia then their argument reeks of biased personal views and conveniently ignores the shocking truth about the welfare of cats and dogs in New Zealand. Unlike Greyhound Racing New Zealand, animal welfare organisations do not appear to have a central data base for gathering reliable and accurate information. The only figures I could find are from seven of fifty plus local councils From July 2021 to June 2022. 1662 dogs were euthanized and 5628 had “a happy ending”. Total estimate for the whole of the country comes to around 20000 deaths of dogs each year. There are no reliable figures so don't you think there should be? Thank you Greyhound Racing New Zealand for leading the way and providing the public with accurate figures and showcasing your concentration on animal welfare in your industry. You really love your dogs and they really like to race. To single out individual people who have already been dealt with by the industry is uncalled for and spiteful to say the least.
  2. Like
    grandad47 got a reaction from wph in Welfare   
    Animal Welfare
     
    There have been two articles in The Press recently calling for the closure of greyhound
    racing. The writers' agenda appears to be nothing more than jumping on a bandwagon that spreads misinformation and distorts outdated facts to suit. If they are genuinely concerned about animal welfare and euthanasia then their argument reeks of biased personal views and conveniently ignores the shocking truth about the welfare of cats and dogs in New Zealand. Unlike Greyhound Racing New Zealand, animal welfare organisations do not appear to have a central data base for gathering reliable and accurate information. The only figures I could find are from seven of fifty plus local councils From July 2021 to June 2022. 1662 dogs were euthanized and 5628 had “a happy ending”. Total estimate for the whole of the country comes to around 20000 deaths of dogs each year. There are no reliable figures so don't you think there should be? Thank you Greyhound Racing New Zealand for leading the way and providing the public with accurate figures and showcasing your concentration on animal welfare in your industry. You really love your dogs and they really like to race. To single out individual people who have already been dealt with by the industry is uncalled for and spiteful to say the least.
  3. Like
    grandad47 got a reaction from Palliser in Welfare   
    Animal Welfare
     
    There have been two articles in The Press recently calling for the closure of greyhound
    racing. The writers' agenda appears to be nothing more than jumping on a bandwagon that spreads misinformation and distorts outdated facts to suit. If they are genuinely concerned about animal welfare and euthanasia then their argument reeks of biased personal views and conveniently ignores the shocking truth about the welfare of cats and dogs in New Zealand. Unlike Greyhound Racing New Zealand, animal welfare organisations do not appear to have a central data base for gathering reliable and accurate information. The only figures I could find are from seven of fifty plus local councils From July 2021 to June 2022. 1662 dogs were euthanized and 5628 had “a happy ending”. Total estimate for the whole of the country comes to around 20000 deaths of dogs each year. There are no reliable figures so don't you think there should be? Thank you Greyhound Racing New Zealand for leading the way and providing the public with accurate figures and showcasing your concentration on animal welfare in your industry. You really love your dogs and they really like to race. To single out individual people who have already been dealt with by the industry is uncalled for and spiteful to say the least.
  4. Like
    grandad47 got a reaction from Jabba2 in Welfare   
    Animal Welfare
     
    There have been two articles in The Press recently calling for the closure of greyhound
    racing. The writers' agenda appears to be nothing more than jumping on a bandwagon that spreads misinformation and distorts outdated facts to suit. If they are genuinely concerned about animal welfare and euthanasia then their argument reeks of biased personal views and conveniently ignores the shocking truth about the welfare of cats and dogs in New Zealand. Unlike Greyhound Racing New Zealand, animal welfare organisations do not appear to have a central data base for gathering reliable and accurate information. The only figures I could find are from seven of fifty plus local councils From July 2021 to June 2022. 1662 dogs were euthanized and 5628 had “a happy ending”. Total estimate for the whole of the country comes to around 20000 deaths of dogs each year. There are no reliable figures so don't you think there should be? Thank you Greyhound Racing New Zealand for leading the way and providing the public with accurate figures and showcasing your concentration on animal welfare in your industry. You really love your dogs and they really like to race. To single out individual people who have already been dealt with by the industry is uncalled for and spiteful to say the least.
  5. Like
    grandad47 got a reaction from Emotive in My personal suggestions for the future   
    Emotive - I applaud you for your ideas and they may well be in the future but until we view a feasibility study we can only assume that there isn't one.       Gom has highlighted genetic issues in our dogs and these should not be ignored or underestimated as failure is both irresponsible and avoidable.    Corey has requested some genetic guidelines.     A basic understanding is a must have.   It is a myth that the dam has more genetic influence than the sire.    The dam's increased importance is due to her role as carer during pregnancy and in rearing.     Genetic contributions to the offspring from the sire is equal to the contribution of the dam.    Most physical attributes of an animal are substantially influenced by the genes inherited from the two parents which each have two pairs of 39 chromosomes and each chromosome carries thousands of genes.    The risks associated with the choosing of a sire are very different to the risks with choosing a dam.    Once a sire has 80 or so pups to race the evidence of his genetic merit and more importantly his ability to pass on this genetic merit, has been tested.     A critical approach to bitch selection is essential as some outstanding race performers do not breed on.    They may have inherited a combination of genes in patterns that do not get passed on to their progeny.    Pedigree background is useful and important but there is a risk that too much attention gets paid to distant ancestors that contribute only a small proportion of genes to the animal of interest.   We all know that breeding successful greyhounds involves a substantial amount of luck, but a critical approach is necessary when selecting the parents.    Type and soundness are highly heritable.      Regarding different sire lines carrying genetic faults, it must be remembered that our top sires have thousands of puppies.    It is the percentage of puppies with these faults that matters.     Regards Ray
  6. Like
    grandad47 got a reaction from Stables in My personal suggestions for the future   
    Emotive - I applaud you for your ideas and they may well be in the future but until we view a feasibility study we can only assume that there isn't one.       Gom has highlighted genetic issues in our dogs and these should not be ignored or underestimated as failure is both irresponsible and avoidable.    Corey has requested some genetic guidelines.     A basic understanding is a must have.   It is a myth that the dam has more genetic influence than the sire.    The dam's increased importance is due to her role as carer during pregnancy and in rearing.     Genetic contributions to the offspring from the sire is equal to the contribution of the dam.    Most physical attributes of an animal are substantially influenced by the genes inherited from the two parents which each have two pairs of 39 chromosomes and each chromosome carries thousands of genes.    The risks associated with the choosing of a sire are very different to the risks with choosing a dam.    Once a sire has 80 or so pups to race the evidence of his genetic merit and more importantly his ability to pass on this genetic merit, has been tested.     A critical approach to bitch selection is essential as some outstanding race performers do not breed on.    They may have inherited a combination of genes in patterns that do not get passed on to their progeny.    Pedigree background is useful and important but there is a risk that too much attention gets paid to distant ancestors that contribute only a small proportion of genes to the animal of interest.   We all know that breeding successful greyhounds involves a substantial amount of luck, but a critical approach is necessary when selecting the parents.    Type and soundness are highly heritable.      Regarding different sire lines carrying genetic faults, it must be remembered that our top sires have thousands of puppies.    It is the percentage of puppies with these faults that matters.     Regards Ray
  7. Like
    grandad47 got a reaction from happy in My personal suggestions for the future   
    The Master has spoken and I might add not before time.   We all know who he was referring to as greedy,   some might say parasites who live on or in a host and benefit at other's expense.  The original host was the body of GRNZ who at the time lacked leadership, were prone to corruption and manipulation by vested interests who were able to twist and bend conditions to suit themselves.    Perhaps greedy parasites is an honest appraisal.
        Like it or not we need large kennels.   Properly managed they provide stability for us all in various forms.    However we need to keep diligent to ensure they adhere to the rules which in the past they arrogantly flouted.  As Ray and others have indicated, there is evidence they still have the freedom to continue.
         The present administration is not responsible for the past and it has to be acknowledged that they inherited our rehoming responsibilities following the Hansen Report.    Other immediate issues stemming from the Messara Report have need time and resources to address.     We are all aware of the ongoing issues around rehoming and the apportioning of costs.    These should not be the sole responsibility of the breeders which would be unfair.    All stakeholders during the animal's racing career should contribute.    GRNZ  do not seem to be looking at a more equitable distribution of where the costs should fall.    
          I suggest an independent qualified consultant be employed to produce a plan for the future.     To avoid extra costs to the Association every breeder should provide some funds based on the number of breeding bitches in their kennels.   Alternatively  scratch the NZ Racing Series and reduce stake money for major races could be considered.
         Until a fair and equitable solution is found for rehoming,  IMPORTS MUST STOP. NO EXCEPTIONS.    Relieved of the rehoming burden, the Board needs to address the plight of our long-suffering grassroots.    They work long hours with no security and little return and already the industry is loosing some young talented personnel.    The small owner/breeders and trainers will be next to leave.    The big trainers will soon follow due to the simple fact that there will be nobody left to help subsidise and generate their income.     Regards Ray Amer
  8. Like
    grandad47 got a reaction from GOM in My personal suggestions for the future   
    The Master has spoken and I might add not before time.   We all know who he was referring to as greedy,   some might say parasites who live on or in a host and benefit at other's expense.  The original host was the body of GRNZ who at the time lacked leadership, were prone to corruption and manipulation by vested interests who were able to twist and bend conditions to suit themselves.    Perhaps greedy parasites is an honest appraisal.
        Like it or not we need large kennels.   Properly managed they provide stability for us all in various forms.    However we need to keep diligent to ensure they adhere to the rules which in the past they arrogantly flouted.  As Ray and others have indicated, there is evidence they still have the freedom to continue.
         The present administration is not responsible for the past and it has to be acknowledged that they inherited our rehoming responsibilities following the Hansen Report.    Other immediate issues stemming from the Messara Report have need time and resources to address.     We are all aware of the ongoing issues around rehoming and the apportioning of costs.    These should not be the sole responsibility of the breeders which would be unfair.    All stakeholders during the animal's racing career should contribute.    GRNZ  do not seem to be looking at a more equitable distribution of where the costs should fall.    
          I suggest an independent qualified consultant be employed to produce a plan for the future.     To avoid extra costs to the Association every breeder should provide some funds based on the number of breeding bitches in their kennels.   Alternatively  scratch the NZ Racing Series and reduce stake money for major races could be considered.
         Until a fair and equitable solution is found for rehoming,  IMPORTS MUST STOP. NO EXCEPTIONS.    Relieved of the rehoming burden, the Board needs to address the plight of our long-suffering grassroots.    They work long hours with no security and little return and already the industry is loosing some young talented personnel.    The small owner/breeders and trainers will be next to leave.    The big trainers will soon follow due to the simple fact that there will be nobody left to help subsidise and generate their income.     Regards Ray Amer
  9. Like
    grandad47 got a reaction from Emotive in My personal suggestions for the future   
    The Master has spoken and I might add not before time.   We all know who he was referring to as greedy,   some might say parasites who live on or in a host and benefit at other's expense.  The original host was the body of GRNZ who at the time lacked leadership, were prone to corruption and manipulation by vested interests who were able to twist and bend conditions to suit themselves.    Perhaps greedy parasites is an honest appraisal.
        Like it or not we need large kennels.   Properly managed they provide stability for us all in various forms.    However we need to keep diligent to ensure they adhere to the rules which in the past they arrogantly flouted.  As Ray and others have indicated, there is evidence they still have the freedom to continue.
         The present administration is not responsible for the past and it has to be acknowledged that they inherited our rehoming responsibilities following the Hansen Report.    Other immediate issues stemming from the Messara Report have need time and resources to address.     We are all aware of the ongoing issues around rehoming and the apportioning of costs.    These should not be the sole responsibility of the breeders which would be unfair.    All stakeholders during the animal's racing career should contribute.    GRNZ  do not seem to be looking at a more equitable distribution of where the costs should fall.    
          I suggest an independent qualified consultant be employed to produce a plan for the future.     To avoid extra costs to the Association every breeder should provide some funds based on the number of breeding bitches in their kennels.   Alternatively  scratch the NZ Racing Series and reduce stake money for major races could be considered.
         Until a fair and equitable solution is found for rehoming,  IMPORTS MUST STOP. NO EXCEPTIONS.    Relieved of the rehoming burden, the Board needs to address the plight of our long-suffering grassroots.    They work long hours with no security and little return and already the industry is loosing some young talented personnel.    The small owner/breeders and trainers will be next to leave.    The big trainers will soon follow due to the simple fact that there will be nobody left to help subsidise and generate their income.     Regards Ray Amer
  10. Like
    grandad47 got a reaction from yorky in Oaks Selection Policy   
    If you look at the Oaks selection policy for our sister codes, our selection policy is a shambles and reeks of cronyism.  This nonsense has to stop. GRNZ have to take ownership of this industry.  Leaving it to vested interests  does not work.  Ray Amer.
  11. Confused
    grandad47 got a reaction from jasonmccook1 in Oaks Selection Policy   
    Sorry you don’t  no where you are perhaps if  you leave your name and phone l will do my best to help Kind. Regards.  Ray
  12. Like
    grandad47 got a reaction from gary1 in Oaks Selection Policy   
    If you Google the selection policy for their  Oaks in our sister codes and compare it with ours, then maybe you will share my view that ours is indeed a shambles.    It is not about who is in the race but how they got there.  T?he Oaks should be showcasing our best performed bitches.   Ray Amer
  13. Like
    grandad47 got a reaction from Eagle Eye in Oaks Selection Policy   
    If you look at the Oaks selection policy for our sister codes, our selection policy is a shambles and reeks of cronyism.  This nonsense has to stop. GRNZ have to take ownership of this industry.  Leaving it to vested interests  does not work.  Ray Amer.
  14. Like
    grandad47 reacted to Awesome-O in Time for positive leadership.   
    New Zealand Greyhound Racing Association, lets get real.  Instead of bringing in more rules and regulations, how about trying to make the New Zealand Greyhound industry grow, for the New Zealand owner, trainer and breeder. At the moment, we have no industry whereby the New Zealand breeder can get a fair price for his pup, break in or race dog.  Its time that the Australian import stops taking from our industry.  There is no problem with the Australian import coming to New Zealand but how about they are not eligible for any group race at all.  Let the New Zealand owner/breeder have the opportunity to build a New Zealand based industry.  Thereby the money from the group races goes back into the New Zealand industry, with half of it not going away from our kiwi industry.  Bring in as many imports as we like, but to race in grade races only.  The association says welfare is now our top priority, then why are we letting half of all our top stake money go offshore, not being returned into our kiwi based industry.  I am sure if the New Zealand greyhounds were being imported into Victoria at the rate they are here, it would be stopped.  We need to move forward in a positive way and make a New Zealand based industry for New Zealand bred dogs and New Zealand owners.  This would continue to build the sport in a positive way.  I feel we have not had one change from the association that has made it better for our industry to move forward.
    Good luck to all the hard working New Zealand breeders out there.
  15. Like
    grandad47 got a reaction from hizzy in Dead baiting NSW   
    Like any law abiding citizen, whether involved in the greyhound industry or not, I find the allegations against Mr Cole very disappointing and if true put the livelihood of many good, honest, hardworking people in jeopardy.    As well we will loose respect for our industry.    One has to question his motives and integrity.      Surely a simple and honest statement of all the facts from his perspective is all that is needed.    Failure to do this is very damaging to us all.
  16. Like
    grandad47 reacted to 1066 in Clean Up Your Act says Winnie   
    If it is flawed present facts as to why it is flawed. Certainly GRNZ have never been able to produce numbers.
  17. Like
    grandad47 got a reaction from Jabba2 in Dead baiting NSW   
    Like any law abiding citizen, whether involved in the greyhound industry or not, I find the allegations against Mr Cole very disappointing and if true put the livelihood of many good, honest, hardworking people in jeopardy.    As well we will loose respect for our industry.    One has to question his motives and integrity.      Surely a simple and honest statement of all the facts from his perspective is all that is needed.    Failure to do this is very damaging to us all.
  18. Like
    grandad47 got a reaction from tonkatime in Dead baiting NSW   
    Like any law abiding citizen, whether involved in the greyhound industry or not, I find the allegations against Mr Cole very disappointing and if true put the livelihood of many good, honest, hardworking people in jeopardy.    As well we will loose respect for our industry.    One has to question his motives and integrity.      Surely a simple and honest statement of all the facts from his perspective is all that is needed.    Failure to do this is very damaging to us all.
  19. Like
    grandad47 got a reaction from alltheway!!! in Dead baiting NSW   
    Like any law abiding citizen, whether involved in the greyhound industry or not, I find the allegations against Mr Cole very disappointing and if true put the livelihood of many good, honest, hardworking people in jeopardy.    As well we will loose respect for our industry.    One has to question his motives and integrity.      Surely a simple and honest statement of all the facts from his perspective is all that is needed.    Failure to do this is very damaging to us all.
  20. Like
    grandad47 got a reaction from modest mouse in Dead baiting NSW   
    Like any law abiding citizen, whether involved in the greyhound industry or not, I find the allegations against Mr Cole very disappointing and if true put the livelihood of many good, honest, hardworking people in jeopardy.    As well we will loose respect for our industry.    One has to question his motives and integrity.      Surely a simple and honest statement of all the facts from his perspective is all that is needed.    Failure to do this is very damaging to us all.
  21. Like
    grandad47 got a reaction from BackPoonDrinkGoon in Dead baiting NSW   
    Like any law abiding citizen, whether involved in the greyhound industry or not, I find the allegations against Mr Cole very disappointing and if true put the livelihood of many good, honest, hardworking people in jeopardy.    As well we will loose respect for our industry.    One has to question his motives and integrity.      Surely a simple and honest statement of all the facts from his perspective is all that is needed.    Failure to do this is very damaging to us all.
  22. Like
    grandad47 got a reaction from Yankiwi in Animal Welfare Report   
    Excerpt below from National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee report regards Greyhounds. Full report at  https://www.mpi.govt.nz/document-vault/17053
    NAWAC remains uncertain about the number of
    dogs which are being produced or imported each
    year, and where they will end up once their racing
    career is finished; in particular as even high grade
    dogs tend to only have a racing life of 1–4 years.
    Whilst re-homing through Greyhounds as Pets is
    offering one avenue for these dogs, there is a risk
    of this avenue reaching saturation point given the
    length of a dogs lifespan vs its racing life duration.

    We understand that NZGRA is on target to halve the
    oversupply of dogs by 2017. This is being achieved
    through the introduction of fees for each puppy
    registered; restrictions on breeding bitches under
    15 months and over 8 years; and the requirement
    that bitches must have a clear season after two
    consecutive litters.
  23. Like
    grandad47 reacted to aquaman in An idea for consideration.   
    Thinking about welfare for Greyhounds, and our need to look after the racing Greyhound when racing is finished for them, it struck me that we could improve our industry with 3 simple rule changes.
    I think we could save many Greyhounds from a trip to the Vet by implementing these three rules. How many i'm not sure, but probably in the vicinity of 30%.
    The first rule would be. No Greyhounds aloud to race under 2yrs of age. The second rule would be. Race programing to change so as to allow age group racing up to 7yrs of age. ie, races for 4yr olds, races for 5yr olds, races for 6yr olds, races for 7yr olds. The third rule change would be, only allowed to race once a week.
    By doing this we would extend the productive life of the Greyhound to at least 7yrs of age. It would give them a racing life of up to 5yrs. By starting their racing life at 2yrs, this would allow the dogs to mature before entering the rough and tumble of the racing life. This would have the effect of extending their competitiveness over a longer period. You could have free for alls to allow for all age groups.
    At present we allow dogs to start at 14 mths, and race 3/4 times a week. This is leading to injuries and burnout before 3yrs of age. By tweaking our rules, we could have a win win situation. We would save many dogs from a premature trip to the Vet, and the Greyhound owner could have competitive racing for their dog for a lot longer period. By the time they reach 7yrs of age, they are already through 2/3rds of their life span.
    Your thoughts please.
  24. Like
    grandad47 got a reaction from softlysoftly in A Message To The NZGRA.   
    The Board of GRNZ have failed us badly.     Unless they act immediately to address the basic requirements of the industry (ie. supply and demand and the welfare of all participants) then we run the risk of being closed down.     The National Animal Welfare Committee are currently reviewing greyhound welfare and looking into the tracing of dogs from birth onwards.    We are now under the scrutiny of the Racing Industry Board.    It has been obvious for some time that GRNZ have failed us badly with many seeing our industry as cruel and inhumane.   Their inaction has put all participants and their livelihoods at risk.     Recently I invested $2000 with a firm with an international reputation in animal breeding to produce a plan to investigate the genetics of our NZ greyhound population with the aim of turning our breeders into world leaders.   Their proposal, costing $47000 was submitted to GRNZ at my request with the aim of reducing "wastage", which is the root of the problem.   GRNZ's immediate reply was: "this is not something we intend to pursue at this time."    They also responded by releasing a lot of useless, out of date frozen semen at half price, encouraging our breeders to further increase "wastage".    How clever was that?    Hopefully they will not now allow a mass importation of dogs from Australia to add to the problem.     Look!    Our challenge is to reduce "wastage".   The present level is unacceptable to the general public.     How does importing solve it?    We can't rehome at present levels.
  25. Like
    grandad47 reacted to what a post in Greyhound Racing Banned in NSW   
    This should be treated as a learning experience by greyhound industry leaders in nz    Instead of using energy in a negative way by moaning, those here should be demanding from industry leaders strategies  and systems so that this never happens here.   Do those in the greyhound industry here  really believe that all would be  fine and dandy should the  same intense scrutiny be applied to the nz industry?      Has greyhound racing nz the leadership,skills and will for this to happen?