coro fan

That’s partly because he did unaccompanied drive-by inspections…….

https://loveracing.nz/raceinfo/52282/meeting-overview.aspx Not bad for a track that the powers that be want closed……

From the stipes report - ESME (L Alpress) - Underwent a post-race veterinary examination which revealed an elevated heart rate and slow recovery.

The Stipes let the horse that slipped who also won the race, start with only THREE plates. Really feel for the club and those who had horses nominated for the meeting…….

https://loveracing.nz/RaceInfo/38678/Meeting-News-Article.aspx

Shame, there were 9 nominations for the hurdle and 3 or 4 in the steeple I believe. South Canterbury is in drought conditions and the track is a 2.

Sad news to report Michael passed away last night.

https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/racing/nztr-boss-stresses-need-synthetic-track-si

Turn over figures from Friday’s meeting. img-908132736.pdf

Apologies - my source thought it was the 28th and Jan 1, they knew ie was a two day meeting.

No I’m pretty sure they didn’t, however in years gone by there used to be a very successful two day meeting over Christmas at Timaru, the 28th - the date they run on now and New Year’s Day.

After the M report and the absolute crock of s*** drive by inspection he did, the club launched a petition that got 5000 plus signatures and presented to parliament - one BJ Anderton amongst others, was one of the first to sign it. Unfortunately the local MP who was supporting the Club and petition was the one at the centre of the text/dick pic saga and has since resigned.........:D The Club had to insist on a meeting on course with Bernard Saundry, who didn’t realise what facilities the course had including the farmland that is leased out, the on course caterer who runs a business out of the Greyway Lounge, and the turf farmer in the middle of the track, the motor homes and caravans that pay for short term stays etc. The only money this track ‘costs’ the industry is the money that comes from NZTR to run a race day and the occasional grant from the safety fund. The M report decreed that millions needed to be spent on the track - which is a load of absolute BS, yes the facilities need some refreshing, but the track is fine. It was pointed out to Bernard that the PL track is dual code, an approved jumping venue, the flat races consistently attract good noms from all areas of the SI and that trainers want this track to stay open. The venue is a good winter track, but could also be a good summer track - irrigation is available if needed. There are also approx 60 gallopers plus 30 trotters trained at the course - not the huge numbers, but they all pay track fees. The course is used by the general horse public as a venue to meet saddle fitters, chiropractors, farriers, Horse transport drop off and pick up point, schooling over the schooling fences in readiness for A & P shows etc The Waimate Club is also going to run their date at Timaru, in spite of being pushed toward Oamaru, not sure why given that Waimate is in Canterbury and Oamaru is in Otago. Some background politics there I suspect. The trainers are supporting the venue and club - the number of horses nominated proves this, not sure what else can be done......

Imagine was an amazing facility Washdyke could be with a couple of mill spent on it ........ dreams are free

That land is owned by the racecourse, it is leased to a local vet who runs a stud. The racecourse is a DOC reserve and the land is unable to be sold. However if And it is a big IF, some of the 10 mill came the way of Phar Lap raceway, and trainers wanted to relocate, anything could be possible as in barns being built and an upgrade of training facilities.

I have just had a conversation with a committee member about this - there wasn’t anywhere to put a trainer with 20 horses. The course is set up for overnight stays and Raceday horse accomodation. There are also small paddocks and stable blocks on the west side of the property that owner trainers, those with 2-4 horses rent. Back in the hey day all the larger trainers owned their own property, Washdyke and Kennel Road was a racehorse trainer village with several well appointed yards, the trainers would hack to the track.