Mark Daly

Well they might have dropped 70 staff at some stage but based on the reappearance of the likes of Mark Claydon and Jonesy they have been hired back presumably as consultants. Just shuffling the figures around I suspect (particularly around balance date). What was the outcome of their drive to reduce tab agencies commissions? A complete backdown?

Agree with you from what I read in the paper McKenzie was most upset with Troy's act of "defiance" - presumably against his authority. This guy needs to get out of the dark ages and realise that we are not serfs anymore.

Tavistock's connections weren't enamoured with him after the Kelt!

Very clear in their advertising that the horses will be trained by Mark Walker. When he moves to Singapore or Melbourne he will not be - Jason Bridgman will except for the horses that go with him. I'm sure they are doing the best for Te Akau but I doubt it is the best for their investors and I have spoken to enough of them that rue their investments. No tall poppy (maybe rotund pooper) and I think Walker is a very good trainer its just that when you get into offering securties under the Securities Act - which is what they are doing in their public syndications - there are certain rules that must be followed and it is definitely not buyer beware.

From Waikato Times website Mark Walker is poised to train in Singapore next season. The Waikato Times understands Walker will apply for a licence in Singapore, where he intends opening a new stable later this year. Matamata's Jason Bridgman is widely tipped to take over as the new Te Akau Stables trainer next season. Only last month, Walker tried to dispel the persistent rumours that he was considering a move to train in Singapore, however the Waikato Times has learned that Walker was in Singapore last week to inspect the racing and training facilities. Although Walker last month dismissed the speculation that he was considering a move to Singapore as just rumours, he added: ''You never say never, but it's not happening in the immediate future.'' Walker preferred to let Te Akau principal David Ellis speak when again approached on the subject yesterday. Ellis confirmed it was Te Akau Stables' intention to set up stables offshore and to have Walker training there. ''Te Akau is going international and I've been saying that for the last six months but whether it's Singapore or Melbourne, it's not been decided yet. We haven't even made formal applications for licences yet,'' Ellis said. Sources had suggested Walker could be training in Singapore as early as next spring but Ellis was adamant that Walker would not be training overseas this year. ''From early next year, definitely, but he won't be training internationally this year,'' Ellis said. Pressed for more details and for confirmation that Bridgman was set to take over as head trainer at Te Akau, Ellis said he wanted to inform stable owners before making any further information public. ''It will be business as usual in New Zealand. Nothing is going to change at the stable,'' he said. ''We'll still be running a successful training business but it will be further branching out and expanding. It will be a win-win for the industry and our owners.'' Approval for Walker's licence in Singapore would seem to be a mere formality with racing chiefs there desperate to gain international standing. Cambridge trainer Roger James had inspected Singapore facilities earlier this year after an invitation from administrators to set up stables there, but he declined, saying he preferred to concentrate on his domestic commitments. Ellis told The Press newspaper last month: ''It is no secret we are looking at setting up stables overseas. We have said that on several occasions. We are adding to our staff as well in planning for that. Ad Feedback ''Whatever happens it will be under Te Akau's banner rather than Mark leaving us for something new. There are a number of reasons for it. We want to go to the next level and I am not happy with the governance of the New Zealand Racing Board at the moment. ''A lot of people in racing are struggling for survival and all levels are finding it harder than it should be. If they are not going to do anything about the situation, we have to.'' The Press article stated that while Singapore was a frontrunner for the new enterprise, Melbourne had strong appeal. The previous highest profile move to Asia was from then-champion trainer Paul O'Sullivan, who left Matamata in July, 2004 to take up a contract in Hong Kong. Restrictions on horse movements in and out of Singapore aren't as stringent as Hong Kong, which is believed to be one of the main attractions to Te Akau Racing setting up a base there. Walker has trained 20 Gr I winners, among the the likes of dual Kelt Capital Stakes winner Princess Coup, four-time Gr I winner Darci Brahma, three-time Gr I winners King's Chapel and Maroofity, and Distinctly Secret. Walker, who has business interests with Ellis, is currently 18 wins clear on the national trainers' premiership with 81 wins and is on track to break O'Sullivan's season record of 104 wins. Te Akau stable jockey James McDonald last week revealed he intended riding the bulk of the New Zealand winter in Singapore, beginning with the international meeting at Kranji on May 16.

What a load of tripe. Including the satelitte stable down south - Bussitin and Rogerson (I think), did it long before Te Akau. Desperate man.

True Clocker but there are very consquences to this. Has Te Akau mislead investors claiming that Mark Walker would be training their horses. If NZTR was serious anout its role as regulator of thoroughbred syndicators it should be already making enquiries.

Well Clocker looks like you were right and we all owe you an apology and Te Akau was telling porkies all along. SHameful stuff. Story in Dompost this morning by Aidan Rodley but I can't find a online version to post.

Sorry see what you mean. Helpdesk?

Left hand column (under next to go etc) either "fixed odds final field"or "fixed odds other". They moved the racing fixed odds from the sports page which when you think about it is logical.

Agree with you Dennis. Has there been any discussion in the Informant about the Tinkler/Cummings case and whether these practices are undertaken in NZ? I'm sure they're not. YEAH RIGHT!

Yip they asked me for feedback at least twice. I'm sure you'll get used to the changes quickly - the only problem I've noticed so far is that it logs me out quite quickly although I'm sure that's better for security.

I always thought it was Lee Freedman but I've heard Aidan Rodley state a couple of times that it was Gai Waterhouse. Any know? Or was it transferred at some stage?

From Tim Baton of Dompost James McDonald is planning to avoid the New Zealand winter. The leading rider intends to spend the bulk of the winter overseas, beginning in Singapore. McDonald will ride at the international meeting in Singapore on May 16 and hopes to extend his stay. "I will go up there and see how it goes," McDonald said. In the meantime, he is focusing on recording successive wins in the New Zealand Oaks at Trentham. McDonald won the Trentham classic last year, on Jungle Rocket, and will partner the favourite, Zarzuela, in the $300,000 feature tomorrow.

Of course he is the NZRB includes the TAB. You may be getting mixed up with the NZTR?