KM night ...

[Maximus 817]

Max has been thinking ...again.

Hoping all goes well tomorrow night at Ellerslie, the track in which the future of our racing has had so much invested...

Last year, it failed. But they got away with it because the jocks and stewards didn't want to abandon a so-called Iconic raceday. The track inadequacies still cost millions to fix.

So here we are again, with the usual 'big players' and a handful of lesser-known ambitious hopefuls wanting to spoil their big payday and party. Aussies starting to show bit more interest, too.

A mere 6 races on the card - including the relocated Sistema Railway, a Group 1, to be run as the last on a frenetic programme of excitement. The whole racing she-bang over well inside four hours...how efficient is that? On a holiday weekend in NZ's showcase city (cough, splutter) and no need to be there before 4pm (first race at 4:38pm, the last at 7:43pm).  Home by 9pm (or 8am next day if you're there for party mode, glitz, glamour head-banigng music and party pills.
A chance, too, to have your 15 seconds of fame being filmed by Trackside, maybe spilling your $20 glass of sugar-pop Lindauer or throwing up on your way outta the gates. Brilliant!

Here's the kicker(s)...

-what if there's a power failure and the programme has to be put back? (Don't laugh it's happened before.)

what if the ambulance breaks down and they have to wait an hour for another to arrive? (Don't laugh, it's happened before.)

what if there's a break in the water main supplying the racecourse/facilities (Don't laugh, it happened yesterday in West Auckland)

what if there's a motorway incident/closure that delays the arrival of vital people/horses/suppliers to the course (Don't laugh, it's happened before)

What if ...I'm sure by now you catch Maxi's drift.

Sunset in Auckland tomorrow at 8:39pm. Last light 9:09pm.

What could possibly go wrong at an Iconic meeting with a mere 6 race programme, in the middle of summer on a holiday weekend at NZ's premier racecourse?

 

 

[Benbatl 17]

Even if an Ambulance has to take someone offcourse it would delay matters until a replacement one arrived. Not much room for error tomorrow to showcase to the world (with world pools) no doubt like in HK the races will go after start time too to get those last bets into the pool. 

[nomates 5,555]

46 minutes ago, Benbatl said:

Even if an Ambulance has to take someone offcourse it would delay matters until a replacement one arrived. Not much room for error tomorrow to showcase to the world (with world pools) no doubt like in HK the races will go after start time too to get those last bets into the pool. 

They can take their chances in the first aid room till the races are finished , priorities guys .

[Ohokaman 6,485]

2 hours ago, Maximus said:

Max has been thinking ...again.

Hoping all goes well tomorrow night at Ellerslie, the track in which the future of our racing has had so much invested...

Last year, it failed. But they got away with it because the jocks and stewards didn't want to abandon a so-called Iconic raceday. The track inadequacies still cost millions to fix.

So here we are again, with the usual 'big players' and a handful of lesser-known ambitious hopefuls wanting to spoil their big payday and party. Aussies starting to show bit more interest, too.

A mere 6 races on the card - including the relocated Sistema Railway, a Group 1, to be run as the last on a frenetic programme of excitement. The whole racing she-bang over well inside four hours...how efficient is that? On a holiday weekend in NZ's showcase city (cough, splutter) and no need to be there before 4pm (first race at 4:38pm, the last at 7:43pm).  Home by 9pm (or 8am next day if you're there for party mode, glitz, glamour head-banigng music and party pills.
A chance, too, to have your 15 seconds of fame being filmed by Trackside, maybe spilling your $20 glass of sugar-pop Lindauer or throwing up on your way outta the gates. Brilliant!

Here's the kicker(s)...

-what if there's a power failure and the programme has to be put back? (Don't laugh it's happened before.)

what if the ambulance breaks down and they have to wait an hour for another to arrive? (Don't laugh, it's happened before.)

what if there's a break in the water main supplying the racecourse/facilities (Don't laugh, it happened yesterday in West Auckland)

what if there's a motorway incident/closure that delays the arrival of vital people/horses/suppliers to the course (Don't laugh, it's happened before)

What if ...I'm sure by now you catch Maxi's drift.

Sunset in Auckland tomorrow at 8:39pm. Last light 9:09pm.

What could possibly go wrong at an Iconic meeting with a mere 6 race programme, in the middle of summer on a holiday weekend at NZ's premier racecourse?

 

 

C’mon Maxi…let’s have positive vibes for an important NZ race day, the World is watching, the track is perfect, what could possibly go wrong ?
Rain probably. Already a Soft 5 with more due Saturday afternoon so there will be fingers crossed…..

[Maximus 817]

52 minutes ago, Ohokaman said:

C’mon Maxi…let’s have positive vibes for an important NZ race day, the World is watching, the track is perfect, what could possibly go wrong ?
Rain probably. Already a Soft 5 with more due Saturday afternoon so there will be fingers crossed…..

Ohoka da Man, Maxi was outrageously positive in da vibes in the very first instance, the very first sentence..to wit "hoping all goes well tomorrow night at Ellerslie.

The question Maxi is begging is: why start so so late in the day, leaving little room for time adjustments if needed, with a Grp 1 at the end to be a casualty if ... why not start at 3:30pm, 3:45pm? That's another hour up yer sleeve for 'contingencies'...and, my word, NZTR should be well aware by now of all the things that can go wrong on raceday.
Are we being dictated to by the international broadcasters, for example? It's surely not to avoid the stifling heat of midsummer Auckland.

[scooby3051 13,118]

Come on give them a break...we should all hope it's a roaring success....the industry needs it...good luck to all those competing and I for one hope it goes off without a hitch.

[JJ Flash 2,633]

5 hours ago, Maximus said:

What could possibly go wrong at an Iconic meeting with a mere 6 race programme,

You and the rest of the naysayers could turn up and jinx the meeting so please stay at home 

[Pete Lane 1,372]

Ridiculous opening post.

What if we get hit by an asteroid?

What if Rangitoto erupts?

What if the sun doesn't shine and the Earth is plunged into darkness?

 

[Ohokaman 6,485]

35 minutes ago, Pete Lane said:

Ridiculous opening post.

What if we get hit by an asteroid?

What if Rangitoto erupts?

What if the sun doesn't shine and the Earth is plunged into darkness?

 

What if Brighton get beat by Everton ?…..

[Pheroz 157]

I am fortunate to have part of a runner tomorrow, looking forward with great excitement. I see the BGP punters club is struggling a bit with their pool, they had a million last year, they have had a number of average returns, once bitten twice shy.

The traditionalists cant see it but change we must, this is the future it has to succeed or we are really in trouble.

[Idolmite 3,501]

1 hour ago, Pete Lane said:

Ridiculous opening post.

What if we get hit by an asteroid?

What if Rangitoto erupts?

What if the sun doesn't shine and the Earth is plunged into darkness?

 

What if the earth stops turning?

What if gravity stops, uuummm, gravitating?

What if Dinosaurs and the Moa suddenly return?

 

[TurnyTom 1,785]

3 hours ago, scooby3051 said:

Come on give them a break...we should all hope it's a roaring success....the industry needs it...good luck to all those competing and I for one hope it goes off without a hitch.

Vital for NZ Racing the day is a huge success. Australian interest will grow on the back of their successes on KM Day

Critical for the day to be a huge success, hope it is

[meomy 1,069]

1 hour ago, Pheroz said:

I am fortunate to have part of a runner tomorrow, looking forward with great excitement. I see the BGP punters club is struggling a bit with their pool, they had a million last year, they have had a number of average returns, once bitten twice shy.

The traditionalists cant see it but change we must, this is the future it has to succeed or we are really in trouble.

Perhaps it's because there's a further economic downturn, people are back at work or likely to be now facing the reality of buying a house at Zero Mortgage rates that some wise ones knew would not last forever.

 

 As an aside, really the phrase "Boys Get Paid" does sounds sexist in todays day and age despite the intentions.

 

Best of luck with your horse tomorrow @Pheroz, let us know how it gets on.

[chevy86 2,890]

5 minutes ago, meomy said:

 

 

 the phrase "Boys Get Paid" does sounds sexist 

 

 

Why so?  There is a much bigger, universal "sport" where only "Girls Get Paid".

[meomy 1,069]

51 minutes ago, Idolmite said:

What if the earth stops turning?

What if gravity stops, uuummm, gravitating?

What if Dinosaurs and the Moa suddenly return?

 

The Moa is a Myth and Legend just like the Loch Ness Monster.

 

Moa = Mower.

Birds Mow the Grass...

 

In regards to Moas been at Motutapu Island back in the day because the likes of Phil Goff as an Anthropologist/ Archaeologist in the 1970's thought he found and identified Moa Bones that is yet another fail of his, it's a known fact Emu Bay exists there and the Reid Family and others had an Emu named Jacob who lived until he was 30 - photographic evidence exists to prove that cross referencing was not undertaken.

There's some great and funny tales of old that were created to bring humour and joy in eras of those who lived in harsher times than todays people.

 

Oh and bring back those good ole round Metal hand mowers they are fabulous 

[meomy 1,069]

8 hours ago, Maximus said:

Max has been thinking ...again.

Hoping all goes well tomorrow night at Ellerslie, the track in which the future of our racing has had so much invested...

Last year, it failed. But they got away with it because the jocks and stewards didn't want to abandon a so-called Iconic raceday. The track inadequacies still cost millions to fix.

So here we are again, with the usual 'big players' and a handful of lesser-known ambitious hopefuls wanting to spoil their big payday and party. Aussies starting to show bit more interest, too.

A mere 6 races on the card - including the relocated Sistema Railway, a Group 1, to be run as the last on a frenetic programme of excitement. The whole racing she-bang over well inside four hours...how efficient is that? On a holiday weekend in NZ's showcase city (cough, splutter) and no need to be there before 4pm (first race at 4:38pm, the last at 7:43pm).  Home by 9pm (or 8am next day if you're there for party mode, glitz, glamour head-banigng music and party pills.
A chance, too, to have your 15 seconds of fame being filmed by Trackside, maybe spilling your $20 glass of sugar-pop Lindauer or throwing up on your way outta the gates. Brilliant!

Here's the kicker(s)...

-what if there's a power failure and the programme has to be put back? (Don't laugh it's happened before.)

what if the ambulance breaks down and they have to wait an hour for another to arrive? (Don't laugh, it's happened before.)

what if there's a break in the water main supplying the racecourse/facilities (Don't laugh, it happened yesterday in West Auckland)

what if there's a motorway incident/closure that delays the arrival of vital people/horses/suppliers to the course (Don't laugh, it's happened before)

What if ...I'm sure by now you catch Maxi's drift.

Sunset in Auckland tomorrow at 8:39pm. Last light 9:09pm.

What could possibly go wrong at an Iconic meeting with a mere 6 race programme, in the middle of summer on a holiday weekend at NZ's premier racecourse?

 

 

Harsh realities of life in Auckland aye?

Bring back the Great Northern Railway train trips to the Races.

 

For those attending, have a scout around where they have foolishly sold the land to put up Rent to Buy Housing.

 

Is it true also that The Hill project has also exceeded budget already because of of the Volcanic Rock they are struggling to remove?

 

Only an idiot would fail to factor into account the nature of land and why Ellerslie was chosen to be a Racecourse Domain.

[Ripples 88]

Im with Scooby, the industry as a whole needs this raceday to be a success, sadly there will be some who will hoping it turns to custard, however the fact is this is arguably the most important raceday of the season with all  its overseas visitors and stakemoney levels unheard of in NZ Since its inception it has always been a 6 race programme starting after 4.30, increasing to 10 races as suggested by some will only dilute the quality, besides if its not broke don't try and fix it. As for the Hill I too miss the Great Northerns at racing headquarters but its gone so time to look forward not back. 

[racingoutsider 389]

1 hour ago, Ripples said:

Im with Scooby, the industry as a whole needs this raceday to be a success, sadly there will be some who will hoping it turns to custard, however the fact is this is arguably the most important raceday of the season with all  its overseas visitors and stakemoney levels unheard of in NZ Since its inception it has always been a 6 race programme starting after 4.30, increasing to 10 races as suggested by some will only dilute the quality, besides if its not broke don't try and fix it. As for the Hill I too miss the Great Northerns at racing headquarters but its gone so time to look forward not back. 

I totally agree that it needs to be a success and hope it is, but given say a $million net revenue from wagering turnover it will probably be one of, if not the worst, performing days of the year based on revenue to industry contribution,.

[Nerula 1,554]

6 hours ago, meomy said:

Harsh realities of life in Auckland aye?

Bring back the Great Northern Railway train trips to the Races.

 

For those attending, have a scout around where they have foolishly sold the land to put up Rent to Buy Housing.

 

Is it true also that The Hill project has also exceeded budget already because of of the Volcanic Rock they are struggling to remove?

 

Only an idiot would fail to factor into account the nature of land and why Ellerslie was chosen to be a Racecourse Domain.

No the Hill is Terraced out and there doesn't seem to be live rock. The boulder field runs from the 200m mark under the Ascot stand and daresay all the way back to One Tree Hill. The erstwhile public carpark has got rock in its entirety. Rock is not such a problem per se but tomos are. We were lifting panels on volcanic ground and had 17tonne on the hook and the 70t crane punched a leg and rolled the crane. We ran from under.. Never trusted volcanic again.

[gubellini 4,594]

Let's hope the anti-racing brigade don't turn up with their inane billboards and banners. They crave publicity so chances are they will be lining up.

[Pak Star 1,208]

No good starting any earlier now that the world pool is in play.  Will be 11am in Hong Kong for the first race.  They need to give them time to wake up and get punting.  

[Palliser 1,276]

19 hours ago, Ohokaman said:

What if Brighton get beat by Everton ?…..

They will get beat hopefully, I've been an Evertonian for 60 years and up until 1990 everything was cool. After that well let's just say it's been bloody hard to say the least lols. At least we have one of the best players in the league

[Palliser 1,276]

Despite everything, I think it will be a great success today/tonight

[Houlahan's Dream 682]

Hope they make a ton of cash and use some of it to improve raceday exoerience at Ellerslie and elsewhere. 

[nomates 5,555]

KM races are a great meeting to attend , one of the very few meetings left that can give you the feel that us old timers used to see regularly . For all the negatives around KM night it is the one and only true showcase into our racing so I hope they have a successful night .