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Thejanitor

Staffing issues cost Ashburton the Jewels

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https://theinformant.co.nz/website/News/single_news/Staffing-issues-cost-Ashburton-the-Jewels/SX9287

Staffing issues cost Ashburton the Jewels

  • Sun, 29 Apr 2018
  •  
  • Garrick Knight 

Concerns around personnel and the ability of an under-manned Ashburton Trotting Club to run the event have seen it lose next year’s Harness Jewels to Addington.

Ken Spicer, Chairman of the Harness Racing New Zealand Board that made the decision yesterday, said the staffing issues at Ashburton was the biggest of a number of concerns that became apparent when weighing the two proposals.

“Our biggest concern was not just around the venue itself, but the ability of the Ashburton club, through their management and committee, to plan and execute the event,” he said.

Longtime employees Fiona Stuart and Gareth Murfitt, Manager and Secretary respectively, have both recently departed the club, taking a wealth of Jewels Day planning experience with them.

“The club is going through a real transition at the moment and they’ve lost two key people; they’ve actually shut their office during the week.

“As well as that, the Club President and Vice President have both resigned from their roles, too.

“They’re in a bit of a no-man’s land and they didn’t really install confidence in us that they would be able to run the event to a high standard.

“The last Jewels day they ran had a number of issues and that has prompted us to consider an alternative option.

“Addington have come to the party and are pretty keen to run it.”

Spicer noted that the TAB, too, had raised concerns about certain aspects of their ability to function appropriately on the day given the location of the course.

Protracted discussions between the members of the Executive led up to the anonymous vote, which was done on ballot forms.

Spicer confirmed, too, that Barry Dent, a board member of both Addington and HRNZ, participated in the vote.

“The whole board voted and the exact result will be kept confidential but it was reasonably clear cut, it is safe to say.

“This wasn’t done on a whim; we spent two or three hours pouring over data and information and discussing how any potential decision could affect things.”

Spicer sympathised with those who were disappointed with the decision and said that there were going to be upset industry participants whatever way they went.

“Already we’ve had calls and correspondence in support and against the decision, which was always going to happen.

“We understand it is a big deal, but it is only a venue.

“The money will stay the same and the best horses will still race for it.

“It’s Harness Racing New Zealand’s event at the end of the day, not the club’s.

“They originally chose Ashburton as a point of difference but that was then and this is now.

“People’s expectations of race days have changed and perhaps sitting on damp ground in a marquee with a gas heater going isn’t for everybody.

“If you don’t change, you’ll never know if it could be better.

“This may work, this may not, but at least we will know.”

Spicer said the accepted view of the Trainers and Drivers Association was that Addington was probably preferable.

“There is no problem there; Rob Lawson is on the board and is the Chairman of the horsemen’s group and the says the feedback has certainly been that Addington would be better.

“A covered barn and beautiful track are advantageous and they aren’t too hung up on the distance changing from a mile.”

Spicer said the decision was contingent on Addington agreeing to maintain the festival atmosphere of the Jewels and not to operate it under the same somewhat elitist structure that it does on New Zealand Cup and other days.

“That was one concern around the table; we don’t want it to be just another day at ‘the Met’, at a bit of a concrete jungle.

“But they have assured us they will make it work well.”

Cambridge will host the Jewels this year and Spicer says the 2020 running will be open to a submission from the Auckland Trotting Club, as has always been the case.

“There seems to be a conspiracy that the big clubs are trying to steal the Jewels but it has nothing to do with that at all.

“This decision is in no way linked to Cambridge’s hosting of the Jewels moving forward.

“They are making a real go of it this year and I will hazard a guess that they’re going to pull off a good edition.

“But, at the end of the day, they will get reviewed the same as Ashburton.”

 

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4 hours ago, Thejanitor said:

 

https://theinformant.co.nz/website/News/single_news/Staffing-issues-cost-Ashburton-the-Jewels/SX9287

Staffing issues cost Ashburton the Jewels

  • Sun, 29 Apr 2018
  •  
  • Garrick Knight 

Concerns around personnel and the ability of an under-manned Ashburton Trotting Club to run the event have seen it lose next year’s Harness Jewels to Addington.

Ken Spicer, Chairman of the Harness Racing New Zealand Board that made the decision yesterday, said the staffing issues at Ashburton was the biggest of a number of concerns that became apparent when weighing the two proposals.

“Our biggest concern was not just around the venue itself, but the ability of the Ashburton club, through their management and committee, to plan and execute the event,” he said.

 

Would the obvious solution not have been for the NZMTC to run the Jewels at Ashburton.  Didn't they run the Interdominions in Auckland after the earthquakes.?

That would have ensured sufficient expertise to run the event without compromising the whole concept.

 

 

 

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12 hours ago, Thejanitor said:

https://theinformant.co.nz/website/News/single_news/Staffing-issues-cost-Ashburton-the-Jewels/SX9287

Staffing issues cost Ashburton the Jewels

  • Sun, 29 Apr 2018
  •  
  • Garrick Knight 

Concerns around personnel and the ability of an under-manned Ashburton Trotting Club to run the event have seen it lose next year’s Harness Jewels to Addington.

Ken Spicer, Chairman of the Harness Racing New Zealand Board that made the decision yesterday, said the staffing issues at Ashburton was the biggest of a number of concerns that became apparent when weighing the two proposals.

“Our biggest concern was not just around the venue itself, but the ability of the Ashburton club, through their management and committee, to plan and execute the event,” he said.

Longtime employees Fiona Stuart and Gareth Murfitt, Manager and Secretary respectively, have both recently departed the club, taking a wealth of Jewels Day planning experience with them.

“The club is going through a real transition at the moment and they’ve lost two key people; they’ve actually shut their office during the week.

“As well as that, the Club President and Vice President have both resigned from their roles, too.

“They’re in a bit of a no-man’s land and they didn’t really install confidence in us that they would be able to run the event to a high standard.

“The last Jewels day they ran had a number of issues and that has prompted us to consider an alternative option.

“Addington have come to the party and are pretty keen to run it.”

Spicer noted that the TAB, too, had raised concerns about certain aspects of their ability to function appropriately on the day given the location of the course.

Protracted discussions between the members of the Executive led up to the anonymous vote, which was done on ballot forms.

Spicer confirmed, too, that Barry Dent, a board member of both Addington and HRNZ, participated in the vote.

“The whole board voted and the exact result will be kept confidential but it was reasonably clear cut, it is safe to say.

How could he not recuse himself given his duel positions. Conflict of interest 101. How could the chairman actually allow him to vote is the other question. Woeful exhibition of governance IMHO

 

 

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1 hour ago, chelseacol said:

Agree Fartoomuch - absolute conflict and had to be avoided. They can't get governance right which is pretty basic stuff...

Im not sure about BD and im not alone. Does he have any real governance experience and if not perhaps he needs to go on a NZIOD course.

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Entire board was in Invercargill, Elijay - it was a fully fledged Board meeting. 

One can only presume that Dent voted for Addington - you'd also imagine that Carter and Johnson would have voted that way too as there has been no hiding the fact that Auckland want the North Island edition. 

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19 hours ago, Thejanitor said:

https://theinformant.co.nz/website/News/single_news/Staffing-issues-cost-Ashburton-the-Jewels/SX9287

Staffing issues cost Ashburton the Jewels

  • Sun, 29 Apr 2018
  •  
  • Garrick Knight 

Concerns around personnel and the ability of an under-manned Ashburton Trotting Club to run the event have seen it lose next year’s Harness Jewels to Addington.

Ken Spicer, Chairman of the Harness Racing New Zealand Board that made the decision yesterday, said the staffing issues at Ashburton was the biggest of a number of concerns that became apparent when weighing the two proposals.

“Our biggest concern was not just around the venue itself, but the ability of the Ashburton club, through their management and committee, to plan and execute the event,” he said.

Longtime employees Fiona Stuart and Gareth Murfitt, Manager and Secretary respectively, have both recently departed the club, taking a wealth of Jewels Day planning experience with them.

“The club is going through a real transition at the moment and they’ve lost two key people; they’ve actually shut their office during the week.

“As well as that, the Club President and Vice President have both resigned from their roles, too.

“They’re in a bit of a no-man’s land and they didn’t really install confidence in us that they would be able to run the event to a high standard.

“The last Jewels day they ran had a number of issues and that has prompted us to consider an alternative option.

“Addington have come to the party and are pretty keen to run it.”

Spicer noted that the TAB, too, had raised concerns about certain aspects of their ability to function appropriately on the day given the location of the course.

Protracted discussions between the members of the Executive led up to the anonymous vote, which was done on ballot forms.

Spicer confirmed, too, that Barry Dent, a board member of both Addington and HRNZ, participated in the vote.

“The whole board voted and the exact result will be kept confidential but it was reasonably clear cut, it is safe to say.

“This wasn’t done on a whim; we spent two or three hours pouring over data and information and discussing how any potential decision could affect things.”

Spicer sympathised with those who were disappointed with the decision and said that there were going to be upset industry participants whatever way they went.

“Already we’ve had calls and correspondence in support and against the decision, which was always going to happen.

“We understand it is a big deal, but it is only a venue.

“The money will stay the same and the best horses will still race for it.

“It’s Harness Racing New Zealand’s event at the end of the day, not the club’s.

“They originally chose Ashburton as a point of difference but that was then and this is now.

“People’s expectations of race days have changed and perhaps sitting on damp ground in a marquee with a gas heater going isn’t for everybody.

“If you don’t change, you’ll never know if it could be better.

“This may work, this may not, but at least we will know.”

Spicer said the accepted view of the Trainers and Drivers Association was that Addington was probably preferable.

“There is no problem there; Rob Lawson is on the board and is the Chairman of the horsemen’s group and the says the feedback has certainly been that Addington would be better.

“A covered barn and beautiful track are advantageous and they aren’t too hung up on the distance changing from a mile.”

Spicer said the decision was contingent on Addington agreeing to maintain the festival atmosphere of the Jewels and not to operate it under the same somewhat elitist structure that it does on New Zealand Cup and other days.

“That was one concern around the table; we don’t want it to be just another day at ‘the Met’, at a bit of a concrete jungle.

“But they have assured us they will make it work well.”

Cambridge will host the Jewels this year and Spicer says the 2020 running will be open to a submission from the Auckland Trotting Club, as has always been the case.

“There seems to be a conspiracy that the big clubs are trying to steal the Jewels but it has nothing to do with that at all.

“This decision is in no way linked to Cambridge’s hosting of the Jewels moving forward.

“They are making a real go of it this year and I will hazard a guess that they’re going to pull off a good edition.

“But, at the end of the day, they will get reviewed the same as Ashburton.”

 

"It is only a venue...." says it all really. Bloody shame we are now in the North, I would have contacted them.

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1 hour ago, Counter Punch said:

Entire board was in Invercargill, Elijay - it was a fully fledged Board meeting. 

One can only presume that Dent voted for Addington - you'd also imagine that Carter and Johnson would have voted that way too as there has been no hiding the fact that Auckland want the North Island edition. 

Interesting location logistically - hopefully the cost stacked up for a business under pressure.....

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19 hours ago, sheldon said:

Why would the NZMTC want to do that ?? 

Clubs running race meetings at alternative tracks is not uncommon.   Addington ran the interdominions at Alex Park from memory after the earthquakes, Rangiora and occasionally Timaru have run meetings at Addington.

If the Met were to hold the Jewels at Ashburton it would be a good compromise between the administrators who want certainty around competent organisation

and those of us who see mile racing and the carnival atmosphere as an integral part of the whole Jewels concept.   Ashburton is the best mile track in New Zealand by far.

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 InThe explanation of Pink Floyds "another Brick in the wall"it is interesting to note when an art work is reproduced it always weakens the original to some degree.  in the analogy of moving jewels to Addington  via a secret ballot (where's the guts of those on the Board to own their decisions ?)it is weakening the concept. Then for Ken Spicer to wander around looking for excuses to bolster his personal agenda it is a disgrace. Why not support the Small Club, not use such arguments as the TAB have had issues,(always been able to run tote and visuals to a good standard. over many decades) staff have resigned ? I wonder if some heard the loud rumour many months ago that jewels heading to ak and add. It suddenly is too cold in June to run a meeting at Ashburton. A helping hand fron HRNZ would have been warmly welcomed I am sure.  If I recall another song title that seems apt  "its life Jim(Ken) but not as we know it"

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Hi John,

Agree with you, and hey, if it is too cold to run at Ashburton in June, how much warmer is it going to be 80km away in Christchurch?

I have been to 3 Jewels in Ashburton, and each time was able to stand on the galloping track and watch the action.

Cheers.

Robert.

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1 hour ago, Double R said:

Hi John,

Agree with you, and hey, if it is too cold to run at Ashburton in June, how much warmer is it going to be 80km away in Christchurch?

I have been to 3 Jewels in Ashburton, and each time was able to stand on the galloping track and watch the action.

Cheers.

Robert.

It was frigid last year at Ashburton. Usually is at the Grand National Meeting at Riccarton too each year. 

That's why I wear something warm and keep the alcohol intake up B)

 

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2 hours ago, chelseacol said:

It was frigid last year at Ashburton. Usually is at the Grand National Meeting at Riccarton too each year. 

That's why I wear something warm and keep the alcohol intake up B)

 

Hi Col,

We do not want to know your personal problems!!!!

Cheers.

Robert.

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7 hours ago, chelseacol said:

It was frigid last year at Ashburton. Usually is at the Grand National Meeting at Riccarton too each year. 

That's why I wear something warm and keep the alcohol intake up B)

 

Correct. Three yrs ago it was bone chilling. But hey it didnt detract from the excitement. If you watch the replays there is a figure in blue jeans and a black leather jacket with a cap on standing opposite the finishing post on every race. Yep always the purist , it's me . Brilliant day despite the temperature.:)

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1 hour ago, globederby12 said:

Correct. Three yrs ago it was bone chilling. But hey it didnt detract from the excitement. If you watch the replays there is a figure in blue jeans and a black leather jacket with a cap on standing opposite the finishing post on every race. Yep always the purist , it's me . Brilliant day despite the temperature.:)

Get yourself a sheepskin jacket Globe, leather won't keep you warm down there...;)

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11 hours ago, globederby12 said:

Correct. Three yrs ago it was bone chilling. But hey it didnt detract from the excitement. If you watch the replays there is a figure in blue jeans and a black leather jacket with a cap on standing opposite the finishing post on every race. Yep always the purist , it's me . Brilliant day despite the temperature.:)

And  a dashing figure you cut Globe. Have you got this years outfit sorted yet?

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5 hours ago, Fartoomuch said:

And  a dashing figure you cut Globe. Have you got this years outfit sorted yet?

Probably a suit this year. Do a bit of hob knobbing.

Would be great to see a list of Racecafe people who might be there, apart from some of the syndicate members.

Double R, and  Iraklis  will most likely be there.  Anyone else??.

 

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59 minutes ago, globederby12 said:

Probably a suit this year. Do a bit of hob knobbing.

Would be great to see a list of Racecafe people who might be there, apart from some of the syndicate members.

Double R, and  Iraklis  will most likely be there.  Anyone else??.

 

Hi Ress,

Yes, I will be there, and decided not to purchase a corporate package, but just wing it.

Great idea to ask who might be there.

Cheers.

Robert.

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On 4/30/2018 at 11:38 AM, Counter Punch said:

Entire board was in Invercargill, Elijay - it was a fully fledged Board meeting. 

One can only presume that Dent voted for Addington - you'd also imagine that Carter and Johnson would have voted that way too as there has been no hiding the fact that Auckland want the North Island edition. 

Wouldn't we all just love to see those board meeting minutes. whats the chances of that happening in their totality

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2 hours ago, Double R said:

Hi Ress,

Yes, I will be there, and decided not to purchase a corporate package, but just wing it.

Great idea to ask who might be there.

Cheers.

Robert.

Yeah I bypassed the corporates as well. My syndicate manager has stated that last time they paid the 200 bucks for a table, but the food was crap and didn't enjoy it at all.

My son in law has booked one through Nicky Chilcott, so I might be able to find a seat if the legs give out from jumping up and down trying to keep up with Iraklis:P

So looks like we are all winging it this time.

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