Southland

[lamour 673]

I’ve been impressed with the way they do things in Southland over the last few years. Creating the SBSR brand has been one positive move.   Also the way the different clubs seem to collaborate for the greater good of the whole area.  They have now put out a list of ideas for discussion on how they may meet the coming challenges ahead.    Can’t help but think that  those in charge at HRNZ. and  at RITA could learn a lot from their progressive approach. 

[Ludwig 150]

You make good points. I particularly like the way they try new programs and promotions, and aren't just content to stick with what's gone before.

If you look at the leading trainers in the south, the likes of Williamson, Gray, Ellis/Barclay etc, they are a different group from 10 to 15 years ago. So it's great to see new leading figures coming to the front.

[mikenz 1,088]

Gee ince upon a time you really would not race on a Saturday when club rugby was on but in recent times they are on most Saturdays those meetings must be doing ok but the turnovers must be a lot less than the north island gallop meetings but maybe as they ain't the sole meeting in nz maybe they cost less to run from the tabs end but the field sizes always stay up in numbers,

[mikenz 1,088]

I think racing in July,that's a first though will be very interesting to see how that goes.

[Ludwig 150]

There's nothing like that fierce cold wind coming off the Southern Ocean. I got to appreciate how dogs feel when you're stopping at every second tree in the park. 

[mikenz 1,088]

It's kind of strange when they talk about closing wyndham gallop track yet trots keep going and doing ok too,its kept going because the locals still want it,this is where the gallop guys need to be careful with these small country clubs courses come up for scrutiny.

[lamour 673]

12 hours ago, mikenz said:

It's kind of strange when they talk about closing wyndham gallop track yet trots keep going and doing ok too,its kept going because the locals still want it,this is where the gallop guys need to be careful with these small country clubs courses come up for scrutiny.

Just shows how shoddy the Messera report was.  He didn’t take account of what tracks are dual code, just made up a list of tracks to close that anyone could have come up with.   What racing needed was a properly researched report that took all 3 codes into account. In my opinion the Messara report was amateur stuff.

[mikenz 1,088]

4 minutes ago, lamour said:

Just shows how shoddy the Messera report was.  He didn’t take account of what tracks are dual code, just made up a list of tracks to close that anyone could have come up with.   What racing needed was a properly researched report that took all 3 codes into account. In my opinion the Messara report was amateur stuff.

And remember some guy from australia aint gunna give two shits about people in gore, hokitika or anywhere else in New Zealand for that matter,changes in nz need to come from within nz.

[JJ Flash 2,135]

On 5/3/2020 at 8:36 PM, mikenz said:

It's kind of strange when they talk about closing wyndham gallop track

Its been closed for a few years now so nothing to do with Messara report. From memory it is not used due to a lack of irrigation and did not pass track inspections. Dennis boys only ones who use it and that's sparingly but they were doing the track maintenance according to some.

Great trotting track though and a nice few holes infield to boot

 

Greg

[mikenz 1,088]

I know wyndham had nought to do with messara,Stratford is closed 4 gallops,still had trots though but it kind of funny though when they talk about closing tracks nothing is mentioned of the trotting tracks

[mikenz 1,088]

On 5/3/2020 at 3:45 PM, Ludwig said:

You make good points. I particularly like the way they try new programs and promotions, and aren't just content to stick with what's gone before.

If you look at the leading trainers in the south, the likes of Williamson, Gray, Ellis/Barclay etc, they are a different group from 10 to 15 years ago. So it's great to see new leading figures coming to the front.

One could only wonder how good Henry Skinner would have been in today's setup,regular racing almost all year round ,such is life though.

[tasman man 11 979]

2 hours ago, JJ Flash said:

Its been closed for a few years now so nothing to do with Messara report. From memory it is not used due to a lack of irrigation and did not pass track inspections. Dennis boys only ones who use it and that's sparingly but they were doing the track maintenance according to some.

Great trotting track though and a nice few holes infield to boot

 

Greg

I think the requirement to install a new plastic running rail was the final straw for Wyndham gallops track !

[eljay 1,719]

Won a race at Invercargill 27th April 1997 - boy was it the pits.    No snow but rain, strong wind, - was race 1 or 2 and spent rest of afternoon in pressies bar.    Then back to the boozer to thaw out and carry on with the celebs.     

[mikenz 1,088]

1 hour ago, eljay said:

Won a race at Invercargill 27th April 1997 - boy was it the pits.    No snow but rain, strong wind, - was race 1 or 2 and spent rest of afternoon in pressies bar.    Then back to the boozer to thaw out and carry on with the celebs.     

Sure it can be like that but anywhere can be like that on shit days ,but it will be a break from tradition racing in July 

[eljay 1,719]

Oh yes mikenz - it was brass monkies too

[tasman man 11 979]

2 hours ago, eljay said:

Won a race at Invercargill 27th April 1997 - boy was it the pits.    No snow but rain, strong wind, - was race 1 or 2 and spent rest of afternoon in pressies bar.    Then back to the boozer to thaw out and carry on with the celebs.     

You must have struck one of the few bad days a year there, and weather been improving since last century !

 Good people more than make up for it.....and the oysters of course !

[eljay 1,719]

It was a good day TM - won the race, and yes. great folk.    Oysters - of course!