No one should be surprised by this . They are going to fix this to have the track ready for late August . Yeah Right !! Winter is always the best time of year to doing track remediation . I suppose it was the "Experts" who suggested that it was the perfect time to be doing it .

I am not prepared to comment, but it's big.

What was that?

The bizarre thing is they are now saying that it needs organic matter to build beneath the surface?? If that's the case, why not put it there in the first place? An earlier report said they were going to add more sand. WTF?

Thats what you get when you have so many "experts" advising a huge mess...18 months out and possibly many many more to get a decent track. I never understood why it had to be a sand based track, has anyone ever said why???

Leggy, it's beyond belief as is something else that I heard today.

You are on the money,  very difficult relying on last years calendar being roughly accurate for this year's race dates and programs. 

Surely they have to either remove the surface and relay it, or work it up and remove the stones, then reseed it? How could they possibly have laid a track that it is not possible to maintain with standard aeration equipment? It beggars belief after all the time and money spent on it.

RACE Awapuni Remediation Progressing Under Specialist Oversight New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) and RACE Inc. are continuing the maintenance and remediation work on the RACE Awapuni course proper, with weekly management meetings underway between RACE, NZTR and international racecourse specialists, Callum Brown and Liam O’Keefe.  As part of this process, alternative machinery is being trialled to address compaction issues identified within the track profile. This is particularly important given the presence of stones beneath the surface, which limits the use of certain tines on the verti-drain machine. The course proper at RACE Awapuni requires decompaction through intensive remediation work to ensure it is safe for racing in the long term. As organic material begins to build beneath the surface, the track will become easier to manage, with less frequent and intensive maintenance required. This approach is similar to the work at Ellerslie Racecourse, where an extensive verti-drain process is routinely carried out prior to raceday to support surface performance. NZTR CEO Matt Ballesty commented, “We are treating the RACE Awapuni situation with the seriousness it warrants and working closely with the right people to get the best outcome for our participants, punters and for the future of racing in the Central Districts,” he said.  NZTR and RACE Inc. are completing the scheduled work programme and continuing to test different decompaction techniques and machinery, in accordance with advice from Liam O’Keefe and Callum Brown.  At this stage, there is still a target to return to RACE Awapuni in late August 2025, with a standardised racing programme expected to follow across the upcoming 2025/26 season. However, both organisations remain committed to proactive decision-making should the track’s progress warrant any adjustments to this plan. “A safe return to racing is our number one priority,” added Ballesty. “We’re closely monitoring how the track responds to the remediation work and will make an early call on the RACE Awapuni programme if any material issues arise before the beginning of the new season.” “Clear communication with participants and Clubs is a priority as we work through this,” Ballesty said.  Liam O’Keefe will return to RACE Awapuni on Monday 9 June to carry out further testing and surface assessments. A revised work programme will be agreed upon following this visit and we will inform the next phase of remediation activity.

Not sure that “flying” is the right word TA. Putin is playing him like a fiddle…he has no interest in a ceasefire. Took that important phone call in a school…. ?   Trump approval poll now: Civiqs' current approval poll Most recent Trump approval rating in the U.S., according to the latest Civiqs poll (May 17, 2025): Favorable: 43% Unfavorable: 54% Unsure: 4% Trump US approval rating: The Economist's current Trump approval poll now Most recent Trump approval rating, according to the latest from The Economist (May 13, 2025): Favorable: 42% Unfavorable: 52% Unsure: 6%   Trump approval rating: Morning Consult's current poll Most recent Trump approval rating, according to the latest Morning Consult Poll (May 9-11, 2025): Favorable: 46% Unfavorable: 52% Unsure: 2% Trump's US approval rating right now: Rasmussen's current Trump approval poll Most recent Trump approval rating, according to the latest Rasmussen poll (May 19, 2025): Favorable: 49% Unfavorable: 49% Unsure: 2% Reuters / Ipsos' latest Trump approval poll Most recent Trump approval rating, according to the latest Reuters / Ipsos polls (May 12-13, 2025): Favorable: 44% Unfavorable: 52% Unsure: 4%                                                                    

The draft dates were published ages ago - the final dates can't be far away.

Lordie, lordie me Ohokaman.  You have no idea how much I love words. Wittering has made my day and wittering they do.  Brillliantly, which makes it even worse.  Well done sunshine!!!    

Seriously - I'd happily put John on a horse if he was available

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1640844583316617 Vaccinated  Vs  Unvaccinated

https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=1071845334789636 Alaska Sky Watcher

Quite possibly! It is easier to pick a place bet and get some money back than to pick a winner. They do not like people winning and do anything to stop them even if it means preventing them from seeing the odds.

I'd settle for a clearance but unfortunately it seems Biden and myself have something in common , politics excluded . You must admit it's highly likely the dems have lied about this as well , not a good look especially when Trump is flying in the polls that were released today . 

Best stayer in the race? That's a bold claim. I don't care about the result, I don't bet at meetings like Rangiora. I also never back the Dunns, I admire your unhinged loyalty, but I still claim he's an impatient drivers... he's not the only one 😄

I think Bruce Sherwin is a top bloke and a very good race caller how they can do it I don't know , its just a pity he screams when it is a tight finish JMO.

the Act of Parliament shouldnt take 2  years to be passed into law  as there should be no objections and is it not possible to print tentative dates for july to dec ?