Thanks for posting that JJ Flash. Yes, that could definitely be a Tui ad. The line l liked best amongst the typical word salad we get for the leaders of anything and everything these days was "Our surveys show that there is confidence in the future of our sport, and that is crucial." Surveys have never been responsible for many live foals on the ground in my experience. I've always preferred "the proof is in the pudding" theory, and the pudding says that while trotting foal numbers are (reportedly, see below) about level to last year (slightly down), and the overall tally is down 12%, pacing foals are down by 14.8%. Let's say 15% down. 15%!!! Yet, the writer states "......but there are encouraging signs that we can stabilize and eventually rebuild." What are those "signs". Tell us about those. Please. His numbers also don't tally (so l'm not sure how accurate the above stats are). 1552 total mares bred from, pacing mares being 1151 ("down 200 from 1351"), "trotting mares services about the same at around 500". 1552 - 1151 = 401. The total number of 225 foals down from "the corresponding 12 months" (of 1552 + 225 = 1777) actually equals a drop of 12.66%, so rounded down to 12%, but as for the rest of the numbers who knows. 401 trotting mares serviced is certainly not "around 500". Maybe a typo somewhere? Or the wool/eyes trickery. It's all written in a way that doesn't clearly give the reader all of the actual numbers of decline, some one can work out from piecing certain numbers together (pacing numbers) while other fact checks are just impossible.   

The orange moron ranting as usual…….

Whooa there big fella It's not about defaulting anti-Trumpers with Biden , but more with the crazy entire Dem party If u wanna call ppl half-wits and lacking brain cells then call  on the 77 million who voted him in All he's done is exactly what he promised all through his campaign trail ( unlike most politicians ) If you think another 4 years of Biden or that witch Harris would of been any better then you really really need the brain-cell check before anyone else

According to the Trump fanatics on here, if you don't like Trump you must be, by default, a Biden fan. They're blind in one eye and can't see out of the other. But that's the logic of these half-wits, who, if they had another brain cell between them it'd be lonely. The political world - particularly in the U.S. - needs a revamp. When the choices are between terrible and worse, it's beneficial to nobody as the world is currently witnessing. It also doesn't say much about the average American voter that they feel the best person for the job of President is all of the things you have listed above. Failed casino operator for goodness sake; you couldn't make this shit up 🤣

The 2025 Breeding Season - "we can stabilise and eventually rebuild" 7 March 2025 , Breeding HRNZ Chief Executive Brad Steele says there is still room for optimism despite the fall in breeding numbers for the 2025 season. Latest figures show that a total of 1552 individual mares have been bred to, a drop of 12 per cent on last year. "Breeding numbers have been under pressure over the past two decades," says Steele, "and it is disappointing to see a double figure decrease. We have to own that but there are encouraging signs that we can stabilize and eventually rebuild." The total for 2025 is 225 mares bred down on the corresponding 12 months, with Trotting Mares services stable at around 500 and Pacing Mares services down 200 from 1351. "The trotting totals are gratifying. They reflect recent initiatives to increase their funding and recognition, with trotters making up 30 per cent of our sport," says Steele. Volstead leads the way with 53 mares, ahead of Tactical Approach (47) and On A Streak (37). Sweet Lou tops the pacing stallions' list with 149 while his son Confederate had good numbers (67) as did the likes of Always B Miki (113), Captain Crunch (81) and Pebble Beach (79). Some colonial sires like Carlton (28), Krug (23), Royal Aspirations (27), Habibi Inta (27), Sky Major (19) and Oscar Bonavena (15) have also been in demand. Steele says the latest figures just reinforce how critical is it to get new and younger people involved in the sport. "It is evident that smaller breeders are especially reducing their numbers," says Steele, "and there are a number of reasons for that - costs are rising and some of the breeders themselves are getting older and getting out of the breeding game." Steele is confident the tide can turn. "Our surveys show that there is confidence in the future of our sport, and that is crucial." "Several positive industry developments are also beginning to take effect, creating a more attractive environment for breeders, owners, and investors." Steele says these include increases in stakes, the success of Next Gen, proposed tax reforms, the Entain 2YO bonuses and other incentive schemes and the strong results at the recent NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sales. "We cannot lose sight of the fact that there is a lot of optimism for our sport and we are committed to doing all we can to turn these breeding stats around," says Steele.   A 12% drop is room for optimism- surely the latest Tui ad

Unfortunately the situation here is very different to Wales England and Australia the vote for the ban in Australia was a 50/50 split between politicians here in New Zealand it was 123/1 split between politicians that is the reality of the situation 

I am No fan of the Democrats so do not give "what abouts". Trump quite simply is scum. In addition to being a massive liar, a sexual predator, a criminal and an insurrectionist, he has failed at business. Shit he had Casinos that went broke, and he has no idea about Economics so the Canadians will punish him over his tariffs. He is now shitting himself at their response.   Any so-called peace in Ukraine will be on Putin's terms. Trump is cowering to Russia  

And THAT is why many - especially outsiders who the sport is desperately trying to attract - consider the sport corrupt. 

About time, and who cares about Hungary ?   European leaders held talks on Ukraine and defense At a meeting in Brussels yesterday, leaders of the E.U.’s 27 countries discussed how to bolster both the continent’s defenses and its support for Ukraine. Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, called it a “watershed moment.” The goal for Europe is to better arm itself to deal with Russia without as much backup from the U.S. To reach that objective, a plan from the Commission would offer 150 billion euros in loans to invest in missile defense, anti-drone systems and other defense technologies. The leaders also reviewed a peace plan for Ukraine and ways to support it financially and possibly with troops. “We are very thankful that we are not alone,” said Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, who attended the meeting. Jeanna Smialek, our Brussels bureau chief, told me as the meeting was ongoing that E.U. leaders were mostly “vowing to stand by Ukraine.” But it wasn’t quite unanimous. “Hungary did not sign onto a joint statement of support after the European Council meeting,” Jeanna said. It was “the first time since Russia’s full-scale invasion that the E.U.’s unanimity on such a statement has broken.” Hungary has, in the past, been reluctant to join an E.U. consensus on Ukraine.

A quartet of group 1 races will take place in Australia March 8.View the full article

If theyre consistent they will get a hefty fine like Kevin Myers did with the Stacey Jones interview years ago.    They wont though.

What a lot of crap. He hates Zelensky because he didn’t dig up any dirt on Hunter Biden when he asked. Principles. Now he’s in Putins pocket, he humiliates him in the Oval office ( with fuckwit Vance, over a lie ) then cuts off military support and intelligence. That helps who ? Certainly not the poor bastards in Ukraine still suffering from daily drone and rocket attacks. Europe needs to step up and fill the breech, it is in their own best interests to do so. The US cannot be relied upon with this clown in charge and the sooner they free up the billions in frozen Russian assets the better. Humanitarian my arse. He’s the lowest form of pond scum concerned with nothing but himself. 😠

Great post Foxey , I'll add to that on an issue that only time will answer , my thoughts are that by the end of his term Trump will be regarded as a great humanitarian , as I said time will tell but on many issues the well being of people is high on his agenda  , take Ukraine / Russia no other leader prioritizes the deaths on both sides , he does just one example of many .

😅🤣😂  

A little over a month after posting the first black-type win of her career with a furious late rally in the Endeavour Stakes (G3T), CHP Racing's Saffron Moon is back at Tampa for more graded accolades in the Hillsborough Stakes (G2T) March 8.View the full article

Participants of the Maryland Horse Breeder Association's Annual Yearling Show not only have the opportunity to take home ribbons and prize money at the show, but they are eligible for a portion of $40,000 in bonus awards from the Maryland-bred fund.View the full article

On then to the declarations for next Wednesday, the second day. Turners Novices Hurdle - 4200m A big field entered albeit with some double declarations for both the Supreme and Friday's Albert Bartlett for the stayers. On paper, looks to concern just three. Dan Skelton, leading the British trainers' championship currently, has THE NEW LION, who won the Challow just after Christmas. The question really is the strength of the British and Irish form. The best of the Mullins entries looks to be FINAL DEMAND who won the Nathaniel Lacy over 4400m at the Dublin Festival by thirteen lengths and that's form you have to respect. Gordon Elliott has THE YELLOW CLAY who won the Lawlor's at Naas in early January so in effect you have three Grade 1 winners all at 4200-4400m all meeting. Brown Advisory Novices Chase - 4850m Nine have been entered, seven from Ireland and four from the Mullins yard including BALLYBURN who is my idea of the banker of the meeting. He was a convincing winner of the Turners last year and I was certain he would be a staying chaser this season but Mullins brought him to Kempton for the Wayward Lad over 3200m at Christmas and he was well beaten by SIR GINO, one of the more significant missing runners at the meeting. Back to 4450m at Leopardstown in the Ladbrokes Chase at the Dublin Festival, we saw a much improved BALLYBURN and I think the 4850m will bring further improvement. DANCING CITY was third in the Albert Bartlett last year and went on to win the Sefton at Aintree. He's won two over fences but in lower grade and I can't see him bothering BALLYBURN. Queen Mother Champion Chase - 3200m JONBON vs ENERGUMENE once again. JONBON won the Tingle Creek and beat ENERGUMENE convincingly in the Clarence House but for me JONBON is better going right handed and I think he's vulnerable. IL EST FRANCAIS was brilliant in the 2023 King George at Kempton and had a wonderful tussle with BANBRIDGE in the 2024 renewal. We know IL EST FRANCAIS loves decent ground but I wonder about the trip and I wonder about him taking to Cheltenham. MARINE NATIONALE won the Arkle last year but he's been twice by SOLNESS at Leopardstown, once at Christmas and last time in the Dublin Chase. SOLNESS is a big price at 7s - he could be a horse to whom the Joseph O'Brien team have found the key. That brings me to ENERGUMENE who won this in both 2022 and 2023 - he missed the better part of 15 months through injury but returned well at Cork before defeat by JONBON at Ascot but we know ENERGUMENE loves it round Cheltenham and he's my idea of the winner at 15/2. Champion Bumper - 3200m Likely to be a maximum field of 24 for this and Willie Mullins has just the six but four of the first five in the ante post betting. COPACABANA may be the hottest spot north of Havana but the horse of that name won on debut at Navan. Any number of these are unexposed and have claims - the mare BAMBINO FEVER won a Grade 2 Mares Bumper at the Dublin Festival but I like AQUA FORCE who was bought by J P McManus after a 28 length winning romp on debut at Gowran. Now, he probably didn't beat much but he's in the right hands and is, along with many of the others in this field, in the "could be anything" tray.

2023 Breeders' Cup Mile (G1T) hero Master of The Seas has been retired. The gelding's owner/breeder, Godolphin, revealed the news on the social media platform X March 6.View the full article

Max was offered double odds last week on Leica Lucy from $1.70 to $3.40 If the offer is on a race out in the sticks somewhere east or west of Gungawooloomooloobaabaablacksheep, I'll have a think about it if there's time. Otherwise, I'm in!

At Cheltenham the continued dry, warm early spring weather has prompted officials to carry out selective watering to hold the ground at Good to Soft. The five day entries for the first day are now through. Supreme Novices Hurdle - 3250m 17 entered of which no less than 9 are from the Clonsutton yard of Willie Mullins. 15 of the 17 are trained in Ireland which speaks volumes. KOPEK DES BORDES, as you might expect a French import, is unbeaten in three and won the Tattersalls Ireland Novices Hurdle by 13 lengths at the Dublin Festival at Leopardstown in early February. That was on soft ground and on a very different track - Leopardstown is a flat track, Cheltenham more undulating and galloping. Could he be vulnerable on a better surface? Perhaps, perhaps not but I wouldn't be taking 8/11 or 4/5 about this one now. I much prefer ROMEO COOLIO from the Elliott yard who won the Future Champions Novices Hurdle at Christmas and has looked good on decent ground. He's worth a play at 11/2 or 6s. Of the others, IRANCY from the Mullins yard has been backed from 25s to 10s and it's no surprise given the way he handled Good turf at Punchestown in November. He looks a pacey type and could well be a player at a price. SALVATOR MUNDI was sixth in last year's Triumph so the hustle and bustle won't bother him. He won the Moscow Flyer at Punchestown but this is a tougher task for all he should run well. Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices Chase - 3200m With BALLYBURN set to go for the Brown Advisory, this has cut up to just eight runners and MAJBOROUGH from the Mullins yard is 8/15 to follow up his Triumph Hurdle win of last year. He was an impressive winner of the Irish Arkle at the Dublin Festival and a reproduction of that will probably be good enough but he's very short. L'EAU DU SUD is a strong local challenger having won the Henry VIII and the Kingmaker and jumping round Cheltenham and Warwick suggests a decent lepper and he could take advantage of any chinks in the favourite's jumping. Nicky Henderson runs JANGO BAIE but his form is over 4000m and you just think they'll go too quick for him.  Close Brothers Mares Hurdle - 4000m LOSSIEMOUTH was widely touted as a Champion Hurdle challenger last season and ran CONSTITUTION HILL close at Christmas before falling in the Irish Champion Hurdle last time. However, she opened her campaign with a win over Stayers' Hurdle favourite TEAHUPOO in the Hatton's Grace over this distance and I think 4000m is her trip now.  Up in trip and against her own gender, she is 4/7 to win this and it's hard to oppose her. The one who might chase her home is stable companion KARGESE who was runner up in the Triumph Hurdle last year and while beaten at Ascot on her seasonal debut this year, she's the type to come here and run a big race and 10/1 looks an each way play.  Champion Hurdle - 3250m This may well cut up to just five runners. CONSTITUTION HILL should be chasing his third win in the race but illness ruled him out in 2024. He returned from that and wind surgery to win the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton before following up in the Unibet at Cheltenham. Is he the machine of 2023? I don't think so but he could still be good enough. STATE MAN stepped into the gap caused by CONSTITUTION HILL's injury in 2024 and was the top Irish hurdler until being brutally eclipsed at Christmas in the Neville Hotels when he was more than thirty lengths behind BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD. Yes, STATE MAN returned to win the Irish Champion Hurdle at the Dublin Festival and you could argue 9s is a big price. The mare BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD had previously beaten STATE MAN three quarters of a length in the Morgiana and I suspect that will be much more like the gap between them on Tuesday. Whether either can beat CONSTITUTION HILL seems doubtful if the latter is on form but I'm not convinced. This is a race I want to lay down and avoid (like a good Aussie wine).