We don’t have strathayr in Europe but we have Polytrack though it’s my experience no two Polytrack surfaces are quite the same. 22 of George’s 32 UK winners in 2024 were on synthetic surfaces.  

Should make for interesting reading

NZTR and 1/ST will cover travel and freight costs for Golden Ticket-winning horses travelling internationally to compete in the respective countries. What might that cost at no obvious benefit to the NZ industry or participants?

He’s looking forward to riding on synthetic here to compare it to the UK. With the support he’s getting, he will do ok here.

Most likely nil. You see the government put the doggie industry  on notice at least 2 years ago All they did was reconstruct Wanganui track and spent a couple of mill building the straight track at Wanganui race course. I wont even start on dog welfare like cheaper and easier to put a dog down rather than spend money on vet fees allowing at the least the dog to enjoy its retirement. Take time to visit Sunday jump outs/trails and on race day walk around the back of the stands dogs locked in trailers and hot vans.  I am mates of an old trainer in his words the young ones are a different breed  its now all about winners and making money the passion has slowly  disappeared. For the record I have in the past owned and raced a few dogs but walked away a while ago. JUST to finish have a look at the dates of posts and replies on this dog site  where few write and post  a true reflection of the doggie peoples apathy    

Sorry that's what I'm trying to say 😂  we look forward to bringing the best of US racing to our wagering customers in NZ.” driven by Entain no doubt but it seems a bit left field the idea but it's their money so  they can do what they like.   

A few thoughts from a UK perspective. The Pegasus meeting has struggled to make headway since its inception. The arrival of the Saudi Cup has blown it out of the water. The Dirt race once had a purse of USD 16 million but that fell to USD 3 million with the pandemic and has never recovered. The turf race is now worth just one million US dollars but has been targeted by British and Irish trainers especially Aidan O’Brien and Coolmore as we all know the American turf horses are often inferior to the Europeans. The turf races at the Saudi Cup are also worth far more with the staying handicap going for USD 2.5 million and the Turf Cup for USD 2 million. i know the Pegasus people have been trying to build international partnerships to try to bolster the Florida event but money talks

On Your Bike won his first race at his 17th start in the 1988 Taupo Cup. Ridden by Wayne Orbell trained by Sally House at Cambridge.

What's to discuss? Was there any consultation with stakeholders, member clubs etc? I certainly hadn't heard anything about the idea.

One must always question the reliability of things on the TAB website, but ...

Sounds like we were robbed🤣 - Mikel Arteta bizarrely blames the Carabao Cup BALL for Arsenal's missed chances against Newcastle

Will you accept a jockey getting his maiden Win Max ?? In the Biggest of Big Cup's  itself. Jockey only had 9 rides prior since getting license 2 months before Cup day.  What an incredible story it was. First MC Photo finish used ever  too , and he won by a nose lol.  Ray Neville 15 years old.  

Yes, George Rooke had a decent year in the UK last year riding 34 winners.  UK jockeys used to winter in places like India but now the top riders can go to the Middle East and ride three or four days a week for serious money. For those trying to make a name, it’s either the synthetic surfaces in a cold or damp Britain or the chance to develop skills for turf racing elsewhere. You also get some jockeys going to America to develop pace riding skills on both dirt and turf.  

Happy with my Newcastle pick.  Also happy with the $3.50 I took on them a week or so back to finish in the top 4 in the EPL. They are one of the form teams right now and Isak is playing well.

Big ask for Arsenal now

😀 really who makes this stuff up  Certainly something to discuss on here. NZTR and 1/ST Unveil Partnership to Elevate Global Thoroughbred Racing NZTR & 1/ST | January 08, 2025 The $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational is the undercard feature of the World Cup card. (Liz Lamont/Eclipse Sportswire) New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) is excited to announce a transformative partnership with 1/ST, the premier North American Thoroughbred racing, gaming and entertainment company. Known for its iconic venues, including Santa Anita Park (California) and Gulfstream Park (Florida), 1/ST is a leader in modernizing horse racing by blending live racing with innovative gaming, hospitality and lifestyle experiences. As leaders of world-class racing, hospitality and entertainment events, 1/ST is also committed to advancing racing’s global profile through cutting-edge technology and international collaboration. This partnership brings a unique opportunity to connect three prestigious racedays: Auckland Thoroughbred Racing’s Champions Day (March 8), alongside 1/ST’s Pegasus World Cup (January 25) and California Crown (September 27). This collaboration will introduce "Golden Ticket" pathways, offering the winning horses direct entry into marquee races including: From the Pegasus World Cup (25 January 2025) to Champions Day (8 March 2025): The US$500,000 Group 2 Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf (1600m) winner earns entry to the NZ$600,000 Group 1 World Pool New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m). The US$1,000,000 Group 1 Pegasus World Cup Turf (1800m) winner gains entry to the NZ$1,000,000 Group 1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m). From Champions Day (8 March 2025) to California Crown (27 September 2025): The NZ$500,000 Rich Hill Stud Champion Middle Distance Series winner earns entry tto the US$750,000 Group 1 California Crown John Henry Turf (2000m). The NZ$500,000 Sport Nation Champion Sprint Series winner earns entry to the US$750,000 Group 2 California Crown US$750,000 Eddie D Turf Sprint (1300m). To further enhance the partnership, NZTR and 1/ST will cover travel and freight costs for Golden Ticket-winning horses travelling internationally to compete in the respective countries. “This partnership marks an exciting milestone in showcasing New Zealand racing on the world stage,” commented Chief Operating Officer of NZTR, Darin Balcombe. “The Golden Ticket concept creates a unique pathway for international competition, enriching the experience for racing participants and fans alike.” Aidan Butler, President of 1/ST, added: “This partnership with NZTR exemplifies our commitment to elevating Thoroughbred racing globally. By linking these iconic racedays and supporting international competition, we’re looking to drive innovation, collaboration and global excitement in the sport.” Lachlan Fitt, Deputy CEO of Entain Australia and New Zealand, operators of the NZ TAB, also welcomed the announcement: “Congratulations to NZTR and 1/ST on reaching this exciting outcome. The partnership will continue the opportunity for NZ racing to be showcased to racing fans globally and is another new pathway for NZ racing participants to consider. And through our Trackside and Sport Nation media brands, we look forward to bringing the best of US racing to our wagering customers in NZ.” This partnership paves the way for significant growth in Thoroughbred racing across both regions, with both NZTR and 1/ST excited to build on this promising foundation moving forward. For more information about the partnership and Golden Ticket races, contact NZTR’s Head Handicapper Bruce Sherwin by emailing [email protected].   NZTR NEWS RACING USA GOLDEN TICKET WORLD POOL Related News VIEW ALL  

Quite recently. Quite recently.

When was the last time someone started 2 identical threads at the same time.... someone will know.🤣

Once again, not a Cup. She was lucky to get a start. Played up at the barriers and went in at last attempt.

Oops!    $923k for Show Day 2023 T/O was actually the Stakes, should be; Show Day '23 Turnover $3.388m, corrected now!