AMENDMENTS TO THE WHIP RULES (RULE 638(3)(c)) After very careful consideration, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing has decided to make some changes to the Rules regarding the use of the whip.  These changes were initiated by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities to try to achieve consistency with the use of the whip by Jockeys over the world.  As you will be aware, the use of the whip during a race is seen by many people as cruel and unless we take steps to change that perception we could face increasing opposition.  The changes to the Rules are for the welfare of the horse, to demonstrate that we are serious about caring for our horses.  The new Rules are intended to make sure that whips are not used in such a way that they cause unnecessary pain during a race. The changes to the Rules will come into effect next Wednesday (12th February).  These changes are: The whip must not be used if you are not in contention of running in the first five placings. – The whip should only be used to get the best out of your horse when in contention.  It is not a good look for horses out of contention to be getting hit with the whip. The whip must not be used on a horse’s flank. – The horse’s flank is a very sensitive area and getting hit there is painful.  This area must be avoided. The whip must not be used forward of the saddle whilst it is held in the forehand position. – A horse’s shoulder, neck and head are also sensitive areas and should not be hit with any force.  Tapping the shoulder using the whip in the downward position is ok. The whip must not be used in a manner which causes a welt and or injury. – Whips should be used for encouragement and not to cause injury.  Injuries and welts may be seen by spectators or on television and makes racing look bad. In essence, most Jockeys will not have to make any changes to the way they use the whip currently, as it is not common for it to be used in a way which would breach the new Rules.  The new Rules are to show that there is no intention to use the whip irresponsibly. The new Rules are not intended to collect more money in fines, the best outcome would be if no jockey was ever found guilty of breaking them. The rule amendments will be published shortly and will be available on the LoveRacing website. These are added to the existing rules, please check the rule book for all whip rules.

The thing is it's not all one way , horses come into the stables as well , but no one likes to lose a horse . Tough environment , as he said he made a mistake with the types he was bringing in , I'm sure he's rectified that and the next 2/3 seasons will see a shift .

Lot 67   La Passe Lot 272  Savoia Lot 417  Zayydani Lot 446  Angelica Hall Thanks for the comp

Personally I would love to see him in Australia. 

It will ever be "horses for courses" That is part of the tapestry of racing. I imagine Strathayr is not used in climes that get icy as you might get a frozen zone reinforced with mesh

I felt a bit sorry for him. He's clearly a winner and has been doing it hard over there - especially when you can lose a horse to another stable in the blink of an eye. Hope things change for him soon.

https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=495059627825370 SRV  Couldn't stand the Weather

Good horseman whose sweats the little stuff , those qualities always rise to the top .

She has the best figures of all 3yo's, rating around a 98 I believe. Love to see her here.  Linebacker another smart Aussie horse who might come over for John O'Shea - by Super Seth. 

I still think Hankee Alpha is a good horse, lightly raced horse who was excellent beating a horse who smashed them next start, still don't know how she won at Te Aroha taking small gaps and was working home well in Almanzor Trophy, bred to enjoy the step up in distance of 1500m, out of right 3yo stable and any tempo on she will be booming home late with a wicked turn of foot. Currently $16.  

Is Hitabell underrated and a chance of getting a slot? She finished 2 lengths of Alabama Lass, went onto win O'Leary's Stakes at 1340m, then stepped up in distance and won over 1600m in Eight Carrat beating one of the chances in the race. She has won at Ellerslie, she has got speed to put herself in the race, in form, and by a Savabeel stallion in Embellish who has done some decent things here in NZ without being spectacular. Currently $21 in futures betting.

Yes, let's hope his fortunes in Hong Kong turn around and he gets a decent go at it 😎

By hokey! What should she do?

Totally agree. Was a great interview. Yes let’s hope Jamie gets a good horse soon. 

I'm surprised Miss Jools hasn't locked onto the topic 

Hokey and Mitey have another cafer with a decent dose TDS. Bluey the goat herder is quiet since Trump won in a landslide.

I'm pretty sure they have a full range of readings available related to penetrometer readings but including other factors. Though as you say, never worse than yielding as far as I remember. Penetrometer readings are still the primary determinant there though as they are for all other tracks here, so I don't see why Ellerslie don't provide them or use them. Going (Turf Track) Going Penetrometer Reading Firm F < 2.50 Good To Firm G/F 2.50 - 2.75 Good G 2.75 - 3.00 Good To Yielding G/Y 3.00 - 3.25 Yielding Y 3.25 - 3.50 Yielding To Soft Y/S > 3.50 Soft S   Heavy H   It should be noted that penetrometer readings are used as reference for determining track going; jockeys opinion, turf surface and weather conditions are also taken into account.