We do hear a lot of criticism about the way racing is run in NZ. Even I have been slightly critical on occasion. But, I must say, I was at Riccarton on Saturday and they did put on a pretty good show. We have become used to the bomb site at Trentham over recent months, so in comparison the way Riccarton has replaced their two demolished stands with grassy embankments looks quite attractive. They have almost managed to become a cross between a city track with a well appointed grandstand and a country track with lots of grassy environs. I can never understand why Ellerslie jams their patrons into the 150 odd metres prior to the finishing post. The way Riccarton lets cars park along the running rail seems like a much better idea to me. Other than during Cup Week the single grandstand probably is all they need given the crowds at race-meetings these days. And it did look like a quite contented crowd on a nice sunny day. I thought I had been under charged for beers and food in the bar, then after checking out the prices realised everything was very fairly priced. And most importantly the track itself seemed to play quite well with winners coming from all over. Reverberations leading all the way and never looking like being beaten, Riviera Rebel diving through along the inside to win easily, between times Betty Spaghetti coming right down the outside fence. There was certainly something for everyone. Even breaking 60 seconds for 1,000m in the last on a heavy 10. I bet that doesn't happen very often. And great to see the South Islanders take out the whole card, including the first four home in the Warstep, despite a sizable northern contingent. Loose Sally certainly looks an impressive type. Two very good fillies out of the south this season. Just a pity that was the only race further than 1,600m for southern 3yos all season. And the Canterbury Gold Cup quinellaed by two horses that ran over 1,200m at their previous starts, due to lack of alternative opportunities. I bet that doesn't happen often either. A significant number of Otago and Southland horses backed up from Riverton only seven days earlier and did very well. It is perhaps unfortunate that Oamaru doesn't kick in until mid June given the number of horses in the deep south currently. I won't get carried away, but Riccarton might be doing some things right. I would like to see them make a bit more effort to get genuine sponsors for more of their races. If country clubs can get decent sponsors for all of their races, surely a club in a city of 400,000 people can get sponsors for all their races on a big day.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/692872399829956 the Jab

They are useless . Some of you guys will remember Harry Fryer , Brian Crengle , Tom Taumanu they were tough and didn't take any crap . Brian Crengle told me to get a hair cut and have a shave once lol . 

https://www.facebook.com/reel/611680608463635 Peace please

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1073491247922784 Stealthy Brainwashing

Was talking more about the meeting earlier in the month, I only watched a couple yesterday.   I think ultimately WD will be right though - Wanganui winter they're all on the other side of the course anyway.  Either way, cant see it helping our "sit and sprint" problem.  

Try getting a race book at some places. Apparently a reasonable crowd on Anzac Day, for 1 race. Way to go to entice newbies. I hear to many bad reports regarding  race day experience. You are so right Scooby. 

All about what websites you use to view harness racing. How about asking the Hard Questions Standing starts Horses being driven for next weeks race Weak stipes Team driving Drivers half carting in almost every race Unfair handicapping system Loss of owners and breeders Handouts to ATC and I have only scratched the surface

Tactics , what tactics ?  We have to dumb it down for many of them . I actually watched some riders in behind on the rail actually angle wide and then remember there was a cutaway and angle back in . Had forgotten since the previous race . I can't actually believe how ambivalent I have become to watching racing in the CD , that's on TV before even talking about going to the track , that would take a lot of persuading .

I simply wouldn't have any confidence in having a horse in work in the CD , it's a complete clusterfuck . Plus I have absolutely no confidence in those charged with running it . Good luck to anybody who is racing a horse in the CD .

El Vencedor reminds me a bit of Sir Slick, who used to be able to win 1600m-2000m G1s in NZ by dominating from the front. Ironically he also went to HK for the QEII Cup, drew barrier 1, led until the turn and finished 11/11, while EV finished 10/11 after the Japanese mare broke down.

Did you tell Jamie , Canterbury Man said to say hello 😅

I thought it was a great race and the horse who won , that was incredible to come from last 

The Aqueduct Racetrack spring meet, which ran from April 3-27, saw jockey Kendrick Carmouche pick up his fourth riding title at a NYRA meeting. Carmouche paced all other riders to secure his second Big A spring meet riding title with 21 wins.View the full article

Returning from Kentucky—including a five-hour layover in Atlanta—was worth it as Rispoli guided Jungle Peace to victory in the 6 1/2-furlong, $100,000 Senorita Stakes (G3T) over Santa Anita's downhill turf April 27.View the full article

I dont think that is correct there were plenty making runs out wide yesterday, not sure what you were watching.

Spot on Don……    

Wanganui also had it in place for their meeting at the start of the month.   Its reduces the 'hard luck' stories in each race sure, but imo it also dumbs down some of the tactics.  Nobody is trying to get off the rail heading round the turn and into the straight, thus nobody is getting pushed wider on the bend, thus nobody makes an outside move any earlier than they have to and the end result is the leaders get away with murder and the plague of NZ racing (one of many) gets worse.   

Its no wonder people dont attend the races to have 1 tote window open and not enough bars available is nonsense, but once again its the norm nobody will be asked the hard questions so its play on nothing to see here, no wonder the industry is heading the wrong way at a speed of knots.

More questions to add to the questions list . Don't expect an answer anytime soon . As for the 2nd paragraph , well probably a costs related thing . But much of what happens in NZ racing now is very much the same . They talk corporate but act amateur ,