https://www.facebook.com/reel/683419987669521 Neil Armstrong

Had the same feeling myself. The script never changes, only the actors. 

Excess noms from the 2yo's and open horses means our 3yo maiden filly misses a shot at trialing on a grass track......along with 100 odd other horses🤬

Just been reading NZTR news and there's a story on NZTRs new CEO Matt Ballasty , He seems quite positive about the industry . I know some people think I can be negative but I just got the feeling that he was reading off statement that Sharrock had left on his desk when leaving the office . Everything sunshine and light . Good luck to him , I do hope he is the "MOSES" that racing needs .

Where are the 2yos. Well there is 124 to trial at PUKE tomorrow.  The flashy types have got the lolly and are.out for a spell.. Pity the lolly jar is low. But I applaud the trainers who think of the babies development into real racehorses

The following extract is from the OPTIMIST thread below. It bears out what I posted earlier { NZTR has some parallels with a book I’m currently reading; it could even be the NZTR anthem. It’s entitled MISTAKES WERE MADE (but not by me), which the Wall Street Journal reviewed by saying “Illuminating when you recognize yourself in the stories it tells – mortifying.” The New Zealand Racehorse Owners’ Association President, Bernard Hickey, has written to NZTR claiming the problems at Awapuni were known well before the race date, and the meeting should have been transferred to Otaki. His letter also said, in part,” …evidence from my point of view is that RACE, RIU and NZTR were culpable in terms of the provision of the Health & Safety Act in not showing due diligence in its decision-making process. No doubt the Club’s Risk Register was updated when the hazards were identified during the week that led to the rail being pushed out, which is a risk in itself at Awapuni, but I doubt such documentation even exists.” The Trainers’ Association does nothing. It is a toothless, benign organisation that is seemingly frightened that its members won’t get their licences renewed each season if they say anything.  

Fox News so must be right eh….? 

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