by Brian de Lore
Published 24 April 2020
A massive groundswell of discontent has emerged from racing’s various stakeholders in the past week. It comes from the New Zealand Trainers Association, the New Zealand Racehorse Owners Federation and the ‘Next Generation of New Thoroughbred Racing’ who have all expressed a total frustration at being subjected to a continuance of decline through poor leadership.
The common theme coming strongly from all of these three groups is they have reached a tipping point and total frustration at an administration of racing which has failed them, and allowed the industry to further regress during a period that was designated by the Minister for racing’s revival.
It’s not far off two years since Messara completed his Messara Review of the New Zealand Industry which in a subsequent round of submissions was acceptable to 80 percent of the industry. And, despite Minister Peters at the launch of the Messara Review on August 30th,2018, saying all the right things and promising reform, we have seen only a continuance of the decline – mainly through RITA’s inability to put in place a workable structure for reform and recognise the people best equipped to operationalise it.
RITA has failed miserably and everyone knows it. Executive Chair Dean McKenzie in a relatively short time, has displayed a level of arrogance equalled only by his inability to perform the role of Executive Chair – a position that demanded a severe change of industry direction and a level of communication with racing’s stakeholders which has never looked like materialising.
This week’s outcry by the industry with a flurry of letters and OIA (Official Information Act) requests is supportive of that view
Harsh words but the truth! McKenzie neither has the skill-set or the leadership attributes to do the job – he needs to go and so does the board. This week’s outcry by the industry with a flurry of letters and OIA (Official Information Act) requests is supportive of that view. In the five years that the industry has gone from a plus $75 million equity to a $80 million debt ($45 million to the bank and the rest to pay up the bills) every appointment in racing’s administration has been a government one. Racing needs to take back control of itself. The Minister appointed McKenzie and his board but they are not representative of the requirements of the racing industry.
Thirty-one-year-old Michael Smith of Waterford Bloodstock was involved in two letters to the industry this week. The first on behalf of the group of almost 100 young New Zealanders known as the ‘Next Generation of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’ which had every name listed at the bottom and was sent to Minister Peters and copied to numerous others.
In part, it stated: “…we put our full weight, confidence, ambition and trust behind the Report and implore you and all relevant officials to support and implement the Messara Report on our behalf.
“As members of the next generation of New Zealand racing, we represent a wide variety of jobs, backgrounds, and geographic regions that are united by a shared passion for the industry. Racing is our life and livelihood, a part of the history and social fabric of this country, a significant employer and a key contributor to the overall economy. We are also a provider of an elite sporting product that Kiwis can be proud of the world over.
“…for too long ours has languished at the hands of those too short-sighted or ill-equipped to make the tough decisions and necessary changes.”
“The future belongs to those who prepare for it,” Smith’s letter continued, “and for too long ours has languished at the hands of those too short-sighted or ill-equipped to make the tough decisions and necessary changes.
“We are undoubtedly at a pivotal moment and acknowledge what this means for the future of our industry in general, and in particular for our generation which will ultimately prosper or decline based on the decisions you make now. While we know that change will not come easily, we are fully committed to implementing the recommendations of this Report and will play our part in their execution. If the reforms recommended by Mr Messara are not enacted soon, many of us will be forced to join other young New Zealanders already forging successful thoroughbred industry careers in Australia and beyond.”
The letter reverberated the group’s frustration in no uncertain terms and can be seen as a final-straw plea to the Minister to step up to the plate and make something positive happen for these young people before it’s too late.
Smith’s second letter was addressed to the Chair and Board of RITA, and was copied to 11 others including the Minister, John Messara and NZTR.
“…incredibly despite the support and clear direction of the Racing Minister to RITA, NZ Racing finds itself an even more dire position today than then.”
It began poignantly with: “I write to you as a frustrated stakeholder. We are nearly two years on from the Messara Report, one year on from RITA’s appointment (1.5 years if you include the time as MAC) and incredibly despite the support and clear direction of the Racing Minister to RITA, NZ Racing finds itself an even more dire position today than then.”
The letter didn’t hold back in asking RITA three questions: 1) Is the RITA Board a viable vehicle to deliver the changes necessary to revitalise racing in New Zealand? 2) Why has RITA veered so far from the direction of the Racing Minister to follow the Messara Report?, and 3) Where is the transparency regarding the status of RITA and actions to be taken?
On the first question, Smith elaborated with this comment: “In my opinion, it has to date, demonstrated that it is not viable. To borrow a phrase from the Racing Minister during his speech regarding the former NZRB at Claudelands, “I know a dead horse when I see one.” I was very hopeful upon the board’s inception but have been bitterly disappointed to date.
“The only difference between the RITA and the former NZRB as evidenced by its actions has been in name as since its commencement we have only experienced more of the same. Outside of the RITA Board Members, the same staff has stayed in place doing the same things that have led us to the place we are today (now $45m in debt and insolvent?). Aptitude, transparency, and appetite for the kind of restructure and change we need to cut the bloat, right the ship and get back on track seem to be nowhere in sight.”
Only a small part of Michael Smith’s letter is reproduced here but in summing up he also said: “To be honest I am beginning to think that RITA is working against the industry and not for it. The glimpses of the future I see for Thoroughbred Racing in New Zealand based on RITA’s actions to date without serious stakeholder intervention are that there will not be a ship left to steer in near future.”
President Bernard Hickey’s letter is a plethora of complaints around the activities and the direction taken by RITA.
Racehorse Owners Federation President Bernard Hickey’s letter to RITA was three pages and very comprehensive. It listed a plethora of complaints around the activities and the direction taken by RITA. It also requested documentation on eight aspects of the Agency’s financial dealings to provide information which it said would “…allow ‘Owners’ or the ‘Industry stakeholders’ to decide whether any formal Judicial process should be commenced to revoke Cabinet’s appointment of RITA upon non-compliance of due process and neglect to meet the requirements of the Minister’s expectations.”
The tone of the feeling at the Owners’ Federation is clearly evident in the above paragraph. The Trainers’ Association expressed a similar concern for themselves and their owners, in its letters stating: “Due to the uncertainty and lack of information coming from RITA the following questions need to be answered. To be fair and accountable to our owners who race horses at considerable expense, we need to assure them that putting their horses back into work is justified.”
“We need to be assured that RITA is in a position to support our participants going forward. We are aware of many trainers considering alternative careers, moving their operations overseas or being forced into premature retirement. The consequences of this are clearly a loss of horses, massive reductions in staff and racing industry support staff.”
The questions the Trainers’ asked revolved around solvency, certainty of distributions, reduction of costs, wage reductions, an inefficient RIU, joint venturing the TAB, Government security of racing, the Racing Reform Bill and clarity of ownership of the TAB.
The letter requested urgency of reply, and an email response was forthcoming within three hours. But it neither came from the Chair to which the Trainers’ letter was addressed nor did it answer any of the questions. It instead referred to its published Updates which it maintained contained the answers to the questions – typical of the RITA arrogant attitude and inability to communicate and display any goodwill to the stakeholders.
“This letter clearly shows the lack of respect for our Association and the stakeholders…”
The Trainers’ went back to its members in an email that said: “This letter clearly shows the lack of respect for our Association and the stakeholders within. We do not agree that our questions have been answered in their previous updates (that have previously been forwarded to you via this newsletter).
“It also does not provide any certainty around immediate or future stakes, or the liquidity of our industry. While we requested responses to our questions by midday Monday 27th April, prior to the move to Level 3, this has totally been disregarded.”
One of the current problems for the industry is the waiting for the result of the application for a supposed $80 million bail-out/loan. If it was approved, it would stave off insolvency but possibly extend the life of RITA which can be done if the Minister deems it necessary – he has that option under the Terms of Reference.
Racing doesn’t want RITA for an extended time period. It also cannot justify further debt – it’s possible the Government might approve a loan to RITA under similar conditions to which Air New Zealand was granted its COVID-19 loan at an interest rate of between eight and nine percent.
For that to happen would be a disaster for reasons that RITA would continue with the same business model, and the Government would require security which could only be the TAB – the only asset of any value. For that to happen, we might see all the Government and Ministerial controls that were present in the first reading of the Racing Reform Bill, not be changed per the February submissions, but be reinstated to a forever Government controlled industry doomed to fail in the long-term. That would be the final nail.
In everything stated above, you may have detected not one mention of NZTR (New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing). They supposedly represent the best interests of the stakeholders and all the participants of the thoroughbred code – but how well do they do it – poorly I would suggest. They are a pussy-cat organisation that needs to go eat some iron bars, harden-up, bang a few heads and turn into tigers.
Why hasn’t NZTR developed some steel and demanded more from the Minister?
Why hasn’t NZTR developed some steel and demanded more from the Minister? NZTR told The Optimist a week ago they are not permitted to deal directly with the Minister and all communiques must go through RITA or the Minister’s office. That’s rubbish, and it should be a cue to them to deal directly and ignore the RITA directives and develop a bulldozer mentality – the board table has never worked for them.
The sector groups that have surfaced this week are showing NZTR up. In its ‘Proposed programme for a return to racing’ news release on April 21st, NZTR said the following:
“We can’t confirm industry funding or stakes levels until we get more information from RITA on its 20/21 budget. We felt it was important that the industry get some draft racing dates so we can start getting horses ready for racing.”
Yes, we know, so what is RITA doing about it? Last year RITA’s budget came out in November so why would you even contemplate getting it this year in April. RITA hasn’t yet announced its half-year result, which had a final date of January 31st. RITA missed budget by $35 million last year, so it’s budget is irrelevant. RITA is broke so what level of stakes do you expect? These are the real questions to be addressed.
An estimate I have seen based on the back of an envelope calculation is stakes may have to be reduced by 40 to 50 percent on 2019 levels (economically unsound prospect for any owner).
An estimate I have seen based on the back of an envelope calculation is stakes may have to be reduced by 40 to 50 percent on 2019 levels (economically unsound prospect for any owner).
The same news item also stated: “These are incredibly challenging times and we must focus on what is best for thoroughbred racing and what will get the most horses back racing as quickly as possible.”
Coming back quickly in the middle of winter may not be what’s best for thoroughbred racing. How many horses and numbers of races will any given meeting attract, and to get back quickly for the sake of getting back quickly (in lieu of a cunning plan) isn’t going to suit too many owners who are up for $3,000/month for a horse in full work and two to three months to get a horse race fit ($6,000 to $9,000 outlay).
As usual, the owners will bear the full brunt of the cost for a product that could make ‘mediocre’ racing look like the new ‘impressive.’
…owners who pay for the show, along with punters who provide the stakes through betting, are the two most important yet least considered groups…
Racehorse owners who pay for the show, along with punters who provide the stakes through betting, are the two most important yet least considered groups in this business known as the racing industry.
The solution: Bring back one of the world’s most respected racing administrators in John Messara to coordinate the recruitment of a task force to fix this problem. De-commission RITA and allow Messara to complete the job he was asked to begin two years ago – exactly two years ago on 27th April 2018 I wrote a story entitled ‘Messara Report will be the job only half done.’ Nothing has changed in the ensuing 24 months.
This is the most upsetting I have seen on this subject, and must call for a vote of no confidence in nztr and Rita. Too many noses in the trough incapable of running a sport that has so long been a big part of nzers leisure time of years gone by.I have lived when no NZRB and with a NZRB and seriously what a decline when supposedly we are led to be going forward.Give me strength.
Thanks Brian ,
Its time to drive home the advantage.
Covid , just like most things, has a positive and a negative stance.
To my fellow N Zers who have been sick and who have lost their mums and Dads, grandparents, I will remember them at 6.00am tommorrow as soldiers in OUR current war.
To the positive , as a stakeholder (65 rater company) my fight at some reasonable stake hasn,t changed in 40 years , (in yet I,m still here)
the most amusing thing (with the help of some smelling salts) is how all the Group and listed people are back paddleing my canoe.
As I have stated before , I will require appearance money for presenting my product on race day (back dated to when my horses enter full work)
Brian, I am totally in favour of your recommendation in John Masara to take immediate control of our industry.
Steve Herlihy
Made the decision with my trainer today to bring home my last racehorse. Not paying to race with miserable stakes said to be spread over wider field. With only 8 race programmes mean harder to get a start with my maiden (already home) so not worth it. My mare would be broken by being lumbered with higher weights which she would be given. The advice given re John Messara to replace RITA is sound. Let him finish the job he started if he would. Have read trainers, owners, breeders written letters which have fallen on deaf ears. How very arrogant of RITA to not reply in a timely manner. Time to all withdraw our horses until we have assurances re OUR TAB not being sold down the river as collateral for the lost cause of RITA’s fantasies. Not breeding our mares this season & my racehorses in waiting youngsters can be run on until their futures are assured. Perhaps sold/given away as sport/riding horses.
The NZ Trainers Federation, NZ Racehorse Owners Federation & NZTR must present a united front and meet with the minister. As the minister was responsible for the appointments to the RITA board it is very likely that the Government will bail out the industry with an $80 million loan.This is vital for the industry to survive but only postpones the problem & any interest will cause future difficulties. The fact that the previous banking arrangements have been taken over by ASB indicates that ANZ were unhappy with where the industry was heading and very likely declined to provide further funding. Something needs to change & in the short term wages need to reduce. The sooner the existing board is replaced and action taken to implement most of the Messara recommendations the better. If stakes drop we can be certain horses, trainers & jockeys will head to Australia.
Right on the nail as usual Brian especially telling NZTR to bloody well wake up. They should be our leaders! How good it is to see the young ones speaking up too. With the Trainers and Owners too becoming militant and leaders like to Pike and Smith coming through we may well be looking at the strike action, that I suggested to you some months ago, might be becoming a reality.
Do we need racing back in July or even August? What an opportunity to flex our muscles.
Below is a paragraph from a report published in ANZ Bloodstock News (22 Jan 20) of RITA’s Awapuni version of their road show some three months ago.
He (Dean McKenzie) promised to take the meetings’ concerns to the Minister but the (McKenzie’s) dismissiveness prompted one comment along the lines of: “Given your support for the legislation as written compared to our virtually 100% negative response to the legislation, how can we be sure that you will transmit our concerns back to the Minister?”
What is clear is that McKenzie is not only incompetent and inept, he is also a liar. He has broken his promise.
The Racing industry has been a shambles for years
The TAB arrogantly think they own the product when in actual fact it is the racehorse owner who is continually ignored that owns the product.
Stake money is not keeping up with cost of racing their horses meanwhile those charged with working for us are increasing their numbers and their pay packets
It’s great to have a forum for this debate.
I think we’ve reached the point of needing to form into a group that is representative of owners (first and foremost), trainers and other key industry stakeholders, and that can engage with the necessary parties to effect the changes that are necessary or that we demand – using the power we have as controllers of the “product”. It’s clear that no-one else, not the Minister Missing In Action, RITA or NZTR, are really that motivated, interested or in fact capable.
I have been advocating for owners rights for some time, and represent a large group of owner-breeders who share my concerns and support some of the ideas I have put forward. I would like to bring their voice to the table.
So, Brian, as you have led on a lot of this – and provided this important forum, how about you bring together some parties around the table to work out the strategy going forward? I would be happy to contribute.
I watched a horse in our paddocks yesterday work out it was no longer on a lead rope and bounce immediately into a gallop. I think what we need to recognise there is no-one at the end of the lead rope….
Let’s take control ourselves or least exert the power we have.
sincerely
Alan Groves
Well said Alan, in total agreement.
Steve Herlihy.
027 6233020
Thanks Brian- your voice of concern and revelation has been and continues to be a source of encouragement- independent news and truth dissemination is the true sign of a democracy at work.
But alas democracy in the Racing Industry has become submerged within a quasi Govt Dept dictatorship in the form of NZRB [originally] and it’s successor [RITA]. Getting substantive information is an impossibility-fancy having to use the OI Act to get what should be available as a normal function of an industry where the owners of the product make reasonable and appropriate enquiry.
Thanks to Bernard Hickey and Tony Pike for your efforts.
I have stated previously, that I told the Select Committee at the oral hearings in February that in my view RITA was insolvent then and went further to suggest that if the IP was transferred to RITA as was envisaged the Bank/s would then have an asset to sell.
At the hearing a member responded “Stan no one has told us about this situation at this hearing” another said ” we have got the message”.
Writing one’s own job description for a future entity is something that should not be dismissed!!!!!
Well I say now let us all be on guard of what RITA maybe negotiating because they wanted and welcomed the majority of the draft legislation as it was presented. What are banks demands?
If it is a complete bailout by govt then I say RITA should also bailout or be bailed out.
Brian I concur with your suggestion of getting John Messara back-get income generation sorted-reorganise the codes-return to profitability-grow the industry and then negotiate the asset assessment and redeployment.
Stan Alexander
Winston said ….’I know a dead horse when I see one’ …..so he lay down beside it.
Great effort Winston.
Graham B.
Today – Anzac Day is a very important day for myself and family and for health reasons may be my last.
My grandfather George (1st) was a Lieutenant Colonel in the NZRB Army and he bravely served in battles such as Passiondale and the Somme. He died in 1936 from war injuries but was in business as a hotelier In Palmerston North during the depression years during which he gave generous food parcels to many PN families. I am privileged to have some wonderful gifts given by these well deserving families and in particular a Maori war club which will never be sold.
My father George (the 2nd) has been my life long hero for many reasons. My father was a WW2 fighter pilot and was based in Guadacanal in the Solomon Islands. He was shot down in 1941 and was missing in action behind enemy lines (assumed to be dead) for 42 days. His war story has been published in books such as Wings over the Pacific, New Zealanders at War and I was There – all well known publications. Dad was also an active member of the WW2 related Goldfish and Caterpillar clubs. He was also the 2nd longest surviving NZ airman to be shot down and not taken prisoner during WW2.
My father never received a war award for his survival and we understand that this was because he only saved himself and not other servicemen. His engineer on the day that Dad flew off to be shot down was Sir Ossie James (of James Aviation fame) who later told me that dad’s war experience was one of the most amazing Pacific war stories.
My grandfather and father were both involved in horse racing and breeding and I have a similar and possibly increased involvement and interest. My best and easiest racing idea/project was to set up the NZ Racing Hall of Fame in 2003. Many NZers would have sighted our inductee video stories and induction dinners which in most respects have been organised and run without a great involvement from industry bodies. Gerald Fell and I decided to go ahead and we have had good support since that time from fellow directors such as Paul Moroney, Allan Fenwick etc. We have raised over $1.5 million in donations and sponsorships. The point I am making here is that we made an idea happen. So my challenge to fellow industry participants is that you come up with some positive ideas for our industries and make it happen.
We can criticise RITA and its leaders now, when 12 months ago we were applauding their appointment. We need some positive constructive postings now so let me start off.
As a farmer’s son, I was horrified to see the loss of traditional farmers (dairy, sheep and cattle) from the Thoroughbred breeding industry over a short period of time. Consequently I arranged a meeting between NZTBA councillors and NZ Fed Farmers CEO in December 2016 and then took Graeme Smith to the 2017 Book 1 sale. Graeme informed the NZTBA councillors that Fed Farmers would be delighted to have a membership association with NZTBA. I’m sorry to report that this opportunity to promote our Thoroughbred breeding industry to the 10,500 Fed Farmer members has not yet happened. Yet it could be so easy to implement.
With regard to this RITA non-performance issue. We need the Govt appointment of two strong willed and bullish operators to effectively audit and challenge RITA’s operations and plans. This group need to have diplomatic and bullying skills and the two I have in mind would be Michael Stiassny (who would have been a better CEO than Chairman of NZRB) and Peter V’Landys. John Messara must also be involved as he has much sweat in this project
The corona virus epidemic has also created a deep dark world out there and our participants must understand that no one – them, RITA or anyone else knows where this going to lead us
Suggest you go to facebook and read what John Street of Lincoln Farms is feeling like
This is BRILLIANT, for the first time in NZ racing history the STAKEHOLDERS are as one.
Stakeholders ,eg. Owner, Trainer ,Jockey, stablehand, Breeder
Congratulations to you all.
When you, the people of power go to the negotiating table on our behalf, don,t stuff it up.
ITS YOUR ONE AND ONLY CHANCE. remember your ACE card (with hold product)
Spare a though for us industry players, pitiful stakes is the norn for us.
Yes, I know, if its too hot in the kitchen ,” get out”.
Racing in Australia has kept me in the game, anyone know of a secondhand airhorse transporter I can borrow. How many are booked for Aus ? 100s
Fellow Stakeholders, make no mistake, there will be many moons before the soon to be rusty gates of the Kamada Park starting stalls bounce open again.
Rocket Science.
Yes Brian,
THE TRUTH IS ON THE MARCH, NOTHING CAN STOP IT NOW.
Steve Herlihy
100% agree with everything above.
Its quite simple, we need to take back ownership of our sport back.
Lets remember Rita/Government does not own one horse or any racetracks so its not like we need them and they have us over a barrel, quite the opposite.
I know this sounds so simple and there might be reason no one has suggested it but why don’t owners/trainers/jockeys/studs/racing clubs etc just collectively say enough..screw Rita….do what farmers have done with Fontera as an example and form our own Private Racing Club and race under that umbrella:
Form our own Racing company and all owners/trainers/horses/jockeys/ Racing clubs etc are contracted to supply to this company. We all become stake holders in racing along with some private investors and more importantly we now have control back of our sport. Hong Kong racing club is great example of how we could operate .
This is the only way I see racing surviving and going ahead and it will be lead by people when skin in the game in the best interest of racing. So long as we allow Government appointed boards etc like Rita/NZRB to run our sport we will keep heading in the direction we are going.
We have to get rid of the infectious scab that racing has been carrying round for 10 years and is now called Rita…10 years of NZRB has shown us it doesn’t work and never will so why do we as an industry ( NZTR) just sit on our arse moaning and groaning. This is our one and only chance to say enough, no more.
We all know Rita and the Government will not fix racing, quite the opposite as history has shown. Racing people and the industry itself need to man up, grow some balls for once and collectively with the full support of owners/trainers etc do something about it….Our answers and solutions to getting this great sport of racing back on its feet will never come for Rita or the government……..we need to take back ownership of our sport and unless this happens we will be in the same position we find ourselves in now…screwed with no future
Hi Grant,
Your ideas are the way forward, count me in.
-45 mill debt v control of what is ours (Rocket Science)
could you ph me 027 6233020.
Great comments Grant ….and one of the numerous industry participants offering to a solution to the massive hole we find ourselves in.
Somewhere in there is the right answer.
Ponder one final thought though …….how imperative it is to drastically reduce race courses in NZ as John Messara called for two years ago as he is a very wise man….. and if you do the sums …….NZ has a population of 4.8 million and has 52 thoroughbred race tracks! New York state has a population of 19.4 million people and just FOUR race tracks.
Go figure who’s got it right.
Cheers ….Graham B.
Thank god for the work done by you Brian,or our great sport would be a memory.Strong leadership needs to happen so as to see the industry move forward.If stakes drop below $10000 I feel this industry could take it’s final blow.
Fellow Stakeholder, is there anyway that we could start a company.
Example name : NZ Racing Codes Association
Starting funded at , say $10 per share price.
Captain Tom pulled off abit of a coup, one man walking around his backyard.
I struggle with two phrases in life
1. IT CAN,T BE DONE
2.ITS IMPOSSIBLE
Maybe trade on the stock exchange.
Your $80,000,000 bail out is temporary, by the time everyone gets to the round table , “September” 30% of it will be gone.
The forum is just what we need, TALKING THE TALK, but worth little,
if we don,t WALK THE WALK.
To Subscribers to the Forum, will you sit on your hands waiting for a rainy day for the mould set in again ?
I leave you my phone number for a reason 027 6233020, ring me with your opinion.
Yes, Captain Tom is the better man , by 100 years.
But Ive got $10,000 to start the shares, (that is one race) more than the current regime will offer you.
Who knows Fellow Stakeholders ,we may have enough to run a meeting by tommorrow.
Only those who are prepared to WALK need apply.
Steve Herlihy
Steve….I commend you for your efforts to re-float the Titanic.
The simple answer is …..IMPOSSIBLE.
Why? …..because Winston won’t allow it to happen …and after Jacinda’s effort over the Covid 19 pandemic Winston will be racing minister for a few years to come even though ‘sitting on his hands’ is his preferred activity.
So RITA wouldn’t let you run a race meeting however much money you raised …..and you couldn’t donate the money raised (for stakes) as they would send it south yet again because RITA RUNS RACING.
I would LOVE a revamp to make racing desirable again and if we allowed Bookmakers back on course I would be the first one to apply for a licence as bookmakers add colour which (amongst other things) racing needs.
Brian is a worldly man with tremendous ideas …..lets see his ‘fix it’ remedy if indeed he has one…….because if he doesn’t we are in a world of trouble.
Cheers …Graham B.
Thanks Graham,
Thanks for your reply and views.
If I had my own training /race track and I could present my horse to race against another mans horse , and we enter an agreement stakes wise , could anyone in NZ racing stop me ,officialdom or in your opinion ?
kind regards
Steve
I should add Graham,
I don,t want to re float the Titanic.
Its got a $45 million hole in the side of it . I want it to sink with its crew.
What does it cost to hire a racecourse for a race meeting these days?
I think its $1.
NZTR or RITA don,t own me or my horses, they have no control over Hunts , Point to Points or beach races, and they are certainly not in a position to ban or disqualify any interested participants , past or present.
And still no meantion of Stakes or bailout.
CUT THE CORD.
15k minimum stakes announced for the rest of this season!
Talk about going ALL IN ….this is like the world series of poker so I hope the ‘river card’ is favourable !!
Ha , Graham, you are funny ,love it.
other wise we will all be lying in the creek
The problems with New Zealand Racing are not new There is not the slightest doubt that the problems with NZ Racing have been building over decades because of poor and week leadership and administration. The COVID – 19 Lockdown has merely expedited things along.
Sure, we have had poor and weak leadership and administration but that has been only part of the problem. The truth is is that there is a lot of mistrust and discontent in New Zealand racing
because of the real or perceived inequality. There is a perception that all the big players have one set of rules and there is another set for everybody else. There is little use in denying this because the
the evidence is overwhelming.
It should also be acknowledged that within the industry not all participants have always worked together for the greater good. Within the industry, there have been certain stakeholders who have constantly had changes implemented for their own personal gain – to the detriment of other industry participants. And one of the worst offenders have been the breeders. It is not only the breeders who have been culpable but they have been one of the most obvious.
But what is needed right now is transparency and accountability. The people running Racing in NZ
need to front up with full and proper disclosure of the financial state of NZ Racing.
And the first place to start should be the administrators themselves. There should be a full disclosure and breakdown of people who are running racing in this country; their job titles with full description of what they do; what they are being paid. This disclosure is necessary because there
is a widespread perception among industry participants that NZ Racing is top heavy with administration
and the industry is not being run well.
Then there is the relationship between Racing and the TAB. For many industry participants there
is a long-held perception that the TAB runs racing in this country. In effect, the cart is before the
horse. The perception has plenty of merit when one looks at the way the the TAB operates and the
way the TAB has treated our product.
I remember having a discussion with a Trainer about 20 years ago. He had a stable of 40 horses.
He couldn’t make a living off training those 40 horses. Instead, he had to sell horses to keep his
head above water. His costs had kept going up but he couldn’t pass all of the costs onto his owners because he knew there were already struggling to pay. Here was a man getting up at 3:30am in the morning, six days a week and unable to make a living. This is not good but most of all it is not right.
R Mckenzie
New Plymouth