One of the worst things Ive seen on a harness racing track EVER!!!!

[The Money Tree]

Everyone have a look at R7 Menangle 20.09.11 especially the stewards.
A little bit of background first Franco Torres backed from 2.80 to 1.50 fixed odds.
Stablemate Our Amazing Art in the "race".
Top of the straight Pizzuto (OAA) pulls out and he starts whipping the horse in his normal manner no problem here.
150m out our mate Kev looks across at the horse he is about to beat and realises it is the heavily backed stablemate.
Problem starts now.
He does not touch his horse again and Franco Torres kicks back and wins.
I have seen some bad things at the trots but none worse than this.
If he doesnt get life for his drive the stewards should all give it up.
We should all give it up.
He has blatantly right under the stewards and the punters noses pulled this horse up.
There are no excuses, reasons or explanations for this drive.
LIFE

[mango]

Our Amazing Art has been stood down, stewards are looking at betting activity.

[triplev123]

Choreography to rival that of Race 1 on July 30th at Bankstown. An absolute SHOCKER!

[The Rainmaker]

Choreography to rival that of Race 1 on July 30th at Bankstown. An absolute SHOCKER!

This is taken from last Tuesday's stewards report at Menangle, where Pizzuto had both Franco Torres and Our Amazing Art in the same race just like today:

Stewards questioned the driving tactics of K Pizzuto on OUR AMAZING ART NZ in that after the horse was caught racing in a one wide position approaching the 2000 metre mark OUR AMAZING ART NZ was reined up and challenged FLYING HIGH NZ for the lead until gaining the lead approaching the 1800 metre mark. Then approximately at the 1700 metre mark OUR AMAZING ART NZ steadied and took cover when FRANCO TORRES NZ moved forward to the outside of that runner. When questioned K Pizzuto stated that OUR AMAZING ART NZ failed to race best when caught without cover and it has been his intention when placed in that position to move forward to gain the lead and when challenged after gaining that spot he elected to take cover. After racing in the position behind the leader OUR AMAZING ART NZ gained a clear run approaching the 300 metre mark and eventually finished in third place being beaten some 5 metres. Stewards accepted driver K Pizzuto's explanation but advised him they expected that OUR AMAZING ART NZ will be driven in a consistent manner in future and failure to do so could result in a breach of the Rules.


So he handed up to the stablemate last week, even though Franco Torres galloped out on that occasion, and then proceeded to walk in front and got fined for slow sectionals, now he is up to similar tricks today. You would be spewing if you backed Our Amazing Art. Question is why didn't the stipes take appropriate action last week and rubbed Pizzuto out for a questionable drive, and this issue could have been avoided today. He has made an absoulte fool out of them.

[triplev123]

I was just going to reference that particular race Rainmaker & you beat me to the punch. Last week's choreography was different to today (The Foxtrot as opposed to The Tango) but IMO, it was just as bad.

[triplev123]

The funniest part about that effort...if there is anything that could be said to be funny about it...is that was arguably old mate's best drive in God only knows how long and has he ended up badly stiffing the horse. Up until the final 16th of the mile he looked like G. Sugars or Dexter...and then, in the space three or four strides, he turned into a sack of Spuds.

[The Rainmaker]

Last week's choreography was different to today (The Foxtrot as opposed to The Tango) but IMO, it was just as bad.

Exactly right. Any seasoned punter or harness follower who seen that race last week knew exactly what was going on, although not quite as obvious as today. I wonder had Encore Maestro not spoiled the party and Franco Torres and Our Amazing Art ran 1/2 then if Pizzuto would have perhaps got more than a repremand forr his drive?

Today's incident (and last weeks to a lesser degree) is the last thing HRNSW want when punter confidence is already shot after the bribed stewards scandal. I bet the stipes take appropriate action this week to make an example out of Pizzuto after they were proven wrong by giving him the benefit of the doubt after last weeks drive.

I also wonder what this issue will do to the credibility of the state's top driver in relation to being affiliated with such stables who partake in questionable tactics.

[triplev123]

QUOTE [I also wonder what this issue will do to the credibility of the state's top driver in relation to being affiliated with such stables who partake in questionable tactics.] END QUOTE.

[VVV] Probably not a whole lot more than he has already achieved on his own in recent times. I think Old Mate should've received an Oscar Nomination for Best Supporting Actor in that Bankstown charade.

[Gtrain]

I was at the pub watching this with a few non punting people. We just happened to watch the race and one of the blokes turned to me and said, "Why did he stop hitting that horse when it was going to win?"
Great look.

[Shawshank Redemption]

I was at the pub watching this with a few non punting people. We just happened to watch the race and one of the blokes turned to me and said, "Why did he stop hitting that horse when it was going to win?"
Great look.

Spot on with this one Gtrain.

Dont mind if the driver varies his tactics to try and win the race, all fine with me !

Team driving -throw the book at them ! If turnover is the lifeblood of racing and stewards dont stamp this rubbish out then watch harness racing slowly die !

Used to love to bet on the harness until a few too many of these things happened, so now bet mostly on the gallops. Not to say that it doesn't happen but stewards seem to police it better. I remember this below !

In the 1987 AJC Derby in Sydney, Shane Dye, leading on outsider Imprimatur, veered off the fence on the home turn, hampering other horses and allowing stablemate (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/stablemate) and favourite Myocard to nip through on the rails and win. Dye was suspended for six months for improper riding.

[justdoit]

Are the fines handed out for drivers that drive like he did to soft, and not enough of a deterrent?
Congratulations go to the trainer and drivers for their display at a time when the spot light is not in their direction.:)

[triplev123]

I'm pretty certain that Chris Paul was in the chair out there today. That being the case, Old Mate is stuffed. May as well throw himself on the mercy of the court and hope for 6 months.

[Shawshank Redemption]

I'm pretty certain that Chris Paul was in the chair out there today. That being the case, Old Mate is stuffed. May as well throw himself on the mercy of the court and hope for 6 months.

Just watched this race with my brother who has never had a bet on a race.
Me " Watch this race and see if you notice anything"
Brother " Okay !"
We watched the race in silence,after race.
Brother " Second horse could have won but the driver stopped driving"
Pretty obvious !

Got to admit I look forward to the explanation, the harness equivalent of my dog ate my homework !

Let me see as far as excuses ? Driver has RSI in wrist ? Lost track of number of times he hit the horse and did not want a fine ? Horse was giving his all without the whip ? Was concerned the horse would resent the whip !

[Thevoiceofreason]

QUOTE [I also wonder what this issue will do to the credibility of the state's top driver in relation to being affiliated with such stables who partake in questionable tactics.] END QUOTE.

[VVV] Probably not a whole lot more than he has already achieved on his own in recent times. I think Old Mate should've received an Oscar Nomination for Best Supporting Actor in that Bankstown charade.

VVV

I you have mentioned it before at Bankstown but that horse is always driven pretty tuff ,to my understanding at the direction of the connections.

So while you may be right it might not have been a drive of his choice and in fact if he stayed back out of the race might have also cooped a blast for driving away from the preferred tactics. I have not checked this out by the way it is an opinion based on former facts I am aware of.

[Shawshank Redemption]

Thevoiceofreason : Sounds like a John Farnham compilation.

What did you make of todays race ?

[ringman]

Now that is what i call a nice deaden;) his only concern in the straight was if something come down the outside he would have to drive it to win if the winner looked in danger from anything else.

[Thevoiceofreason]

Thevoiceofreason : Sounds like a John Farnham compilation.

What did you make of todays race ?

One of my favorites is " If you have nothing intelligent to add than add nothing" I agree with all that has been said.

One thing of interest there was a similar case in the gallops in Queensland recently the jock got 2 years later downgraded 18 months on appeal rode it perfect then forgot to ride it out to the finish it ran second.

The main reason the penalty was so high was the stewards were confident they had linked him by phone records to a big punter who had lay the horse big and backed the dangers.

The punter got 3 years but was exonerated on appeal only last week.... go figure.

I had a look at last weeks drive there was not a snowballs hope in hell the stewards could have placed a charge there.

Under our current rules as I have explained before to breach 149 the decision of the driver has to be unreasonable at the time it was madet and last week while it looked bad it would not have been considered unreasonable by any judge.

If you guys have time read some of the decisions of the judges you will understand how tuff it can be making charges stick some one once likened it to pushing rope up hill ... pretty accurate.

[Shawshank Redemption]

Any reason why they cannot hire a full time form analyst that can provide a highly educated assessment of each race.This must cost a fortune in turnover as punters shy away from betting knowing that this crap happens.

They allow expert testimony in court cases so whats wrong with an expert form analyst working with the stewards ?

[triplev123]

Any reason why they cannot hire a full time form analyst that can provide a highly educated assessment of each race.This must cost a fortune in turnover as punters shy away from betting knowing that this crap happens.

They allow expert testimony in court cases so whats wrong with an expert form analyst working with the stewards ?

[VVV] Here here! I have been banging on about that one for a few years now.
A full time form analyst who acts in an advisory capacity to the Stewards would be an excellent addition, IMO.

[triplev123]

VVV

I you have mentioned it before at Bankstown but that horse is always driven pretty tuff ,to my understanding at the direction of the connections.

So while you may be right it might not have been a drive of his choice and in fact if he stayed back out of the race might have also cooped a blast for driving away from the preferred tactics. I have not checked this out by the way it is an opinion based on former facts I am aware of.

[VVV] Perhaps. Perhaps not. Whatever the truth of the matter, I've no doubt that all will be revealed to us in the fullness of time VOR, in the fullness of time. ;)

[doinmabest]

Chairman today was Bill Cable, Chris was on the panel...

[triplev123]

Well, here's a chance to really hit one out of the park then.
Bases loaded. Designated Hitter on deck. Pitcher's got nothin'.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-msJ9T9gfcG8/TZ43NM97SBI/AAAAAAAAABg/4T7T-Y5-SUE/s320/louisville_slugger_800.jpg
Flame tempered Hickory in hand. Coach has signalled swing away.

[Just because]

That was amazing, like they were doing trackwork the last 100m. Should get 6 months straight away.

[aussiebreno]

Just as long as the full-time form analyst doesn't come from this forum

[David Summers]

Watched the race live on Sky. Almost choked on my Iced VoVo biscuit as they were coming to the line.

Could not believe what I was seeing and had to replay a couple of times to make sure I did not need new glasses or was going senile. Cannot recall a more blatant case of team driving than this. Last thing we need. No excuses , a lengthy ban is needed. Driver of second horse must have a sore neck as all he seemed to want to do was look to the right and make sure there was nothing coming to attack the leader.

Those in Sydney , I suppose you saw the news item early on last night's Channel 7 news about the current harness scandal. Showing the industry in a VERY bad light to the general public yet again. Alas , this terrible publicity is going to get a lot worse in the coming months.

[Toohard]

Just as long as the full-time form analyst doesn't come from this forum

:D:D:D:D

Wouldn't a full time form analyst also be a punter? A punter working with the stewards would be getting into dangerous ground?

The stewards are good enough form analysts already? Thats why they are good at enforcing the "Change of tactics" rule (I'm being sarcastic Triple!!)

[aussiebreno]

:D:D:D:D

Wouldn't a full time form analyst also be a punter? A punter working with the stewards would be getting into dangerous ground?

The stewards are good enough form analysts already? Thats why they are good at enforcing the "Change of tactics" rule (I'm being sarcastic Triple!!)
Hahahaha shit mate; I hope VVV didn't have a heart attack before he read the bracketed bit.

Probably have to have some kind of clause in the contract the punter can't bet on races or give info on races where he is assisting stewards.

[DAZZA]

With whats been going on this bloke obviously has no regard for anyone besides himself and simply thinks that he is above and beyond anyone and everyone else. My 3 week old kitten could of spotted that one. Kick him out, throw away the key and give him a maccas application form on the way out because thats all he deserves. Is beyond me why someone like G Bennet would even want to be seen near him let alone driving for him in circumstances like that.

[David Summers]

We can't say anything about the Greg Bennett drive. He drove to win the race , like all drivers are supposed to do.

Unfortunately the driver of the second horse and "co-incidentally" also the trainer of first and second , from that drive , seems to have other ideas about why he is competing. An absolute disgrace of a drive.

Just showed a replay in the straight to a an elderly neighbour who would not know one end of a horse from another and she spotted it straight off. "Did he drop his whip?"

[DAZZA]

I know Bennett did nothing wrong. It will be interesting to see if G Bennett drives for him again..

[Shawshank Redemption]

Calling Sam Nati !

Nows the chance to clean up this sport or rebadge it " Red Hot Trots" with a fiery new logo. I hate that term "Red Hots" but it's easy to understand where the name fits in.

Whilst I understand that it's great that you want to catch the "Great Train Robbers" ( Steward assisted race wins ) but how about catching and "jailing" these thieving little break and enter buggers ( Team Driving )

Crooked is still Crooked no matter what the scale and still hurts harness racings image and damages punter perception. The big enquiry will take time which whilst annoying is understandable, but these matters should be stomped on quickly.

For goodness sake if you boot them out dont keep letting the buggers back in each time.

[Lucky Camilla"s Lovechild]

Didn't look good. But I'm not totally sure he would have picked up the leader even if he had been 'cutting it in half '. Betting records hold the future to his immediate future in the sport.

[Shawshank Redemption]

Didn't look good. But I'm not totally sure he would have picked up the leader even if he had been 'cutting it in half '. Betting records hold the future to his immediate future in the sport.

A valid point LCL about picking up the leader, but did he even "TRY" is the question. Why did he not use the whip in the final stages after using it earlier. Regardless of the betting angle, was he giving the horse every possible chance to win ! Then if found guilty of not trying investigate the betting to see if this compounds the charge making the penalty even more severe.

[Lucky Camilla"s Lovechild]

Ooooh. I love a good old fashioned 'Salem' witch hunt though! Without trying to be the devils advocate here. I think at the moment, everyone is micro analysing every drive thinking that something is suspicious.

[Shawshank Redemption]

Ooooh. I love a good old fashioned 'Salem' witch hunt though! Without trying to be the devils advocate here. I think at the moment, everyone is micro analysing every drive thinking that something is suspicious.

Do you stir with a spoon or a stick LCL, I think you are trying to get a bite !

We are questioning this one race. People with no punting background have watched and commented why did he stop driving when the horse looked to have a good chance of winning.

More a case of cure the "sickness" before it kills the patient !

[DAZZA]

Dont worry about wanting to pick up the leader, if he wanted to win he'd of flogged it. No doubt in my mind about it.

[Lucky Camilla"s Lovechild]

Ha ha ha. No, not at all. But I do question his sanity before his integrity, considering the current climate.

[Kevin Pizzuto]

Why dont u get out there and drive ur self
last week i got 14 days for driving to aggressive the week before i got a 400 fin for
whipping to much now this week im getting in trouble for not whipping so u tell me
what to do, im trying my best so if u got a problem come see me

[Lucky Camilla"s Lovechild]

Hi Kevin. Welcome to Harness Link. Nice drive the other day. What did the exacta pay in the race? Shawshank, sometimes I like to use a spoon.

[triplev123]

Just as long as the full-time form analyst doesn't come from this forum


Hahahahahahahaha. That's going straight to the Pool Room. Thanks Breno.

[triplev123]

:D:D:D:D

Wouldn't a full time form analyst also be a punter? A punter working with the stewards would be getting into dangerous ground?

The stewards are good enough form analysts already? Thats why they are good at enforcing the "Change of tactics" rule (I'm being sarcastic Triple!!)

[VVV] You guys should leave the Comedy to me. :rolleyes:

[aussiebreno]

Calling Sam Nati !

Nows the chance to clean up this sport or rebadge it " Red Hot Trots" with a fiery new logo. I hate that term "Red Hots" but it's easy to understand where the name fits in.

Whilst I understand that it's great that you want to catch the "Great Train Robbers" ( Steward assisted race wins ) but how about catching and "jailing" these thieving little break and enter buggers ( Team Driving )

Crooked is still Crooked no matter what the scale and still hurts harness racings image and damages punter perception. The big enquiry will take time which whilst annoying is understandable, but these matters should be stomped on quickly.

For goodness sake if you boot them out dont keep letting the buggers back in each time.

You realise Sam Nati is the CEO not a steward?

[Kevin Pizzuto]

Dazza..... whats your problem why dont u show your real name
u are all on here talking shit ill defend my self
and what is it to you what i do... youse are all jealous get over yourself

[aussiebreno]

It seems Graeme Watts has taken Mr Pizzuto up on his offer a few posts back and is driving Double Bundy at Menangle on Saturday night. On that note I'll probably be on the Bundys come Saturday night. I won't go the double bundy though because I won't see the last race.

[Shawshank Redemption]

You realise Sam Nati is the CEO not a steward?

Yes I am aware of this. Always thought the CEO was the one that made the decisions! Is he not the best person to fix these problems ?

[Greg Hando]

Edited: Quote contained now deleted post

Mind your language Kevin their is women and kid's on here as well send them a private message if you want to abuse them please

[Flashing Red]

Pizzuto .. if you have done nothing wrong and didnt feel the need to defend yourself you would not be reacting so strongly. Boom Boom you've been caught out, do everyone a favour and nick off you and your antics are not wanted. Go buy yourself a nice reef and beef with your winnings from the other day and be done with it. Cheat!!!

To be fair, if people were flaming me on a forum, whether I was in the right or wrong I would defend myself. People always seem to be that little bit braver on the internet under a non de plume... I understand that people want to vent, but it would be nice to keep everything above the belt so to speak.... :)

[aussiebreno]

Your boss must have a hard time with you asking him about every little thing you're required to do in your line of work. The stewards at the meeting handle this type of thing; next in line would be Bill Cable.

[Shawshank Redemption]

To be fair, if people were flaming me on a forum, whether I was in the right or wrong I would defend myself. People always seem to be that little bit braver on the internet under a non de plume... I understand that people want to vent, but it would be nice to keep everything above the belt so to speak.... :)


Hi Red,

Ever the diplomat as usual which I appreciate.

I would hope that if you were wrong you would be able to admit your mistake and not defend yourself regardless !

[aussiebreno]

Hi Red,

Ever the diplomat as usual which I appreciate.

I would hope that if you were wrong you would be able to admit your mistake and not defend yourself regardless !
C'mon Shawshank, Flashing is NEVER wrong! Plus she's a women so that makes her never, never ever wrong :)

[Shawshank Redemption]

Your boss must have a hard time with you asking him about every little thing you're required to do in your line of work. The stewards at the meeting handle this type of thing; next in line would be Bill Cable.

My apologies oh wise one !

Thought the idea was to stamp out corruption and that Sam was looking to do this. Going to the stewards, now hang on did not two stewards leave for "unknown reasons"

A Piece of advice always go straight to the top to the person that makes the decisions. If you go to a restaurant and the food is crap what do you do ? Tell the waiter as if he cares that much ! Tell the chef who like most thinks his food is the best and gets "upset" and ignores you. Or tell the owner that the food is "poor" and that you aint coming back and won't recommend the place to your friends.

Which one of the above is in the best position to fix this !

[Flashing Red]

C'mon Shawshank, Flashing is NEVER wrong! Plus she's a women so that makes her never, never ever wrong :)

Please take note Shawshank.... lol. Aussiebreno speaks the truth! :P

And in all honesty Shawshank (and this has nothing to do with what has been said on here in regards to Mr Pizzuto) but it is always easier to admit when you have stuffed up if you aren't subject to a pitchfork and torch witchunt that is all too common on internet forums. Whenever someone speaks (rather) nasty about you, it is only natural you want to defend yourself no matter what you have/haven't done. It's human nature... people are more likely to acknowledge mistakes in a diplomatic rather than hostile environment. *shurgs*

[aussiebreno]

My apologies oh wise one !

Thought the idea was to stamp out corruption and that Sam was looking to do this. Going to the stewards, now hang on did not two stewards leave for "unknown reasons"

A Piece of advice always go straight to the top to the person that makes the decisions. If you go to a restaurant and the food is crap what do you do ? Tell the waiter as if he cares that much ! Tell the chef who like most thinks his food is the best and gets "upset" and ignores you. Or tell the owner that the food is "poor" and that you aint coming back and won't recommend the place to your friends.

Which one of the above is in the best position to fix this !
Yeah I agree actually. Trainer's should also ring Mr Nati and inform him of any change of tactics. Race-day officials should also gain Mr Nati's approval before settling on which horses get stabled where on raceday. Track curators should also inform Sam of when the water truck needs re-filling. Drivers should also ask Sam for assistance with whether to use Napi-San or Omo when washing their driver pants. Clerks of the course should also inform Sam when their horse gets shod.
It isn't Mr Nati's duty to disect each race from a stewarding point of view.

[Shawshank Redemption]

Please take note Shawshank.... lol. Aussiebreno speaks the truth! :P

And in all honesty Shawshank (and this has nothing to do with what has been said on here in regards to Mr Pizzuto) but it is always easier to admit when you have stuffed up if you aren't subject to a pitchfork and torch witchunt that is all too common on internet forums. Whenever someone speaks (rather) nasty about you, it is only natural you want to defend yourself no matter what you have/haven't done. It's human nature... people are more likely to acknowledge mistakes in a diplomatic rather than hostile environment. *shurgs*

Just taking the mickey but I would love to see you *Shurgs" Sounds erotic !

Just like the actress who wants to be a star and have everyone love her and talk about and watch her, then boo hoo shes crying because she has no privacy !

Lets not forget like actors and sportspeople these guys and girls ( Happy Red ? ) are performing under the public spotlight and criticism and compliments go with the territory !

Putting forward a good defence is sensible, abusing people never helps !

[Shawshank Redemption]

Yeah I agree actually. Trainer's should also ring Mr Nati and inform him of any change of tactics. Race-day officials should also gain Mr Nati's approval before settling on which horses get stabled where on raceday. Track curators should also inform Sam of when the water truck needs re-filling. Drivers should also ask Sam for assistance with whether to use Napi-San or Omo when washing their driver pants. Clerks of the course should also inform Sam when their horse gets shod.
It isn't Mr Nati's duty to disect each race from a stewarding point of view.

Aussiebreno you must repair old clocks because you do a good job of winding me up.

Sam Nati CEO and the biggest issue is corruption ! he needs to set the rules for stewards to enforce !

[2minuteman]

Very hard to defend the indefensible.

[Shawshank Redemption]

Very hard to defend the indefensible.

Why 2minuteman ?

The missus give you that after a bout of lovemaking ?

[justdoit]

The drive looked bad to me, it will be interesting to see what the stewards think of it.

Kevin,
Looking back at that race do you believe that you will have much of a problem with the stewards?




Live every act fully, as if it were your last.

- Buddha

[aussiebreno]

Aussiebreno you must repair old clocks because you do a good job of winding me up.

Sam Nati CEO and the biggest issue is corruption ! he needs to set the rules for stewards to enforce !
How'd you know? I was down at the track the other day actually and overheard somebody say "Gee, this bloke broke the clock" I went over looking for some business. Turns out the horse ran a half in 56.*

*Story may not be true.

Btw your username is epic. My favourite movie bar none.

[2minuteman]

?????

[The Rainmaker]

Mind your language Kevin their is women and kid's on here as well send them a private message if you want to abuse them please

Seems as though nothing has changed since May last year:

PIZZUTO BANNED

Stewards have suspended trainer-driver Kevin Pizzuto for misconduct after he swore and abused them following an unsuccessful protest at Penrith last month.

It was Pizzuto's second offence under the misconduct rule in quick succession and chief steward Michael Beattie took severe action, suspending his driver's licence for a year and his trainer's licence for four months.
''We will not stand for behaviour like that,'' Beattie said. ''If the shoe was on the other foot I would lose my job if I behaved like that to him, and licensees have to show stewards respect.''
Pizzuto was also given a $4000 fine, fully suspended for 12 months, and will only be imposed in the event of another conduct-related breach of the rules.


Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/horseracing/harold-park-sale-still-on-schedule--but-friday-night-gallops-dont-have-a-free-run-quite-yet-20100501-u05f.html#ixzz1Ya3He4pE

[Shawshank Redemption]

How'd you know? I was down at the track the other day actually and overheard somebody say "Gee, this bloke broke the clock" I went over looking for some business. Turns out the horse ran a half in 56.*

*Story may not be true.

Btw your username is epic. My favourite movie bar none.

My alltime favourite movie too. Never liked Tim Robbins until I watched this movie.

I seemed to have wound you up with some of my other posts which you seemed to have taken the wrong way !

But lets face it mate in a battle of wits you seem to prefer unarmed combat !:p:rolleyes:

[aussiebreno]

wow i forgot you have tats that must make you real hard to beat.now kev you stop talking S*** you hooked it up and dont get on here trying to convince people you didnt.and im not talking through my kick because i have not invested a dollar on the red hots for months the way races were being run because of C**** like you.

cop it on the chin or throw your rattle out of the pram its your choice
Oh dear....

[2minuteman]

Oh dear....
Exactly

[justdoit]

Is it possible to that we can stop posting profanities (is that the correct spelling?) Its not that they cannot be used every once in a while, its just that this whole thread has almost
gone to shit house or for you guys S*** house. Its the same word, by putting little stars? what the fuck does that do? OHHH sorry my mistake. What the F*** does that do?

From Admin: I agree, I usually play it by ear and have no problem with swearing if the content is ok (which is why I'll leave your above as it is). But I have just deleted the stuff entirely you are referring to as it was way too far.

Bottom line is context: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdzQpq1CkKU (NSFW but fucking funny)

[2minuteman]

Exactly

[admin]

I'm going to lock this thread as it's taken a turn for the worst.

I understand many of you are not happy with the state of racing especially in Australia at the moment, but honestly we were hoping this forum would become more than a place to vent. Almost daily we receive calls and emails from various parties, often with accompanying legal threats, and if it does come to it we will simply have to shut down as currently the forum is free and not ad supported so there's not much business incentive there.

Even when I edit a name somebody names personally with an accompanying taunt for that person to sue, I get "don't you dare edit this admin", so it's becoming impossible to keep everyone happy.

I'm not sure what the best course of action is from here. In a perfect world I'd allow anybody to say what they liked, but internet being what it is, and racing being what that is it wouldn't take long for everything to fall apart. Easiest course of action for Harnesslink would be to simply not allow any talk of suspension, rule breaking etc. In my opinion this wouldn't make us any better than industry bodies (who I won't name) that don't mention the "dark side" of racing, and want to pretend all is well.

I'm going to repost this in the help/announcements section (here's the link (http://www.harnessracingforum.com/showthread.php?1406-Asking-For-Opinions-on-Negative-Discussion)), and I'd appreciate some feedback. Last time I checked internet law in NZ (where Harnesslink is based) is pretty outdated, meaning that Harnesslink, as hosts, are somewhat legally responsible for your comments. And imo staying out of a court room on your behalf trumps my inclination toward free speech, so something has to change.

I understand many of you are censoring your real opinions on this type of stuff somewhat which I appreciate, but it's not enough at the moment and as the forum grows it gets harder and harder to oversee. If we can't find another way we will need to instigate a hush hush rule where cheating etc isn't allowed to be discussed. I understand most of you won't like this, and you're free to leave, though we'd appreciate you staying and continuing to discuss the overwhelmingly positive aspects of the sport.

I'm also going to go through this thread and make some (hopefully) minor edits.