NSW "Prizemoney!"

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triple V

VVV- Ok. Does....having a Virginia Ham under each arm and crying because you don't have any bread...work?

Virginia hams, prized for their sweetness, are cut from razorback hogs fed on peanuts!

If you knew this, its funny.
If you didn't know this, its even funnier.

Quote:

Originally Posted by trish

Virginia hams, prized for their sweetness, are cut from razorback hogs fed on peanuts!

If you knew this, its funny.
If you didn't know this, its even funnier.

VVV- So...that's it is it Trish? No reply to ANYTHING whatsoever that I mentioned in #40?
I rest my case.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triple V

VVV- Trish, I can immediately read one extremely significant positive into that PDF.
The Named Horses figure as it directly relates to annual foaling numbers and in turn Industry wastage.
We are breeding far, far fewer horses than we ever were 35+ years ago HOWEVER at the same time it is a FACT that we are conducting significantly MORE races than we did 35+ years ago.
This is because the horses we are breeding these days are sired by infinitely better class/quality stallions than were ever even dreamed of being available in the past, the foals by those sires are... I suspect to the surprise of nobody who's been paying attention...getting to the races in vastly greater %'s, age wise they are getting there earlier across the board & consequently they are having MORE RACE STARTS LIFETIME than their predecessors could ever have dreamed of.
That there are fewer Trainers & Drivers now than there were 35+ years ago merely reflects ongoing Industry changes from a large number/greater % of part-time/Hobby trainer/drivers to a smaller number/ greater % of more full-time participants. I hesitate to use the word 'rationalisation' however, like the number of small tracks throughout the State being closed down and the Industry moving to a focus on fewer but larger Regional Centre operations (Menangle/Goulburn/Bathurst/Newcastle/Tamworth)...trainer/driver numbers, like tracks and foal numbers, are not immune to rationalisation as a result of financial pressures/constraints. How would you like to have another 7000 odd foals across Australia out there looking for someone to shell out their hard earned, a % of those at the sales & others privately, to buy and pay to have trained and subsequently...looking for somewhere to race?
At one stage there not so many years ago we had 16 mares. We saw the writing on the wall and to remain a part of the Industry we loved so much we cut our cloth to suit the returns, we're back to 5 now, probably drop one more off/not replace her over the next few years.
It is what it is, the basic financial fundamentals of remaining part of the show are what they are.
Even now the Australian & NZ Breeding Industries produce more foals each year than there are Owners out there who are willing to shell out to buy, train and race.

Hand in hand with the above...the lack of Owners is in now way assisted by the really spineless efforts of recent times that have occurred on behalf of a great many Trainers. These are blokes who are at the coal face and who, despite being much more aware than most of the shrinking pool of Owners out there and becoming aware of the Owner pool dwindling much sooner than anyone else, still steadfastly refuse to put their hands into their own pockets and own shares in the horses that they train. They are of course more than happy to fire off their monthly accounts... but as far as sharing even a part of the risk they expect their Owners to take on...by and large they are notably gun shy.
If a Trainer doesn't show some faith in their own Industry, faith in their own product, faith in that which puts food on their table by way of taking a piece of each horse than enters their stable...it's more than a bit rich for them to nevertheless expect Owners to do so.
There are some VERY notable exceptions of course...however they are unfortunately very few and far between.
Interestingly those few and far between Trainers are often more successful than most BUT also inexplicably critiqued by their contemporaries...often whilst said critics stand at the bar at the Yearling Sales, a can of Jimmy in hand and waiting, like a Venus Fly Trap...for some poor unsuspecting bastard to wander by and drop a horse or two into their lap.

All this makes me think of a short story. In response to a journalist suggesting he had been lucky throughout his career, the late, great 5 time Little Brown Jug winning Trainer, Billy Haughton was quoted as saying "The harder I work, the luckier I get". That's been used many times by many different people...but always to the same end. We all need to take a leaf out of Billy's book.

A good many people in this very much loved Industry of ours simply need to quit their bitching and moaning and groaning, pick their battles and otherwise just get on with it. There are a dozen or more things that I would change if I could. I would fight 20 battles plus a day if I had the time & the inclination. I like a good old stoush more than most & way more than I should. I have found one thing to be true however. There's more than one way to skin a cat. If you want to kick the chairs out from under those you believe to be cheating, very little is to be gained by running the Industry down here in a public forum. You need to be a little bit more creative.

As you are keen for a reply VVV, I will tell you how it struck me.
I would say that the emboldened part is sad. It sounds a little defeatist but I dare say it is also realistic.
I cannot help but think our administrators have failed dismally. In which case a bit of moaning and groaning to let them know they have not done enough cannot be all bad IMO.
As for not discussing the industry's woes on a public forum eg cheats, I think you will find that this forum is 99% enthusiasts and we are unlikely to cost the industry converts as we have a fairly balanced range of threads for the new 1% we snare
Seriously, there are plenty on here that would like a creative leader who will show us how to skin the cat so don't hold back

Quote:

Originally Posted by Messenger

As you are keen for a reply VVV, I will tell you how it struck me.
I would say that the emboldened part is sad. It sounds a little defeatist but I dare say it is also realistic.
I cannot help but think our administrators have failed dismally. In which case a bit of moaning and groaning to let them know they have not done enough cannot be all bad IMO.
As for not discussing the industry's woes on a public forum eg cheats, I think you will find that this forum is 99% enthusiasts and we are unlikely to cost the industry converts as we have a fairly balanced range of threads for the new 1% we snare
Seriously, there are plenty on here that would like a creative leader who will show us how to skin the cat so don't hold back

VVV- Not defeatist by any means mate, Breeders are by nature supreme optimists where their activities are concerned, they have to be. It's a prerequisite. Anything less than that just doesn't get you over the many & varied disappointments, some of which can prove to be all but crushing...and that come as part of the territory.
We had a swag of mares there at one stage and I don't mind admitting there were quite a few passengers that for a variety of reasons we had picked up along the way and by rights we should not have been breeding from, but nevertheless we did. Financial realities in any form of endeavour have a cold, hard habit of hitting you between the eyes and heading to the sales and not even getting service fees back for a number of them was of course the last straw. That was nobody's fault but our own. Not for one minute do I blame Industry Admin for any of that. Sales Breeders ignore basic Industry commercial imperatives at their inevitable peril.
Getting points across wise...well, the easiest way I think there is to get your point across to Administration/Regulatory etc is to get on the phone & and call them and/or make an appointment to go talk to them... or better still, just straight up walk over & talk to them whenever you see them. Nothing beats a face to face encounter. Get on a Committee, get to the Industry talk fests and stand up and let them have it if that is your want. As I said in #40, there's plenty I'd change if given the chance, there's plenty Admin & Regulatory do way wrong in my eyes but there is plenty Admin do right as well. Brickbats and Bouquets accordingly. It's not all one way traffic.

Interesting.....

http://www.harness.org.au/news-artic...?news_id=24421

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triple V

VVV- Not defeatist by any means mate, Breeders are by nature supreme optimists where their activities are concerned, they have to be. It's a prerequisite. Anything less than that just doesn't get you over the many & varied disappointments, some of which can prove to be all but crushing...and that come as part of the territory.
We had a swag of mares there at one stage and I don't mind admitting there were quite a few passengers that for a variety of reasons we had picked up along the way and by rights we should not have been breeding from, but nevertheless we did. Financial realities in any form of endeavour have a cold, hard habit of hitting you between the eyes and heading to the sales and not even getting service fees back for a number of them was of course the last straw. That was nobody's fault but our own. Not for one minute do I blame Industry Admin for any of that. Sales Breeders ignore basic Industry commercial imperatives at their inevitable peril.
Getting points across wise...well, the easiest way I think there is to get your point across to Administration/Regulatory etc is to get on the phone & and call them and/or make an appointment to go talk to them... or better still, just straight up walk over & talk to them whenever you see them. Nothing beats a face to face encounter. Get on a Committee, get to the Industry talk fests and stand up and let them have it if that is your want. As I said in #40, there's plenty I'd change if given the chance, there's plenty Admin & Regulatory do way wrong in my eyes but there is plenty Admin do right as well. Brickbats and Bouquets accordingly. It's not all one way traffic.

We saw the writing on the wall ......
It is what it is, the basic financial fundamentals of remaining part of the show are what they are

Now read differently with the context you provide

I guess I blame Admin for not growing our industry and for us being even more insignificant than ever in relation to the 'other' horse industry.
I have a couple of family members very heavily involved in that other industry and in comparison it is hard to dispute their claim that we are irrelevant

I probably email, call etc way more than the next bloke but I also see a potentially strong voice in our forum. I know Adam Kelly printed off our 'Ways to Improve the industry' thread
I would like to think that we remember to praise too. We are certainly aiming to have some fun

A person has to laugh or just go crazy our bloke won his co last night and today this
http://www.harness.org.au/news-artic...?news_id=24421

Quote:

Originally Posted by kung fu man

A person has to laugh or just go crazy our bloke won his co last night and today this
http://www.harness.org.au/news-artic...?news_id=24421

That would be more than a bit frustrating Warren....but on the bright side, Congrats!! hope you are still enjoying the win!

cheers,
dan

Yeah still watching the replay every hour but its still feels like i just walked down the shop handing out hundred dollar notes,hopefully he can do it again soon

http://www.harness.org.au/news-artic...?news_id=24421

THANK YOU JOHN.
What a great move by HRNSW, this is decent & fair.

Isn't this positive Jaimie.

What was the anomaly i wonder?

Quote:

Originally Posted by kung fu man

Yeah still watching the replay every hour but its still feels like i just walked down the shop handing out hundred dollar notes,hopefully he can do it again soon

Good Luck, they quite often go on with it once they find the line!

Hes won 5 now and going as good as he can each week, hes gives 100%

Quote:

Originally Posted by kung fu man

Hes won 5 now and going as good as he can each week, hes gives 100%

You've gotta be proud of him then Warren, all anyone can ask is for 100%, he is obviously an easy horse to like!

Quote:

Originally Posted by kung fu man

What was the anomaly i wonder?

“An anomaly had occurred with the scheduling of Secondary Meetings which required immediate attention"

Hi Warren, maybe this anomaly means that they might even look at back paying you. Maybe go & pick up those $100 notes. Hope so for your sake. After all it was only two meetings.

Quote:

Originally Posted by trish

http://www.harness.org.au/news-artic...?news_id=24421

THANK YOU JOHN.
What a great move by HRNSW, this is decent & fair.

Isn't this positive Jaimie.

VVV- See #49

Didn't take long to screw the little bloke with the new handicapping the competitive stakes in the last at Newcastle is a farce

Original conditions for race -For horses which have had a minimum of 6 Australian starts & have an average individual mile rate of no better than 2.01 (over the last 6 starts) and assessed no better than C1.

Quote:

Originally Posted by djgood

Original conditions for race -For horses which have had a minimum of 6 Australian starts & have an average individual mile rate of no better than 2.01 (over the last 6 starts) and assessed no better than C1.

VVV- Shit go that.

At least it was drawn with the C1s!

I'll be scratching my bloke...
It's a very disappointing situation when you think you're going to be in a race with horses around the same ability as your horse and then the power that be go and change it for a horse that's won 3 of his last 5 and last 3 starts ran 59, 56 and 56...
Competetive stakes apparently???

You should be let scratch from that without penalty if they changed the conditions to suit 1 horse

Totally agree, That's the fairest scenario.

We are supposed to be doing two things at the moment....reducing our % of odds on pops, and trying to keep honest people in the game, that race field achieves neither.

I just worked out this horse's last three MOBILE starts in NZ, added them to his three Australian starts and got an average personal mile rate of 1.59.7, surely our NSW handicappers would have done the same???? if you were to take Standing Start mile rates into account when handicapping the race, well just about ANYTHING is going to be eliglible.

In my humble opinion the horse should be scratched by HRNSW due to an error made by it's handicappers!!

Instills confidence for the future. The powers that be can justify this any way that suits them but...... ordinary by anyone's standard.

They couldn't do ballots properly and fairly for when 11 or more horses nommed for a pre set C race what made people think grouping 30 plus horses was going to be done properly and fairly.

Changed conditions

HRNSW: Please note that the conditions for all future "Encouragement" and "Competitive" stakes have now been changed. The Encouragement stakes now exclude trainers who have won a race in the 14/15 season. The Competitive stakes are now assessed based on Australian runs only. The programs have been changed to reflect this - please see harness.org.au for full programs.

http://www.harnessmediacentre.com.au...tvvideos/15907

Just dont race every week hold your horse back a week ,that just shows how out of touch they are, or are there trainers out there who only charge for when your horse is racing that week really! is this the best we can have running the show?

Quote:

Originally Posted by kung fu man

Just dont race every week hold your horse back a week ,that just shows how out of touch they are, or are there trainers out there who only charge for when your horse is racing that week really! is this the best we can have running the show?

Hi Warren if the trainers are NOT happy, shouldn't they (the authorities etc) be listening to THEM.......NOW !!. Can you imagine what would happen if everyone just decided to race for the bigger prizemoney & raced every fortnight at Penrith? See you later I'm taking my horses elsewhere, Qld, Vic This interview just shows me that they want everyone at Menangle & that would be great if you had the horse to go there but not everyone has or just race for $4000 you'll be right attitude . Stinks.

No Metro stakes meeting in NSW this week?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Messenger

No Metro stakes meeting in NSW this week?

I guess if you take Goulburn today and Menangle Sunday would only have been 1 meeting 99% of weekends the prize-money evens out. We get to enjoy some more racing in between the great program at Kilmore on Sunday!

Right Brendan, I just saw how much they were racing for at Goulbourn on a Friday afternoon - amazing AND explains no metro stakes meeting this week

Remedial Works Required for Bathurst Track

22 October 2014
http://www.harness.org.au/news/images/logos/HRNSW-2.gif

http://www.harness.org.au/news/images/main/4090.jpg

The meeting for Bathurst set down for this evening (Wednesday) has been abandoned due to inconsistencies in the track surface.
Following a track inspection this morning inconsistencies were identified in the sprint lane and running line.
It is envisaged that remedial works will take place immediately to ensure that racing resumes at the earliest possible opportunity.
“Whilst this action at the new Bathurst track is disappointing HRNSW must at all times ensure a safe work place and equal opportunity across the entire racing surface for horse and participants alike,” said HRNSW CEO John Dumesny.
“Concerns were raised following the grand opening meeting on Sunday which have been addressed in accordance with established HRNSW policies.
Harness Racing NSW have extended nominations for the Parkes meeting scheduled for this Saturday (25 October) and have added additional races to the program. These races comprise of a Divided Stakes for $7,000, $6,000 and $5,000.

Parkes meeting & the last two sentences.
I looked the fields up & see that they have 5 races for $4000 & 2 races for $5000.
So didn't the bigger prize money races stand up?
Or couldn't they get a field that was good enough for the better prize money?
If the nom's become a pool of horses surely those races could have been filled.

Goulburn meeting listed as NSWHRC at Goulburn as they have done before. Perhaps Menangle closed for a resheet before the MM?

In the programs for October it does say NSWHRC @ Goulburn - Metro , so what is metro money? $10,000 or $12,000.?
I just hate that harness racing in NSW has gone back to the dark ages like the $4000 races. As a top trainer said to me the other day, they still cost the same to feed, train etc.

Quote:

Originally Posted by trish

In the programs for October it does say NSWHRC @ Goulburn - Metro , so what is metro money? $10,000 or $12,000.?
I just hate that harness racing in NSW has gone back to the dark ages like the $4000 races. As a top trainer said to me the other day, they still cost the same to feed, train etc.

$164,000 in NSWHRC stakes this weekend. Only $149,000 last week. $174,000 next week (two country finals). 15 races this week (more punting cash), extra cash injections and more horses racing for more cash.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amlin

Goulburn meeting listed as NSWHRC at Goulburn as they have done before. Perhaps Menangle closed for a resheet before the MM?

No, racing Sunday. I'd imagine to race alongside the Kilmore meeting.

Yea that's fine , what I'm saying is I hate the fact that trainers are racing for $4000, they shouldn't be in 2014.

http://www.harness.org.au/fields.cfm?mc=BH291014

Noticed Bathurst is an R meeting tonight.