No, it's not good enough ...
Date: 8 Dec 2016
David writes:
This week I have thought long and hard again about some logic-defying decisions in the racing industry.
I will share with you my frustration this week - the Auckland Racing Club programmed 2YO race three months ago for this Sunday and we nominated two fillies for the race. One of those fillies is Karaka Million eligible so a start at Ellerslie is really vital.
However because there were 'only' 11 nominations, with some being double nominated for Saturday at Te Rapa (its biggest day of the year), New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) decided to abandon this race.
Quite simply - that is NOT good enough!!
I believe that each race would have finished up with six or seven runners. This is enough to run a race - of course it is!
I am frankly disgusted that NZTR canned the race without any discussion with the stakeholders. Decision such as this simply fuel the wide-spread belief that our industry is being run by people that have absolutely no idea about the industry itself nor the investment people make in the industry. How much "skin" do they have in the industry I ask? They don't race horses, they don't breed horses, they don't have 80 staff on their payroll reliant on racing, they don't have their own hard earned money invested in the industry - yet they have the power to make these ridiculous decisions.
There is no accountability at NZTR and I have had enough as a buyer. I am told there is continued friction with NZRB.
I say to both parties for the God's sake front up and start making intelligent decisions that work for the industry before its too late. If you don't know how to, talk and listen to people who can tell you what is happening!
It is time to put pressure on the government - afterall NZRB Chairman Glenda Hughes used to be in charge of our next Prime Minister's office. The government has had a dream run from this administration and with election year coming up next year it is time to get serious and stand up and be counted.
My message is if you want to save the industry now is the time to move. Work together and put more pressure on the government!!!
