Te Akau Mid Week Update

David writes:

Recently there has been a lot of discussion in New Zealand about the grass race tracks that are or are not available to trial on, especially in the northern region.

It is my opinion that the racing industry is desperate for an all weather track that we can trial on through June, July and August.  It is just ridiculous having the many tracks that are available as the upkeep on them all is something that the industry simply cannot afford.

It is good in the interim to see that the Waikato Racing Club is looking to develop its inside track for trials but this will still be some 10 months away.  Well done to the Club for showing this leadership.

I am often asked why is stake money in Singapore so much higher than in New Zealand.  One of the reasons is of course that they only have one facility to maintain whereas in New Zealand we have about 50.

In the Waikato we have 55-60 inches of rain every year and the cost of having grass tracks available for trialling each week is just horrendous.  I have seen the all weather tracks in England for example and they work really well.

The other discussion topic at the moment is that a lot of people think we should shut down racing in New Zealand for six-eight weeks over winter.  I am totally against this as even though winter racing has less appeal for many, it still provides work for 1000's of people and some horses do flourish at that time of year.

Why not have some of this winter racing on an all weather track?  This would then mean that the grass tracks that we have left would not be damaged so much and would be in great condition for Spring.  Makes complete sense to me.

If we closed down for six-eight weeks what are the trainers going to do for income?  what are the jockeys (most of whom are battling now) going to do for income? What about people who work in the TAB's around the country, what are they going to do? How would Clubs that have traditionally held meetings then survive? - there are just so many people who would be left out of work.

Perhaps however it would make the government aware that racing does after all contribute significantly to our economy. Whether this government likes it or not, it has shown little interest in racing.  In terms of financial or even moral support, it gives our industry very little.

I have had some media releases from various Racing Ministers in Australia sent to me recently - it is quite incredible the support that racing clubs in Australia receive.  Our government gives racing literally nothing and yet we have to compete with Australia in everything we do in racing - it is little wonder that the racing and breeding side of the New Zealand industry is battling so much.

This week we have our Coats Choice colt bought from the South Island Sale and the Savabeel/Trocair filly bought at Karaka Premier Sale both heading into our stable for the first time. Next week we will have another two or three breakers ready for the stable and they will be basically the last breakers to head in.

The Fastnet Rock/Dragon's Tail filly from the Gold Coast is working beautifully and the O'Reilly/Sunream colt also from that sale is coming to hand in a most pleasing manner.

It looks like the rain will come today - but as I keep saying - when you are a farmer, the rain is always good news.  We are also looking forward to having our London based daughter Lydia and her partner Mitch home on the farm tonight - they are awaiting their visas to return to London for another two years.  They have been approved but are being sent from the Philippines so need to arrive by Friday as they fly out with us this weekend.  If they are not here (as their passports of course had to be sent away) they will be literally grounded!  Fingers and toes crossed they arrive by Friday!