Te Akau: Update & Viewpoint
Date: 8 Apr 2013
David Ellis gives an update and some opinions too.
David writes:
Karyn and I flew over to Sydney last night and last evening I had drinks with one of the officials from the Australian Turf Club who told me that the government had just given Randwick A$150 million to improve the facilities at Royal Randwick and to support the industry in general.
Governments are not - I know - benevolent societies but smart governments realise just how important racing and breeding is to the general economy. Hardly a week goes by in Australia when you don't hear about a government doing something to support racing. In Melbourne for example - Geelong has just had a $1 million grant to assist with its facilities.
I am adamant that if the New Zealand government wants to see 40,000 people continue to be employed by this industry then it needs to look at ways to assist the industry.
The Labour/New Zealand First coalition was certainly supportive of the New Zealand racing industry. Under that government, the turnover tax was reduced and the deprecation rates for breeders were increased amongst other initiatives.
Since then nothing has happened - and we are part of an industry that is really struggling to survive.
It is sad to read in the Sydney Easter Sale's premier catalogue that so many of our top mares have been exported to Australia and lost to New Zealand. The government has to investigate ways to offer assistance to our breeders so we can compete on the world stage or within a short space of time, this industry will be lost.
I spent the day with our vet Doug Black inspecting the yearlings that interest us and can report a very high standard of athlete in this sale. I have my eye on a couple of colts and two fillies but we are not sure whether our budget will stretch that far - but they are wonderful types.
Late tomorrow afternoon, the half brother by Redoute's Choice to Black Caviar will go through the ring in Sydney. I expect there to be standing room only for this event.
If you would like to be involved in a yearling please either call me on 021 925 151 or email [email protected]