Rusty

I attend most Addington meetings, and in my opinion, I reckon the glory days ended about 25 years ago. Slowly but surely since then, the numbers of average punters (not directly involved with the horses or their connections) attending on-course have decreased year on year.

Without wanting to stick up for Gary Woodham; he is "all mouth and no trousers." As the saying goes.

Yes David Branch Nope, not a hope. Yes.

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1) It would p!$$ in, and win the NZ Cup fresh up by 10 lengths. 2) Then immediately be sold to Australia. 3) Be a complete flop at Menangle, not being able to break 2 minutes around there, before plugging away for a close-up 4th placing at the Snake Gully trots on a Monday afternoon. 4) Then the previous NZ connections (that won the NZ Cup with Spitty), just have to hope they don't get the dreaded phone call to say "you've sold us a dud, you'd better come over and see us."

A really good, positive move IMO, and in more ways than one. It's good to front foot the whip issue proactively, rather than in direct response to the anti-racing brigade kicking up a storm about it big time. Soon enough the use of the whip is likely to be banned altogether during the running of any horse race. It's just the way the world is going. But these new rules in the UK are a good step forward. I drag along young kids to the races whenever I can. Just playing my part in trying to get them to catch the bug and get hooked for life. Trying to keep the racing game in our DNA. But I struggle to answer the kid's questions about "those sticks being used to hit the horses." I tell them, here... have a hot dog, a coke, sit down and pick a number. Nevermind those sticks! More info from the UK: Following the 2022 report into the use of the whip, the rules regarding the use of the whip in British racing are being revised. The basic rules for use within a race, implemented as of 13 February in Jump racing and 27 March in Flat racing, are as follows: The whip can be used a maximum of six times in a Flat race or seven times in a Jump race. Any more than this will prompt the stewards to review the ride As well as the number of times the whip is used, The Whip Review Committee will look at the force with which it is used, whether it was used from above shoulder height, whether the horse has been given time to respond, the purpose for which the whip was used, whether the horse was in contention or clearly winning at the time it was used, and whether the whip has been used in the correct place (i.e. on the horse’s hindquarter rather than flanks) Any rider found to have contravened the rules or guidance will face a period of suspension, and any rider picking up third suspension in a six-month period will be referred to the Judicial Panel for penalty Should the whip be used four times or more above the permitted level, the horse and rider will be disqualified from the race Disqualification One of the core recommendations proposed by the Whip Consultation Steering Group was for disqualification to be introduced for offences in which the whip has been used four times or more above the permitted level in all races  Disqualification offences will be considered by the Whip Review Committee away from raceday and therefore results of races are not affected for betting purposes.

Absolutely disgusting conditions at Ben Yole's property. Sickening scenes there. I hope the authorities arrive at the best possible outcome for all concerned. Looks like "Peter Profit" was on to something in this case.

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Interesting quote, to say the least. So he pretty much said what he wanted to say, without saying it. He lives in Kenya. One can draw their own conclusions.

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Might be reading a bit too much in to it. I dare say it would take a bit more than that for Happy to be "scared off." Like all good Group 1 horses, sometimes there is much benefit in a well deserved spell, bit of a freshen up etc, before a long slow prep and build-up aiming for the Spring.

That rumour is picking up momentum. I hope it's true.

Yep. One of the reasons why Mark Purdon is turning to the gallopers. Just can't compete with these young guns, with exceptional talent and "gear" lol

Excellent question.

Sunday morning, and Sherlock is still trying to find a gap.

Hmmmmmmm... yes. Mainstream media, if they elected to run such a story, would put these individuals into a very dim light indeed. It would be embarrassing for the sport, and especially embarrassing for the persons concerned. Their families may also be impacted to some extent. The naming, shaming and highlighting (lowlighting?) of the punching and kicking would generate adverse publicity, and cause ramifications. God only knows where it would end once social media feeds get wind of it. One thing is for sure, those two guys wouldn't treat a horse in the same fashion again on a race course, at least when there are tv cameras in operation anyway. I have worked with stubborn bloody racehorses and various livestock over the years. Quite often frustration levels can be raised to boiling point. Especially when working to tight deadlines. Sometimes you win the battle. Sometimes you don't. The real test of one's character, is how it is addressed and dealt with, at the time. It's simple really. One can choose to accept that type of behaviour being dished out to an animal, or they don't. I wonder what the fall out would have been if these sort of events played out in Singapore, and not Methven on Sunday.

Kicking a horse! Then the very next race, we have a different driver punching a horse! What "sport" is this? Does anyone know? What the actual fark is wrong with some people?! Jesus. Once again, you are on the money Happy; Harness is shooting itself in the bloody foot, time and time again. FFS. The looney left and the anti-racing brigade sure don't need any more amo, but here are some people just serving it up to them on a plate. EDDIE JAMES - driver T Chmiel defended a breach of Rule 303(2) alleging that he misconducted himself by punching the horse in the abdomen on one occasion prior to the start. After viewing the replays and hearing evidence from Stewards and Mr Chmiel the Adjudicative Committee found the charge proved and reserved their decision on penalty. Over-raced in the early stages when being restrained to obtain cover. Mr Chmiel was warned for using his whip with more than a wrist flicking motion in the run home. And isn't this the same guy that is, or was, going to Aussie to be a stipe? Punching a horse in the guts?! Great example to your kids mate. Well done. I hope the owners never put you on that, or any other of their horses ever again.

Cheers, Happy. Odds have moved in on that first multi, from 26s to 21s, Sunday morning. First two legs look to be good chances, so let's hope "Mighty Matt Purvis" can bring it home!

"HAPPY... RIIIIIIIIIIIIIGGGHT"! Just can't unhear those words from the former starter. Bloody hell. Thank God he is no longer in the role.

Yes. How indeed. He has 30+ yearlings in the sales coming up. That's why he said it. If my name was Karen, I'd ring up the Broadcast Standards Authority lol He should never have made a false statement like that. David Ellis made a similar claim a few years back, when he said stakes were going to double. Sometimes people that are put up on pedestals are almost given free rein to say whatever they like, without being immediately questioned on it (when interviewed).

I don't think so. At least not in NZ. But I stand to be corrected. Mr Brady wasn't usually on the same side as officialdom lol Just the talk of front running driving styles, reminded me of him.

What ever happened to Neil Brady? What's he up to these days?

Interesting thread, with some real good comments. I had a couple of multis finishing on Copy That, so was disappointed with the result, but more concerned about the horse, as it was obvious something was wrong, and it wasn't the lead driver not handing up! The typical aussie harness style, for as long as I can remember, is to put such a high value on getting the lead. Brittany Graham was completely shocked in her pre-race interview, when Cranbourne's driver indicated he was likely to go back at the start. Her follow up question along the lines of the confidence levels from trying to win the race from behind. Cranbourne ended up winning, and the driving tactics conveyed pre-race, was exactly how it panned out. Some quarters have questioned her presence and attire oncourse, immediately prior to the score up, but I find it very worthwhile. The interviews I mean. I have no comment about her short dresses and leather, thigh high boots, and flowing golden locks. As for Ray's comments, probably not great. I don't agree with him. But he may be forgiven, heat of the moment and all that lol but he should know better. Aussie drivers are not going to give up a lead easily. And certainly not, when the big coin is up.

Odds on.