Happy Sunrise Posted April 11, 2023 Share Posted April 11, 2023 I find this a bit off the mark. Gradual? Harness racing has been around for a long time so the space of 7 years is not that long. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Sunrise Posted April 11, 2023 Share Posted April 11, 2023 1 minute ago, karrotsishere said: Interesting that majority of those partook in survey were owners at 85%. Aging population too mostly NZ European (93%), males (72%) aged over 60 years. They are the most important group (probably cis-gender too) whether that is trendy or not these days. People usually live a long time after 60 so the continued participation of this group is essential to the survival of the game. It is important to get everyone, no matter age, gender, race, into the game. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karrotsishere Posted April 11, 2023 Author Share Posted April 11, 2023 Just now, Happy Sunrise said: They are the most important group (probably cis-gender too) whether that is trendy or not these days. People usually live a long time after 60 so the continued participation of this group is essential to the survival of the game. My concern would be that they are aging that's all. But yes living longer. 2 minutes ago, Happy Sunrise said: It is important to get everyone, no matter age, gender, race, into the game. Yes agree & as per the report recommendations it says to target everyone all ages, gender & race. Great idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karrotsishere Posted April 11, 2023 Author Share Posted April 11, 2023 (edited) This is good Historically there appears to be an environment of distrust and self-interest, but there is clearly aburning platform for change. Some good quotes from survey people. “...It can and must get a lot better but will need courage , the right people in charge and an honesty from people involved now to commit to a positive future...” “I would love to be involved ... to revamp the future of the game from grassroots to the top level” "HRNZ needs to listen and take action on ideas produced from the North Island.” Interesting stats re ALL North & South in slow decline or big decline bar Waikato (Cambridge). Average Starts per Horse Across the regions only Waikato (+28%) shows an increase Total Races By Club shows only positive trends in Waikato Bay of Plenty, with others hit by covid and/or HRNZ strategy, and most struggling to get back to previous levels Horse availability data tells us there are 510 racehorses available in the North Island vs 1,499 in the South Island. Wow numbers in horses available massive difference. Edited April 11, 2023 by karrotsishere Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Sunrise Posted April 11, 2023 Share Posted April 11, 2023 A few questions, can anyone can answer... When HRNZ recently interviewed Canterbury clubs about their racing dates, did they also interview the Northern clubs? From the report, it is obvious the northern racing calendar does not work so has HRNZ been working on the full calendar again with ALL clubs? Harness is going over the same thing over and over again. How much did they spend on the consultants to do a review for them a few years ago? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Sunrise Posted April 11, 2023 Share Posted April 11, 2023 One must also ask, how effective is Robert Dunn (as a northern trainer) on the Board? Where is his voice and leadership in all of this? Why is the North doing this under his nose? Harness needs the right people sailing the ship at the moment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Sunrise Posted April 11, 2023 Share Posted April 11, 2023 Will HRNZ have the courage to respond publicly to this report? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karrotsishere Posted April 11, 2023 Author Share Posted April 11, 2023 North desperately need their own admin or group as they are putting it. 120 noms for Fridays meeting. But only 8 races. So how many missed a start? A post from G Knights twitter regarding it. How is this fair? Not fair. On a related note, can't help but be frustrated that officials (see: TAB/HRNZ) have put a hard limit of 8 races for this meeting. This week coming there will be 41 races in the South Island and 8 in the north. NI trainers/drivers/owners already hurting & this doesn't help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Sunrise Posted April 11, 2023 Share Posted April 11, 2023 54 minutes ago, karrotsishere said: On a related note, can't help but be frustrated that officials (see: TAB/HRNZ) have put a hard limit of 8 races for this meeting. This week coming there will be 41 races in the South Island and 8 in the north. NI trainers/drivers/owners already hurting & this doesn't help. Methven and some others often got another race added to their racecard after having big nominations so why can't Cambridge on their biggest night of racing with lots of people attending? Somebody needs to explain why this is so, come in Gary Woodham to explain. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Sunrise Posted April 11, 2023 Share Posted April 11, 2023 Here is the response from HRNZ: 'HRNZ has received a detailed report from those representing Northern harness racing. Firstly, we would like to acknowledge the passion and commitment to the industry of those undertaking this report. HRNZ accepts there are issues facing the sport at the moment and realise there is a need to assist North Island clubs much more closely. HRNZ has recently been conducting a review of clubs and structures and will use the report to assist in any future decisions we make. We will also be discussing the feasibility of the suggestions in the report and holding a meeting with David Branch and other representatives in the near future. Our aim is to get Northern harness racing back to sustainability at a minimum so more people can enjoy our great sport. If you are still reading and think HRNZ would actually write something like this you are mistaken. Not quite April Fools but close. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karrotsishere Posted April 13, 2023 Author Share Posted April 13, 2023 (edited) Winton today 12 races normal meeting. R7 6 runners, R10 6 runners. Cambridge, many have waited all year for tomorrows meeting. Including owners, trainers, locals & the club themselves. Being a country club. Their 1 BIG meeting of the YEAR. Cambridge themselves get the money together from outsiders, sponsors & their own funds & sweepstakes & hold this $1 million race. To promote Harness Racing. Ready to put on a great evening with full entertainment & after party. All hospitality tickets are sold out, & the final 3rd release of general admin tickets are selling fast 4000 sold to date, expected to hit 5000 by R1. They get 120 noms BUT restricted to only 8 races by TAB/HRNZ. Noted many from Central Districts looked to have missed out or withdrawn as obvious not to get a run. So unfair BS. No wonder they want their own admin group. Edited April 13, 2023 by karrotsishere Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Sunrise Posted April 13, 2023 Share Posted April 13, 2023 1 hour ago, karrotsishere said: Winton today 12 races normal meeting. R7 6 runners, R10 6 runners. And some small ones at Addington. Not a lot of logic being applied recently. I still await the new calendar with eagerness. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purple Parsnip Posted April 13, 2023 Share Posted April 13, 2023 On 4/12/2023 at 9:19 AM, Happy Sunrise said: Somebody needs to explain why this is so, come in Gary Woodham to explain. Is he off auditioning for the part of Dr Daniel Westin ? 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Sunrise Posted April 13, 2023 Share Posted April 13, 2023 7 minutes ago, Purple Parsnip said: Is he off auditioning for the part of Dr Daniel Westin ? Maybe Netflix needs to do a sporting 'The Office' for HRNZ? Episode 1 at Kaikoura? 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karrotsishere Posted April 20, 2023 Author Share Posted April 20, 2023 (edited) On 4/13/2023 at 4:26 PM, Purple Parsnip said: Is he off auditioning for the part of Dr Daniel Westin ? Was he playing the invisible man game on Fri nite? By all accounts Iv heard yes. Heard racing manager Catherine was there. Addington manager Darrin was there, HRNZ chairman was there. Others were there, but no sign of HRNZ CEO. I do stand to be corrected. Don't have spies everywhere haha. Edited April 20, 2023 by karrotsishere Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Sunrise Posted April 20, 2023 Share Posted April 20, 2023 12 hours ago, karrotsishere said: Heard racing manager Catherine was there. Addington manager Darrin was there, HRNZ chairman was there. Others were there, but no sign of HRNZ CEO. To be fair to him, maybe he didn't want a ticket on the gravy train to Cambridge. What are they all doing there? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purple Parsnip Posted April 21, 2023 Share Posted April 21, 2023 3 hours ago, Happy Sunrise said: To be fair to him, maybe he didn't want a ticket on the gravy train to Cambridge. What are they all doing there? 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karrotsishere Posted April 21, 2023 Author Share Posted April 21, 2023 23 hours ago, Happy Sunrise said: To be fair to him, maybe he didn't want a ticket on the gravy train to Cambridge. What are they all doing there? Enjoyed last Fridays The Race meeting & entertainment I guess. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karrotsishere Posted April 22, 2023 Author Share Posted April 22, 2023 (edited) . Edited April 22, 2023 by karrotsishere Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karrotsishere Posted April 22, 2023 Author Share Posted April 22, 2023 (edited) No word on North Harness getting there own admin yet. Edited April 22, 2023 by karrotsishere Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karrotsishere Posted April 22, 2023 Author Share Posted April 22, 2023 (edited) Ps sorry, but where is the on-course Cambridge turnover for The Race day? Anyone know? Edited April 22, 2023 by karrotsishere Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josias Posted April 22, 2023 Share Posted April 22, 2023 14 hours ago, karrotsishere said: Ps sorry, but where is the on-course Cambridge turnover for The Race day? Anyone know? I don't get 'the obsession' people have these days wanting to know On-Course Betting Figures!!! In days gone by,in a different era,YES On-Course Betting Turnover was oh so important. In fact a financial lifeline to the survival of Clubs,as they were paid a percentage of this turnover. But with the introduction of 'Bulk Funding Model' replacing On-Course % Funding,Clubs lost all incentive to strive to boost attendence & turnover. Hell,even the TAB 'financial braintrusts' these days are moving away from staffed on-course betting windows. On-course Patrons largely encouraged to bet via their personal smartphones,tablets etc. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Sunrise Posted April 22, 2023 Share Posted April 22, 2023 15 hours ago, karrotsishere said: No word on North Harness getting there own admin yet. It will take ages to decide this, if it ever happens at all, as it requires an amount of thinking that is not evident 99% of the time by the leadership. Do you think HRNZ would allow them to cut into their sphere of influence? Would it require more salaries to achieve? Would Auckland and Cambridge work together if it was not one of their own in charge? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Sunrise Posted April 22, 2023 Share Posted April 22, 2023 28 minutes ago, Josias said: But with the introduction of 'Bulk Funding Model' replacing On-Course % Funding,Clubs lost all incentive to strive to boost attendence & turnover. Apart from the goodwill and energy of club members who still want harness racing to be an on course experience. Good on them. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karrotsishere Posted May 9, 2023 Author Share Posted May 9, 2023 On 4/23/2023 at 9:11 AM, Josias said: I don't get 'the obsession' people have these days wanting to know On-Course Betting Figures!!! Hi cutieness Josia, You don't by any chance have shares in a horse that recently won? Answering your question, tots agree with you. However here Im interested as based on on-course attendance of 4,500 peeps, & likely approx prob guessimate at least 1/2 of these would never visit a race course again. Eg your once a year visitor. Therefore not have a online TAB account. Feel the raceway didn't, make the most of this. Didn't engage with those encouraging them to bet. How could they when many were wrapped in waiting in booze line. That's my point. Otherwise, with this exception, yes get it and agree. Its not relevant. Cambridge was my hope for Harness racing NZ. Them & Addington. Give up tho. Reality is, its a hard sell. Product - Betting on harness horses (hard sell). Thrown in barriers the best in the business (North) eg Cambridge Raceway, do this sort of thing. Joke material. Overall its a gone burger. Sorry fans. 10 years I give it. NZ Harness racing. Enjoy whats left. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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