Highlights past 3 months & Questions

[karrotsishere]

Here is an article about it. Northen horsemen rally around McKendry. And they seek rule review. Good on them.

Northern horsemen will seek a review of the rule which cost senior driver Maurice McKendry a three week suspension, fearing the way it is being policed will be to the detriment of harness racing.

NZ Harness Racing Trainers’ and Drivers’ Association northern branch president Jay Abernethy says nine out of 10 professional drivers would have made the same decision as McKendry when he angled Simply Sam in turning for home at Auckland last month.

https://www.lincolnfarms.co.nz/stories/northern-horsemen-rally-behind-mckendry-and-seek-review-of-controversial-rule/

Edited July 6, 2022 by karrotsishere

[Happy Sunrise]

22 hours ago, karrotsishere said:

Northern horsemen will seek a review of the rule which cost senior driver Maurice McKendry a three week suspension, fearing the way it is being policed will be to the detriment of harness racing.

NZ Harness Racing Trainers’ and Drivers’ Association northern branch president Jay Abernethy says nine out of 10 professional drivers would have made the same decision as McKendry when he angled Simply Sam in turning for home at Auckland last month.

Good. He has been hard done by. Revealing the stipes choose to dismiss comparisons to the Newman case but keep harping back to the Higgs one.

I will repeat myself but if you watch enough replays of races you will see drivers go up the middle or go down to the inside instead of taking the run wide often enough. Does it always work, no, but it is a viable option rather than being stuck 7 wide with no hope of winning the race.

McKendry: So now the stipes can tell how a driver can drive when it suits their agenda.

[32] The measure that Mr McKendry had available to him, which was both reasonable and permissible, was to maintain his position on the back of HARDER THAN DIAMONDS before then shifting out off that horse’s back where he had clear running thereby ensuring that SIMPLY SAM was given full opportunity to do the best it could given the circumstances. This may not have been Mr McKendry’s preferred option, but Stewards submit that it was clearly the best option at that stage of the race.

Newman: But the stipes let their mate off with this gift card

Mere errors of tactics are in and of themselves not sufficient to found liability for a breach of this Rule.  Given the nature of Harness Racing, at any one point in a race a Driver may have a number of options available to him or her. The decisions made by the Driver are required to be made in a mere instant during the race with multiple uncontrollable variables.  A Driver must, relying upon his or her experience and expertise, balance up a number of competing factors and chose one.  The Driver does not have the benefit of hindsight, multiple video angles or the pause button. The Rule recognises this reality and does not hold a Driver to the standard of perfection.

 

 

 

 

 

[Happy Sunrise]

The stipes don't do their job properly. Here is some evidence.

This is not directed at Sarah O as she is highly capable, has a great future and a breath of fresh air in the driving ranks.

How can the stipes identify this drive as being questionable but only consider it worthy of a warning while McKendry is charged?

I am perplexed.

TASMAN TEMPEST - over-raced early and middle stages. Had difficulty obtaining clear racing room in the run home. Driver S O'Reilly advised that the removable deafeners had failed to activate due to the cord becoming entangled. Miss O'Reilly will be spoken to regarding the manner she drove on the final bend when electing not to shift wider on the track when an opportunity existed before being covered by an outside runner.

https://harness.hrnz.co.nz/gws/ws/r/infohorsews/wsd06x?Arg=hrnzg-Ptype&Arg=RaceVideo&Arg=hrnzg-rSite&Arg=TRUE&Arg=hrnzg-RacehdrID&Arg=16461567-04C2-427C-AFB6-EAA0FA167858&Arg=hrnzg-rSite&Arg=TRUE

 

In 1-1 approaching 400.

Covered up at top of straight.

Held up down the straight.

 

And at the finishing post

 

[karrotsishere]

2 hours ago, Happy Sunrise said:

How can the stipes identify this drive as being questionable but only consider it worthy of a warning while McKendry is charged?

I am perplexed.

TASMAN TEMPEST - over-raced early and middle stages. Had difficulty obtaining clear racing room in the run home. Driver S O'Reilly advised that the removable deafeners had failed to activate due to the cord becoming entangled. Miss O'Reilly will be spoken to regarding the manner she drove on the final bend when electing not to shift wider on the track when an opportunity existed before being covered by an outside runner.

On the money example. But lets just talk to ourselves you & I. Lets throw in Rusty, Globe & Gospel. Majority of others are on mute it seems. Missing some great topics to contribute to.

Be great to get some consistancy re stripes decision. Hopefully Northern reinsmen can bring up these examples, plus others if they get to see the light of them. 

Id like to see no conflicts of interest or a perception of a conflict of interest, among employees in industry, where their decisions really count & influence. Eg a stripe or a CEO position for example. 

Edited July 7, 2022 by karrotsishere

[Happy Sunrise]

I should have read the Lincoln Farms article before I wrote my response. 

Insightful the Newman case just gets disregarded. Maybe the northern stipes consider it to be the Wade V Roe decision of harness racing.

[Rusty]

15 hours ago, Happy Sunrise said:

I will repeat myself but if you watch enough replays of races you will see drivers go up the middle or go down to the inside instead of taking the run wide often enough. Does it always work, no, but it is a viable option rather than being stuck 7 wide with no hope of winning the race.

Dead right. And the more successful drivers employ this tactic more often than not. 

The pattern of racing now, especially when focussing on winning runners, compared to 10-12 years ago, has changed markedly.

Most (not all, but most) winners these days need to be handy, up on the speed or pretty close to it at the half mile. It's not like the old days where one could sit 4 back the running line, and then be 5 or 6 wide on the turn and leave what were the front runners for dust. These days, a lot of front runners, just don't stop, and can reel off 2, sometimes 3, pretty quick final quarters, giving those too far back pretty much no hope of winning, and no hope at all if they are too far back, then elect to come wide on the final bend. Hence why some drivers elect to try and take a few shortcuts home. 

What I take from all of that is, the racing pattern has changed over recent years. But some of the stipe's mindsets have not.

If you have ever sat in the stipes room during the course of a meeting, one thing is abundantly clear. There will always be a "senior" stipe, that very heavily influences the mindsets of the other stipes in the room, and this person isn't always the "chair stipe". It's not healthy when there is little room for debate, or even allowing the opportunity for a discussion involving a different point of view, between the different stipes officiating at a meeting. 

When the stipes are watching the race live, on multiple tv screens showing different angles, there will always be comments made by stipes during the race. But usually the comments are dominated by one individual, and sometimes the "unconscious bias" will kick in, and It will go something like:

"What the hell is Rusty (the driver) doing sitting back like that? Why isn't he making his move now? He'll never win from there. What's he coming at? Is he just wanting to drop back down in grade for next week?... Oh my God, now he's going down there (the inside looking for a gap, and not going outside, wide). Bloody hell. Right, go get him, bring him in for a wee chat." 

[Happy Sunrise]

17 hours ago, karrotsishere said:

Be great to get some consistancy re stripes decision.

They clearly do not strive for consistency.

 

17 hours ago, karrotsishere said:

Id like to see no conflicts of interest or a perception of a conflict of interest, among employees in industry, where their decisions really count & influence. Eg a stripe or a CEO position for example. 

They are not interested in addressing this kind of thing.

It is easier not to shine the light on the more murkier aspects of harness racing.

[Happy Sunrise]

5 hours ago, Rusty said:

Most (not all, but most) winners these days need to be handy, up on the speed or pretty close to it at the half mile. It's not like the old days where one could sit 4 back the running line, and then be 5 or 6 wide on the turn and leave what were the front runners for dust. These days, a lot of front runners, just don't stop, and can reel off 2, sometimes 3, pretty quick final quarters, giving those too far back pretty much no hope of winning, and no hope at all if they are too far back, then elect to come wide on the final bend. Hence why some drivers elect to try and take a few shortcuts home. 

Stipes know better 😂

[karrotsishere]

On 7/7/2022 at 2:29 PM, Happy Sunrise said:

The stipes don't do their job properly. Here is some evidence.

This is not directed at Sarah O as she is highly capable, has a great future and a breath of fresh air in the driving ranks.

How can the stipes identify this drive as being questionable but only consider it worthy of a warning while McKendry is charged?

I am perplexed.

TASMAN TEMPEST - over-raced early and middle stages. Had difficulty obtaining clear racing room in the run home. Driver S O'Reilly advised that the removable deafeners had failed to activate due to the cord becoming entangled. Miss O'Reilly will be spoken to regarding the manner she drove on the final bend when electing not to shift wider on the track when an opportunity existed before being covered by an outside runner.

https://harness.hrnz.co.nz/gws/ws/r/infohorsews/wsd06x?Arg=hrnzg-Ptype&Arg=RaceVideo&Arg=hrnzg-rSite&Arg=TRUE&Arg=hrnzg-RacehdrID&Arg=16461567-04C2-427C-AFB6-EAA0FA167858&Arg=hrnzg-rSite&Arg=TRUE

 

In 1-1 approaching 400.

Covered up at top of straight.

Held up down the straight.

 

And at the finishing post

 

As it turns out she did get suspended 4 days for this drive. Longer than Mckendrys of 3 days. The decision was delayed. Her reasoning for staying in was horse only has 1 short sprint. 

(Oh the Money Happy - for suggesting stripes need to look at this, because they did Mckendrys).

https://racingintegrityboard.org.nz/decisions/non-raceday-inquiry-written-decision-dated-6-july-2022-sarah-oreilly/

Edited July 8, 2022 by karrotsishere

[Happy Sunrise]

1 hour ago, karrotsishere said:

As it turns out she did get suspended 4 days for this drive. Longer than Mckendrys of 3 days. The decision was delayed. Her reasoning for staying in was horse only has 1 short sprint. 

(Oh the Money Happy - for suggesting stripes need to look at this, because they did Mckendrys).

https://racingintegrityboard.org.nz/decisions/non-raceday-inquiry-written-decision-dated-6-july-2022-sarah-oreilly/

Good on Sarah for saying she made the wrong decision.

A real time driving decision which results in inaction is always more likely to bite one in the bum than a decision of action. Unless you are Maurice McKendry, of course.

I find this decision much more palatable. No question of deliberate intent to pull the horse up, driver made a clear error, gets a few days and everyone moves on.

This differs from McKendry because he made a decision in an attempt to win the race. If he had a habit of reverting to the inside then it would be different because that would be a pattern (possibly of deception) and he would need to be reminded of his obligations.

Stipes should be looking for patterns, not one off events. If they think a one off event is that bad, have a look at the betting patterns etc and do some detective work to find motives.

[karrotsishere]

On 7/2/2022 at 11:54 AM, karrotsishere said:

Ok will keep eyes on Fire Fox & Spirit 👀😀

Righto with Globe, Lightening & Myself on the money Round 1, Spirit & Fire Fox taking out quinella. Round 2 tonight. Im sticking with Spirit.  Lightening - Mach Shard has the car park draw.

AG White Socks has drawn 1, nice & handy. Most likely hand to his stable mate Spirit to be lead/trail so will it be a quinella? Or will Majestic Crusier return to that NZ form he showed?

Go Spirit.

Edited July 8, 2022 by karrotsishere

[karrotsishere]

On 7/9/2022 at 11:52 AM, karrotsishere said:

Righto with Globe, Lightening & Myself on the money Round 1, Spirit & Fire Fox taking out quinella. Round 2 tonight. Im sticking with Spirit.  Lightening - Mach Shard has the car park draw.

AG White Socks has drawn 1, nice & handy. Most likely hand to his stable mate Spirit to be lead/trail so will it be a quinella? Or will Majestic Crusier return to that NZ form he showed?

Go Spirit.

What happened to Spirit? Reading 4th. Havent seen video, maybe hes sick or something. 

[Lightning Blue]

On 7/10/2022 at 12:43 PM, karrotsishere said:

What happened to Spirit? Reading 4th. Havent seen video, maybe hes sick or something. 

All good Karrots . That was a pretty even field , with 10 ex New-Zealanders racing in it !!!  the winner Triple Eight is part owned by the 'pacing priest' Father Brian Glasheen , so probably had some Devine Intervention lol.

[Purple Parsnip]

35 minutes ago, Lightning Blue said:

All good Karrots . That was a pretty even field , with 10 ex New-Zealanders racing in it !!!  the winner Triple Eight is part owned by the 'pacing priest' Father Brian Glasheen , so probably had some Devine Intervention lol.

that is the most logical explanation

would have given Highland Fling a fright

[karrotsishere]

On 7/11/2022 at 7:21 PM, Purple Parsnip said:

that is the most logical explanation

would have given Highland Fling a fright

Haha suppose you both are right. Hopefully he redeems himself & races better this weekend.

While on subject of Albion Park. Umm yeah about that. Im thinking you know what Im talking about. Your usually in the know. Not good is it. 

[karrotsishere]

13 hours ago, karrotsishere said:

While on subject of Albion Park. Umm yeah about that. Im thinking you know what Im talking about. Your usually in the know. Not good is it. 

For those that dont know. Its all thru the news. Heres 1 article about it. The CEO Albion Harness is accused of alledged rape. The board have written a statement which has been made public saying they dont believe he should be stood down for xyz reason including female employees feel safe). IMO If I had a vote Id demote him at a bear minimum, until he is either proven guilty or innoncent. Bad PR having him stay in top position now hes been named. A date has been set for him to stand trial. Police allege he sexually assaulted two women in separate incidents during April 2015 and December 2016.

https://harnesslink.com/australia/queensland-racing-official-accused-of-sexual-assault/

Edited July 13, 2022 by karrotsishere

[Happy Sunrise]

9 hours ago, karrotsishere said:

MO If I had a vote Id demote him at a bear minimum, until he is either proven guilty or innoncent.

Put him on leave with pay.

Mind you, the two NZ individuals who are in a similar position are still allowed to keep doing their job so seems ok. At least the Aussies in power know who did it, Woodham said he didn't know lol. 

Edited July 14, 2022 by Happy Sunrise

[karrotsishere]

23 minutes ago, Happy Sunrise said:

Put him on leave with pay.

Mind you, the two NZ individuals who are in a similar position are still allowed to keep doing their job so seems ok. At least the Aussies in power know who did it, Woodham said he didn't know lol. 

Wasnt there a conflict of interest ... Like the brother was on the board or something. Or high up in club too? Something like that. And now isnt Racing Queensland Minister withholding $$ funding now due to them not standing him down. Good on her. 

No brainer, needs to be stood down, or demoted, until the matter is resovled or maybe he may end up doing the jail house rock, esp now with all the racing G1s there right now. A big few weeks for Albion Park! But all the talk about the alleged rapist CEO. 

Edited July 14, 2022 by karrotsishere

[Happy Sunrise]

14 minutes ago, karrotsishere said:

And now isnt Racing Queensland Minister withholding $$ funding now due to them not standing him down. Good on her. 

Not that I know anything about employment law but wouldn't it have advice / guidelines on this sort of thing.

Not sure how the racing minister can withhold funding from a legal point of view. Seems to be the way of the world these days, all emotion and little logic.

[karrotsishere]

8 minutes ago, Happy Sunrise said:

Not that I know anything about employment law but wouldn't it have advice / guidelines on this sort of thing.

Not sure how the racing minister can withhold funding from a legal point of view. Seems to be the way of the world these days, all emotion and little logic.

Maybe its they are talking about withholding funds. That Queensland Racing Minister backs to hold funds back based on this. A story about it by Oz journo Kate McKenna.  

[karrotsishere]

Opps forgot to post link so will do it now. Bits from article full article link below.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-14/queensland-racing-minister-funding-aphrc-scott-steele/101236944

Queensland's Racing Minister is backing a decision to withhold hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding from a leading Brisbane race club after it refused to stand down its CEO, who has been accused of rape.

Yesterday Racing Minister Grace Grace said she previously asked Racing Queensland (RQ) to direct the APHRC to stand down Mr Steele as CEO until the matter was finalised, but the club's board had ignored the direction and was challenging its lawfulness in the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT).

In a further statement released to the ABC, Ms Grace said, "since the APHRC has refused to follow RQ's direction, issued on September 1, 2021, Racing Queensland has withheld general funding payments from the club that amount to about $600,000".

"APHRC has not been issued with a new funding agreement for the 2022/23 financial year," she said.

 

"While the club fails to follow the direction issued by RQ, I fully support these payments being withheld.

"As minister I do not have the power to stand down staff members of private racing clubs, however I think it is completely inappropriate for the APHRC CEO to remain in his post while facing serious criminal charges."

Mr Steele's brother, Brad Steele, is the chairman of the APHRC and has "recused himself of all discussion and decision-making in relation to this matter," a previous statement from the board stated.

Edited July 14, 2022 by karrotsishere

[karrotsishere]

13 minutes ago, Gospel Of Judas said:

Pressure is on the membership, to call a extraordinary meeting to do something about it.

Sure is. There is a Daily Mail article & a Herald Sun article saying Queensland Stewards have pulled support & Head Steward has written a letter.

The CEO & his bro supporter Chairman need to think of the best interest of the club & CEO needs to be demoted or stand down. Before anything further happens. Putting club in jeopody. 

[karrotsishere]

13 hours ago, Gospel Of Judas said:

That or members call a meeting and maybe a few going.

Guess the next question or question is overall do they want Harness racing in Queensland full stop ... ? Commonwealth Games Gold Coast did a track get pulled there for it? Today Queensland City Council have announced plans for 2032 Olympic rebuild for a sports facility Albion Park - Brisbane Olympics 2032.

Meaning by then both Harness & dogs will be needing to find a new home. With all the floods eeck perhaps not a bad idea for Harness to be re-homed. But how much will they get for funding for something new ... ? This wont help thats for sure.

Edited July 15, 2022 by karrotsishere

[karrotsishere]

On 7/15/2022 at 1:53 PM, Gospel Of Judas said:

Wondered when going decide how going to do all that. Plus re funding it moving forward, why membership going to have get things rolling.

No more racing for Harness at Albion Park within next 4 years, G O'Connor said on trot talk due to Olympic build start 2032. 

Guessing they will be moved to another venue & not completely shut shop.

So last Interdoms there this year. Guess who maybe aimed for Interdoms after NZ Cup? 1 of my favs Copy That. Green stated he will head back to Oz after NZ Cup all going well & many options on table including Albion Park Interdom.

Copy That has apparently grown taller & is bigger & stronger & probably better now than when he won NZ Cup last year. 

[karrotsishere]

43 minutes ago, karrotsishere said:

Guessing they will be moved to another venue & not completely shut shop.

Or will they ... does the Club have any $ to relocate? 

CEO current allegations doesnt help. Nor does fact Racing Minister has threatened to pull funding. 

Any thoughts or inside knowledge Lightening?