The Corner with Garry Chittick

It would seem The Corner is subject to differing interpretations – whilst focused on my two mystery readers, I could be reasonably relaxed. It would seem The Corner is gathering a slightly larger following – I will need to be a little more sensitive to the add-ons’ views.

I have made it clear in the past that The Corner is not intended to be a tool of Governance; my purpose is to simply remind new and old of our hopes, more importantly, of our indomitable spirit that the love of our horse has sustained the sport for so long.

Last week, I was prodded by a long-term friend to remind all of the manifestation of that spirit demonstrated at the event days of our smaller venues. I re-read last week’s Corner, which I rarely do, to confirm I had presented a fair view of the need for our spread of venues. My point, the event days of the likes of Matamata’s Breeders’ Stakes, and the Thoroughbred Breeders at Te Aroha, and the Group 1 Mile at Otaki. They don’t need to be Group days, but why not. However, my view is that the current level of returns to the Codes looks unsustainable without improved results from our major venues. Ironically, this is driven by off-course turnover; sadly, apart from a handful of heavily promoted party days, a good day out at the races, in the spirit we once enjoyed, is to be had at provincial level.

With two confirmed readers, I rarely receive commentary on The Corner. I must have touched a nerve with the self-ordained “Racing Headquarters” chief executive informing me that racing owners get the Ellerslie thrill on winning there. Now, I know you now need to be lifted from the floor, the implication that an Ellerslie win is the equivalent of a Matamata Breeders’ Stakes win is stretching the Headquarters’ credibility. I love racing at Te Aroha, l was, and still am, desperate to win their Breeders’ Stakes. Whoops, no longer theirs, from Ellerslie to now support Manawatu Sires’ Produce to be held? Clearly not their recently developed sand pit.

Naturally, we all support the Ellerslie prospects. I chuckle when I look back at the Racing Board’s decision to clear the slate, writing off $40 million of club debts to the Board. Auckland’s share of this largesse was $15 million, according to my AI app, inflation-adjusted $25 million. Now, I congratulate them, with substantial reserves perhaps they may spin a bit the sport’s way.

I need your size, Paul, a pair of heavy boots for Xmas to keep the feet on the ground.

It’s close to Xmas, lots of racing ahead, but we will be lucky to witness a race any better than the Group 1 at Trentham last Saturday. That was our sport at its best. Yes, we are thrilled for Tony Rider and his triple Group 1-winning Savabeel mare, but I would be thrilled to own any of the participants. I believe we have some exciting days ahead. Waikato’s old mate now has seven individual stakes winners, including the Group 1 for the year so far. At 153 stakes winners, we need 13 to pass the mighty Zabeel. Who knows, with a number of 3,2,1, and foals, he has to be a chance.

We are on the yearling parade gig at present – it is difficult to have them at a stage where they are acceptable when our showtime is a month away. However, we are grateful that leading trainers are encouraging clients to attend NZ with them.

Before I sign off, I suggest administrators have a look at the paper just presented to the Queensland Government on the future of Racing. There is particular emphasis on the cultural value of the sport across the State. It could take a lot of the Xmas break, I understand it’s 500 pages. There’s a lot to learn in this Racing Game, but the response has been positive.

Cheers,
G

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