The Corner with Garry Chittick

Well, clearly I had more than two readers last week. The suggestion you reminded yourself of the depth of our management by referring to Page 209 of the Stallion Register has touched a nerve or two.

Some surprised, some not surprised. Most wondering how this extended potpourri would advance our prospects. I know with the exciting racing ahead and the sales our Corner should reflect the positivity required at this time of the racing season. 

Well, I am pretty hopeful. The results of all the breeders’ efforts, jockeys, and trainers has a short window to see the light. However, the response to last week shouldn’t be left hanging in the air, having awakened you from your Xmas slumber, I need to attempt to shed some light on the likely benefits of the various groups.

Now, to be sure, I have no inside knowledge. My observations are as a result of putting two and two together, resulting in seven. 

We know Project Stamina is a process to see if our two Codes can derive any benefits from working together. Fine, so long as it doesn’t morph into a hybrid One Racing. We have been down this track before; the proponents of the time canvassed the industry with their perceived benefits, only to be soundly put back in the box. Much as we enjoy anyone with an interest in the horse, our Codes are a long way apart. To be honest, we should regard them as opponents seeking to advance their share; increasing their income will be at the expense of ours. 

The suggestion that there could be venue advantages is very limited.

To answer a reply that suggested my assessment of the numbers may have been exaggerated, it depends on how you look at it, the so-called Ministers’ Advisory Board of half a dozen are, in turn, advised by a couple of consultants. Not sure who pays them or, when tabled, will their efforts be acknowledged.

Our Racing Board, not to be confused with NZTR, receives the income from Entain. I always understood this would then be distributed to the Codes to run their business. Nearly right but not quite, currently in charge of significant funds which will be allocated according to their view of the funds’ best use. 

NZTR have sufficient confidence in its six General Managers to seek the guidance of a consulting group headed by former politician Steven Joyce. Now I could tell you now what their view of the industry will be as we have had enough of like reports over the last decades. 

But just to make sure we are not missing anything, NZTR have suggested a further level of consultation from interested parties. 

Now, all of this is good, if we could see how these efforts are to be pulled together, who is sorting the wheat from the chaff.

I could direct some of the above to a couple with in-depth knowledge of many of the issues that will be regurgitated and save a great deal of time. Of course, it won’t happen with those new to the industry, optimistic that they can reinvent the wheel. The wheel may have been reinflated occasionally, only to return to its travelling pressure, not just in NZ but Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, France, and the USA; they are all happy to share their experiences.

Good luck to all of the above. I am looking forward to the next three months of racing. Like I have for 60 years.

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