The Corner with Garry Chittick

Yet another year passed. As I head into 2026, I have done my best to start with a positive approach, horses, however, are renowned for their ability to replant one’s feet firmly on the ground.

I tripped with Mary, full of optimism, to Ellerslie. Smart Love would at worst return with black print added to her record. Well, despite the best endeavours of our imported jockey, she let us down. Who knows why, her record and how she presented, encouraged me to support my aspirations on the tote. So, 2026, we have a bit of ground to make up.

I must say, if the attendance was the best Auckland can achieve on a New Year’s Day, then we are in trouble. 

My resolution of positivity is being sorely tested.

Still, our Administrators, I am sure, will turn this around. For those of you who have received the annual Thoroughbred Stallion, I suggest you glance at page 209 – from the top down we are blessed with six levels of recognised involvement. Entain are, accordingly, recognised as entitled to the throne; these six levels deserve support, and you will see 17 boxes with varying titles. Clearly sufficient to support the industry needs. Aha, not so, NZTR have ordained a further modestly titled six General Managers. You can now clearly understand the avoidance of any stuff-ups. Mind you, on the bottom level of the page, we have acknowledged clubs, trainers, owners, breeders and jockeys. If one gives any credence to the page as presented, then it should be turned upside down. 

I know you have had to put up with my view of the importance of the above group, but Entain would have no purpose or, more importantly, no profit to share without their endeavours. Now, I am not unappreciative of the efforts of the three Boards and the Members’ Council, a little cynical perhaps, but why wouldn’t I be. 

Recent years have seen a rapid decline in important measures, races run in 2009 of 3,069 where 2024 was 2,490, just 600 less opportunities for an owner. We are very conscious that a foal crop of 4,334 declined to 2,700 over a similar period. I wasn’t going to raise exports, but 600 less than seven years ago confirms we have been on the right track.

Being a cynic normally means like a magnet I would attach blame to someone; however, the current can’t be held accountable to the past. The point is, are we now well-served to change this trend? The recent debacles of Hawke’s Bay and Manawatu cast a big shadow; the many solutions – Avondale, Wellington, greenfield Waikato – are all, at this stage, out of reach. 

I had a turn at guiding the industry, like the current mob, I had many critics. I am optimistic enough to believe my supporters marginally outweighed my Board’s opponents, that’s the point, whilst we introduced a radical change to our distribution, we never attempted nor desired to go without the industry. My advice is for whatever reason justified or not, the perception currently is that we have a top-heavy administration, a Board with very limited racing knowledge. Without a change to this perception, regardless of the merit of those responsible, we will not progress. 

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