The Corner with Garry Chittick

It’s been a couple of months since I shared my thoughts with the two of you. The way our industry is currently reacting to the apparent issues, there has been plenty of subject matter to brush over.

Before we get lost, I need to tell you two how enjoyed your support of The Corner is simply my reflecting on the racing that we are all a part of, take it seriously or tongue in cheek, but I can assure you I don’t take the time out without believing there is a message that needs to be shared.

It would seem the current boil needs lancing. In a discussion I had recently with a Board Member of Thoroughbred Racing, I asked how it was to know that Entain have very little respect for his Board, The Racing Board have no confidence in Thoroughbred Racing, the anointed Advisory Group have presented their documented plan on how to hopefully save us before it’s too late (rejected), The Members’ Council chair has resigned with their group floundering in its attempts to meet their responsibilities, you know, to measure the success or not of their appointed board.

Am I exaggerating, well, attend a race meeting, take your mate to double the attendance, then seek the view of the other two there. Does it matter, of course it does – confidence is infectious, leadership is encouraging.

What to do? Well, firstly, get our newfound General Managers out and about. Let us know you are for real, after all, there are six of them. Tell us what’s happening at Hawke’s Bay, Manawatu, Wellington. Explain to us why and how you thought two more General Managers, one each for Central Districts, and the South Island, were such an inspirational plan to advance their advancement. Talk to the advisory Group, they are not putting their time in for the fun of it.

Defend yourself if you are defendable, oppose their plan to merge administration of our code with Harness; we had a One Racing proposal defeated years ago, don’t go down that road again. Sports betting, beware of the incremental gains at our expense, remember we were their wagering agency, they now believe they are entitled to more. Have a look at their share of the distribution, I promise you it is more than it should be, but then of our Board of six, three are sports orientated, beware.

The numbers bred are of genuine concern, hard to know what will turn it around, certainly none of the above.

Was The Kiwi a success, I really enjoyed the day, but are we sure of slot holders after next year. The slot holders are contributing 75% of the stake, which to my belief makes the event a sweepstake. No change, no slot holders.

The yearling sales are over, Easter had more than its share of excitement, the rest?

And so we head to the quiet season, a period of decision making: who do we breed to, what do we race next year, do we do any of it again.

We will, it’s not meant to be easy, but we will.

Those in whom we trust to run our sport, try harder.

Good luck, Denny.

Cheers,
G

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