The Corner with Garry Chittick

This is The Corner I never wanted to pen. The recent publishing of the leaked TAB Advisory group is a sad reflection of where we have descended to. It doesn’t matter who is right or wrong, what matters is how we have we lost our sense of pride and character that made people want to be involved.

Who initiated the Advisory Group and why? It appears to have been initiated by the Chairman of the Racing Board, Mark Chittick, who was invited to join, and why wouldn’t he. I have deliberately avoided sharing any pearls of wisdom. I figured writing my Corner, I would be tempted to quote from the inside information I would have had access to, however, I did suggest the efforts of the group were likely to come to nought. Now, I am not suggesting their group of heavily involved members should not have been acknowledged, that their views were are of no consequence, of course they are, but we have a Board who, by and large, has not served a similar apprenticeship. They may well have skills to suit this generation, skills that may lead them to believe, as duly elected, why would they take guidance from the Advisory Group.

The administration of racing requires unique skills and empathy. We have clubs run by members, these people will have a broad cross-section of business skills, giving their time for nothing. To ignore their contribution or talents is simply setting you up for scrap.

Why was there a perceived view that our current administrators, both elected and employed, needed to have their efforts audited. Well, they shouldn’t feel slighted; we have all had our efforts audited at some time.

In a recent Corner, I suggested to the two of you perhaps you should visit our recent Annual Reports, where the Advisory Board’s suggestion at the current level of depletion of our reserves, reserves largely as a result of the capital injection from the recent Entain deal, we will not be anywhere near able to sustain the current level of stakes.

Hence, the desperation of the Advisory Group. No stakes, no racehorses. 

How did we get here. I look back at my term of administration and ask did it start with me. Was it anyone or group, is it really just a sign of the times. None of the above matter; what matters is the now. How do we turn this around. Clearly, all of those concerned need to seek some common ground; to waste the amount of experience on offer is stupid. Secondly, I believe there is a strong intergenerational need, that is, the age group 35 to 55 needs to put the effort in a number before you did. No effort, no future. Find yourself a leader, back whoever it may be, believe in our sport, consider it a privilege to serve, and exude the confidence that makes people want to follow.

When I was first elected to the Board of Manawatu, it was a privilege. The industry owned half a significant building in Wellington, had no debt, racing clubs’ assets were then and still are worth a fortune, it is a cash business, clubs are locally supported, we have the best environment to rear our champions, top horse people skills.

It’s hard to see what can go wrong, but it will, if you don’t take control. It’s up to you two. 

Good luck,
G