The Corner with Garry Chittick
It is difficult to maintain momentum when sitting in judgment of racing’s governance. After all, I get no pleasure in searching for non-credible decisions, but one is perpetually bewildered by the rationale behind many of the positions that make little sense.
I can say, hand on heart, my point of view will be contestable but rarely contested.
So, where have our Boards and Senior Executives taken us. The who-har over changing our electoral process has proven to be another example of pragmatism being dominated by unfounded optimism.
Running a cash business should not be difficult; taking on our industry is an unnecessary waste of energy.
You may take the view that this Corner is me letting off steam not backed by examples. Well, I would suggest the need to engage yet another exploratory Board is sufficient evidence on its own.
I haven’t seen the Terms of Reference, just an NZTR communique describing the wonders of our sport, the new direction which will lead us to the next promised land (you know, the one we have flown past so often).
The stakes reduction sustaining the lower end looks like Harness Code social welfare. I was part of this debate when Board Chairman, if your view is let’s not worry about our top-end horses skipping across the Tasman, then you need to recognise the effect it will have on our Group status. It will be rapidly self-perpetuating; then our top jockeys, trainers, and broodmares will fill the planes.
It is not a simple challenge for our ordained eight; look at the preceding guidance, more importantly, look at our million-dollar investment in Project Stamina, now yet another collection of wise people.
No point in having Great Expectations in our Executive, they are not only new to the requirements, most of them are new to the country.
Good luck to them all, however, I remain implacably opposed to an amalgamation of the Codes. I have sought sound reasoning for such a change, with no convincing point of view received yet.
Do not start your deliberations with the premise that a merger is a plus. One Racing had its day in the sun, suffering an ignominious defeat. Nothing’s changed.
Share your thoughts below:
Shailer pair building nicely into spring campaigns
WS-breds Justin Case and Magice contributed to a memorable season for Kris Shailer in his return to the training ranks last term, and he is hoping they can continue their form into the new season.
Read More
Foxbridge Plate Day Delivers at Te Rapa
As host and naming sponsor of the meeting, Waikato Stud was proud to see its signature raceday, headlined by the Group 2 Waikato Stud Foxbridge Plate, run in fine style at Te Rapa on Saturday.
Read More