The Corner with Garry Chittick

Bantam Rooster one day, Feather Duster the next, or so it would seem.

For a horse who has never put in a bad run, I Wish I Win certainly disappointed in last week’s Everest. If only they could talk, we would be able to unravel these mysteries. Trained by one of the best in the business, prepared to the moment, his Tuesday gallop satisfied all connections and yet he never looked remotely a chance from the barrier rise. His post-race inspection presented no answers, so who knows?

Still, it was a great day, right from the efficient, free light rail almost right from the hotel door. A touch under fifty thousand, dominated by V’landys’ target audience the next generation enjoyed a great day’s racing. Regardless of our result, it was a great race, with many chances still at the one hundred metres.

Bella Nipotina, one of two flagship mares for Pride Of Dubai, is a wonder, as is Pride Of Jenni. Apart from their sire, the remarkable common denominator is their age. I am not suggesting seven years old should automatically head them to the breeding paddock, but we all know most are. My late uncle was a sports horse enthusiast, his mantra was the horse must be seven before considered mature enough to withstand the demands of their sport. Perhaps when flogging two-year-olds we should be less demanding, and more patient, resulting in more joy. I congratulate those who have.

To be fair, waiting never seems long in our business. We are halfway through another breeding season – it may be my age, but I never seem to have enough time to recover from previous seasons. This is why our sport is great to be involved in, who really wants the years to drag on – if we don’t personally have a runner, we certainly will have bred a runner.

NZ Racing will, with the resignation of Bruce Sharrock, be looking for a replacement. As a previous Chairman of the Racing Board, I do have some experience. As such, I am happy to toss my view into the ring.

Firstly, regardless of the need for Thoroughbred Racing to work closely with our wagering provider, there must be a clear demarcation of responsibility. Secondly, the new CEO must understand who they are working with. It is never easy when mixing the needs of the industry with the beliefs of those who give their time freely; they are generally competent. Most currently involved haven’t been around long enough to be aware of a number of executives employed to stamp a new industry model on the sport, inevitably failing if unable work with the clubs.

Thirdly, accessibility: in this so-called modern world, there seems to be a belief those at the top are too precious to be subjected to the occasional tap on the shoulder. Well, we have tried that. We currently don’t appear to be able to find people who meet our Membership Council’s requirements to complete our Board. Seriously, then to add to the misery, approaching a Board member is no longer acceptable, no, any contribution you may wish to share is to be screened by the Membership Council – they might as well be the Board.

I take no joy from being puzzled by the lack of mana our administrators appear to carry. To be a member of our leadership was considered a privilege. If I am wrong, and accessibility is no longer acceptable it will take little time for the many volunteer enthusiasts to disappear.

I will watch. If Sharrock’s replacement is not part of our team, he or she will be very lonely.

Cheers,
G