I think it’s fair to say that most people agree with, and respect the direction orders that government departments have ruled should be followed by HRNZ and industry participants. However, now that we are becoming accustomed to conditions under Level 4, maybe it’s time to revisit a couple of the protocols before (heaven forbid) we are shut down again.

Hats off to HRNZ and the two Clubs involved in trying (at time of writing still subject to alert levels changing) to cobble together a race meeting that will cater for all horses wanting to race in Canterbury this weekend.

For more than a decade now, I’ve been present at meetings between various Trainers & Drivers Committees, and Starters and/or Stewards. Pretty much every time the subject of standing starts has been raised.

After months of discussion with HRNZ over recommendations from the Trainers & Drivers Assn., the governing body has announced a number of significant changes to the Handicapping System.

Last week I was venting about people in this Country moaning why we can’t be the same as Australia. My mood wasn’t appeased after reading comments from a New Zealand trainer who won more money that anyone at the recent excellent carnival in Brisbane, one who is rather renowned for slagging off at all and sundry when things don’t suit him.

As I think I’ve said before, I get angry when I hear industry participants bleat on about why can’t we be like Australia. Well, last week was the perfect answer to that question, as if there weren’t enough obvious reasons such as population difference, and the fact that big money is offered for our horses, whereas our neighbours sell very few overseas.

There was a certain irony in a horse by the name of Dodgethebullet winning the final race to be staged on the Forbury Park track. Let’s face it that venue has been dodging bullets from various parts of the racing industry for quite a few years.

I know everybody and his dog has written tributes to Ricky May, and so they should have, but I feel it’s appropriate for this website to contribute also, as the man from Methven is probably the epitome of what our game is all about.

For ages now, there has been a strong call for Clubs to programme more races for fillies and mares, and with good reason.

With the change of horse’s birthday being approved, there will be slight complications to the time that qualification for season awards cover for this and next year.