Fears and thoughts in South Africa

Day 113 , its Friday and yet another week ends, its the weekend ( well done to those that can still notice the difference).

I remember i used to just read the back pages of the newspaper ( who remembers a news paper).
All the sport and no politics.

Some talent on this stage.

I still have my daily delivered and have a natter with Burlington.
Now all politics, doom and gloom and very little sport. Scary.

Dave, I love your last song selection. Live performances are so much better than studio albums. Especially featuring music legends. Here is one of my favourites. Neil Young is awesome in this.

You cant beat the live shows
Neil young with McCartney

I also enjoyed him when he joined CSN

Cheers

Horse Racing Ireland’s six-month statistics reveal key racing and bloodstock metrics have collapsed, with the calamitous fall in bloodstock sales turnover of 87.3 per cent illustrating the crash in economic activity due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prize-money (€14.42 million compared to €30.89m in 2019), sponsorship (€2m/€4.2m), fixtures (84/167), races (624/1,220) and runners (7,461/14,142) all plummeted by around half compared to the same period last year.

Racecourse-related revenues, such as attendances (116,293/555,475) and bookmaker (€7.7m/€29.1m) and on-course Tote turnover (€0.9m/€3.9m) all returned figures of around a quarter what they were at the same juncture 12 months ago.

View HRI's full six-month comparative statistics here

While not unexpected given the ongoing coronavirus plight, the statistics show the severity of the impact of racing being shut down fully for two and a half months, as well as the continued lack of attendances at fixtures since the resumption on June 8.

The chief ray of light among the returns was for horses-in-training, which held up reasonably well with a drop of less than two per cent to 7,087 as owners with horses in the system have clearly been eager to seek a return on their investment. Likewise, in the circumstances, the number of active owners held up adequately at 2,880, down 14pc on last year’s 3,251.

Following the government’s decision this week to delay phase four of the lifting of lockdown restrictions, including the increase in public gatherings from 200 to 500, owners will now not be allowed back on track until August 10 at the earliest, with any prospect of attendances being phased back in likewise further delayed. Similarly, Tattersalls and Goffs inability to hold their various sales continues to exact a crippling financial toll.

“The absence of attendances is having a devastating impact on racecourses and the businesses that depend on them such as on-course bookmakers, Tote, caterers and so on,” said HRI’s chief executive Brian Kavanagh, who has repeatedly expressed his fears for the viability of many racecourses the longer the current restrictions continue.

“Horse Racing Ireland and the racecourses are working to develop methods by which attendances can return once deemed appropriate by the government. This is challenging, and the contribution to the industry by the racecourses in continuing to race behind closed doors since June 8 is commendable.

Brian Kavanagh: "The absence of attendances is having a devastating impact on racecourses and the businesses that depend on them"
Brian Kavanagh: "The absence of attendances is having a devastating impact on racecourses and the businesses that depend on them"
Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)
He added: “2020 has been a devastating year for the country and, like many other sectors, the horse racing and breeding industry has suffered greatly having effectively come to a standstill on March 24. Against that background, any comparison with previous years is futile. Nevertheless, a few key points are worth highlighting.

“While traditionally the quieter part of the year, bloodstock sales figures for the first half of 2020 were decimated. The equivalent sales of those scheduled to be held between now and the end of the year generated €150m in turnover for Irish breeders in 2019, much of it to overseas buyers.

“With the support of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, horse breeding and training were able to continue safely during the period of restrictions and owners have shown great loyalty with just a small drop in the number of horses in training.

"I would like to acknowledge the contribution of owners, both domestic and international, in retaining their horses in training which has protected employment and economic activity in rural Ireland."

Day 114 and it’s International Mandela day.

The poor man must be turning in his grave? ( excluding virus)

Sure we are all looking forward to next Sat for July and King George.
Have been trying to arrange suitable venue to watch July (Molly bending my ear).
Problem is, we recently have a very active police force, they are very prominent re: pubs and controlling bottle stores.
Glad murders and rape have now become a lower priority and it keeps them busy.

Thanks for feedback on recent songs it’s much appreciated.

This one is food for thought .

It’s day 115 and a sunny Sunday.

Racing looks good today for favourites on the local front.
Plenty racing overseas, with France being the highlight, both The Lir Jet and Persian King worth watching.

Have had the feedback on trying to secure a fun day to watch the July and house bound appears the best option 😪😷

Must say, I spent most of the day yesterday watching comedy on the box.
Plenty old Only Fools and Horses shows, they were classics.

A couple of funny snips to put a smile on your face.

Its day 116 of lockdown

Its July week but finding it difficult to get the same enthusiasm.

I have just deleted my thoughts and fears directed at our Government.

Have a good day.

Dave Scott wrote: Its day 116 of lockdown

Its July week but finding it difficult to get the same enthusiasm.

I have just deleted my thoughts and fears directed at our Government.

Have a good day.

Hi Dave

I have been in a rut for a while as well. Until I logged into ABC last night and discovered the WSB Call card event. Before I knew it, I was scrambling and begging the missus for a few bob to be a part of the action. For the 1st time in my 35 year old life, I ended up punting 4 horses each way for the July with amazing odds. The excitement came back and now I cant wait for the July once again.

When convincing the missus to part with her monies, I told the her it was the equivalent to a "black Friday" special and we had to get the bargains. After I emptied out on my 4 fancies, she walked over to me and asked "What if your horses don't win...?"

I paused and was taken back 30 years into time when I recall my late grandmother asking my grandfather this question many many times when I was a lightie... Now I understand.

Thank you press just having a bad morning and agree with you as far as good prices.

I have just been trying to arrange something for Sat. Under current restrictions makes it impossible for a good crack.

Then I watch the news and think, have the ANC ever done anything without bribery and corruption?
Has anyone ever been brought to book?

Its also great to get a reply on this thread, basically the first reply ,when I say nothing lol

Much appreciated and sure this weeks build up will be great 👍

Just have to rely on the memories to keep us going Dave... My best being the one day in Oscars box. Ziets was still aspiring to become a trainer then.

We all took a P6 for about 8 grand. Needless to say, we hooked it! And it paid R500. Oscar still hasnt given me my 5% share to date... :dry:

lol thats funny

Press wrote:

We all took a P6 for about 8 grand. Needless to say, we hooked it! And it paid R500. Oscar still hasnt given me my 5% share to date... :dry: