Race Program on the Highveld

I don't believe there is anything wrong with the process; I think anyone should be able to take out a horse if drawn 16 out of 16 over the Vaal 1400 sand, for example. But I agree that the number of horses not accepting seems high in relation to the noms; I think there are various reasons for this (and Oscar is most likeky correct when saying that horses are taken out based on the strength of the field); another reason is that trainers nominate horses hoping (as opposed to knowing) that they will be ready for a particular race, but come acceptance time the horse has not recovered as expected from a previous run or the horse has picked up a niggle; another is that horses are nominated for more than one race on the same day and then is taken out of the least suitable race because of the draw, etc.

My gripe remains that we have a filly that we can't even nominate because there are no suitable races for more than a month. The only possible explanation for this undesirable situation that I could come up with, is that quite a few fillies are retiring to stud at this time of the year, so therefore the thinking may be that there will not be enough left to make up a race?

I gather Clan Classique will be in the same position, so pressure off for another month, unless we fit her with a harness?

Not sure how many will be retiring to stud Frodo - with the market as it is I really think you would have to be brave(unless you plan to race the foal yourself) to put a moderate mare to foal(unless her bloodline is top draw).

Scotia

Yip, I'm afraid CC is in the same boat - so how about a word in the ear of somebody on the programming commitee?

And it doesn't really get any better in July where we find the following races on the same day:

Event 3/4: 1600 Divided Handicap (F&M)
Event 5: 1600 FM 64 Handicap (F&M)

Wouldn't it make more sense to have one of these races over 1800 or 2000 or even 2200?

Mr H

I agree with your statement on the number of filles/mares going to stud; so why then are there no races over ground for them?

Well I have said my piece; back to the day job

Frodo, you tell them like it is exactly. Perhaps we need Mr H. of Goldcircle to come back to P country..... they put on a race especially for Pocket Power last week-end, perhaps we can ask for the same for low MR fillies over 1800 or 2000 m

I believe that there is an initiative by the Vaal trainers to make representation to Phumelela about the program - hope all parties get together and we can improve the set up for everyone - my personal gripe is scales and weights at all centres before sectional timing etc - I'd love to know my horses' weights each time they run as i do not have the luxury of being at the races every time they run and trying to get work times from my trainer is difficult as the going at the Vaal changes from monday to friday - I personally would like to see more protected races for three-year-olds until December so that we can have a gauge on their true ability amongst their own before they race against older horses(handicaps will do just fine) -

Hear you Grecko, but they still race on concrete. Why not make it lucrative for owners and trainers that choose to run them by creating this'winter season'

Adios Bookies Wrote:

---

> Magi,
>
> I think ossie means to have a season you need a
> little more than the run of the mill stuff, and
> that is normally sponsorship material...
>
> BTW the pammy and jenna looking good..... i like
> collecting in june.... but december will be sweet
> too

Bwahahahahaha ... the race is only half run !!! You counting them skinny chickens before the fruits are plucked {grin}... Me , i just wait to collect.