louisg wrote: Warren L - the pen reading was taken in the morning. It changed after it started raining during the meeting. When you start off with a pen of 26, that is a track that is already wet. It deteriorates quickly with even a little rain.
OTA - 1) To be fair, you are not a jock. You are basing your opinion on what you see on TV. The key is always CONSISTENCY of the going. Overseas, the going is CONSISTENTLY heavy....we have a problem with that here, for many reasons.
2 ) Panels are vital - the jocks are there from a jock safety point. Trainers are there from a horse safety point. That's their job. The Operators are there to see to their course, damage to it, future fixtures which may be effected etc. The NHA are there to control the process, in terms of the rules and to minute the meeting etc etc. That's why a panel is formed. Nobody and no rules can force a jock to risk his life and no rule or body can force a Trainer or Trainers to expose their charges to risk of injury.
3)Winter in Gauteng does not suit all horses. ( You are surely all aware of my vociferous support of Vaal Sand over the years.. ) However, the key to the firm Winter surfaces up here remains the same - CONSISTENCY - The firm Gauteng going in Winter is consistent.
Just my opinions, in a less than perfect World.
Thank You ,
