Earlier this week the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Racing Winston Peters tabled the RITA Annual report in parliament, leading into Thursday’s AGM in Petone.

I am sure we can all agree there are challenging times ahead for the industry.  However, we can reaffirm our commitment to work with RITA to implement the Messara Review recommendations as we strive to create a brighter future for our industry participants.

On the topic of bright futures, we are celebrating the fact that 18-year-old Ebony Parker-Murrell was one of the first recipients of a Prime Minister’s Vocational Award.  This dedicated young lady has recently graduated from Longburn Adventist College having amassed over 70 credits at Level 2 and 3 in Equine Studies. 

Ebony was the only student undertaking Equine Studies, but her focus ensured she was the recipient of the $2000 award which she plans to put towards her future studies.  We wish her every success in a future career which will hopefully include horses.

Tomorrow sees the final day of the New Zealand Cup carnival at Riccarton Park, and Trackside will be bringing live and uninterrupted free-to-air coverage from 2.45pm-4.45pm on Saturday.  The action can be seen on Freeview channel 200, taking in the Group One Gavelhouse.com 1000 Guineas and, of course, the Christchurch Casino sponsored 156th New Zealand Cup (Gr3).

It was extremely pleasing to hear the announcement that the sponsorship of the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai NZ 2000 Guineas was renewed for a further two years.  As I said during the week, this race is recognised as a pinnacle event for three-year-olds and to have the support of a globally recognised company adds significantly to its international appeal.

This year’s running certainly added to the lustre of the event, with red-hot pre-race favourite Catalyst, repeating the deeds of his sire Darci Brahma to take the honours.

We are all looking forward to a fitting final day of the carnival at Riccarton on Saturday.