Calling Craig

Mr Eudey sir. Let me upfront say that this post is meant with the greatest of respect and is no way aimed at causing you discomfort. There are a few questions that I would like you to answer if you would be so kind.

My first question is about the lack of turf racing in KZN and more specifically the rise in the number of poly races as a consequence. I get it that Greyville and Clairwood had issues with the grass. This happened many months ago and there is still a reluctance to race on the turf as it seems your feature season will take preference. Why is is that this turf track can now take so few races before damage occurs? Greyville turf has existed for decades, do we blame this on climatic conditions.

The second question is have you canvassed your members to gauge what their opinions are? I am not asking about a show of hands around a board meeting, I am talking about engaging with owners about what their feeling are about racing on the poly predominately. I see there are a few owners on here who are opposed to the poly and are being told take it or leave. Some are choosing to leave. Is this a concern to the GC board or is it a case of we do what we want - as clearly indicated by Mr Hawkins on the recent Winning Ways show.

The third question is one Pirates has asked about satellite yards. To me it is clear that the rules are either being bent, not being enforced on certain individuals, or applied when and where it suits. Weiho Marwing is my reference. I have asked you this before, and you have indicated that Weiho's main string will be based in Kzn. It clearly is not and he is using the satellite yard as a base to raid off season and with his better horses for your season. This seems to fly in the face of "evictions" given to Cape trainers.

Thank you

Some good questions posed here but why would you address this to Craig?

Also wondering why your asking craig?

Weiho is definitely based in KZN, the fact that its still off season in Natal and well and truly "in" season in Gueteng is why some of his nice horses are still down there

Not sure why I was asked and my name is Craig please. I will give my personal answer to your questions and in no way say that this is the GC view.

I for 1 will say that the grass tracks the past few years have not been in great condition for the big features we have here.Climatic conditions, the new stand and the introduction of foreign grass's when getting sand in has not helped at all. They are looking great at the moment. The poly is here to stay and owners and trainers( who are often using the surface as an excuse for their horses below par runs when some have never seen the track before)must get used to it. Where do they want to move to Jhb and have the sand racing? I and I can say this without contradiction, every one of my owners is happy with the Poly and I can and will race any horse in my yard on it. As I have said, Flyfirstclass has pulled up better on the three times on poly than his last 2 runs on the grass. Viva Polytrack! I think I answered questions one and two there.

With regards the satellite yards, if it is at all that Weiho or anyone is using this as a satellite yard he was told that his nominations would be stopped but at least he is enjoying the polytrack. As Bob says he will bring his horses down after the jhb season. I do have a strong feeling though that if the Natal trainers and owners do not start supporting the Polytrack and filling the fields, there could be a serious review of the satellite rulings. My opinion and have asked for a trainers meeting to discuss it.

Thank you Craig.