IN his popular column, ‘SILKS & SADDLES,’ published in the NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER, respected racing writer, TERRY BUTTS, reports how country people are far from impressed by the appointment of Tim Nicholls’ as Leader of the LNP.

He writes that Nicholls, the alternate Premier, is not seen as having the best interests of racing outside the south-east corner at heart and that his choice as Shadow Racing Minister Jon Krause has not been well accepted either.

Here is the Butt’s column:

 

LITTLE TO CELEBRATE IN BUSH  ABOUT TIM NICHOLLS’ ELEVATION

TIM Nicholls, the new LNP Leader in the revolving door of politics, might ‘just be the boy’ for voters from the leafy suburbs of Brisbane – but there is little joy or celebration in the bush about his elevation.

The new Premier-elect is not known for his concerns for matters outside the south-east corner. And he is remembered as the one who supported and mentored Steve Dickson – arguably the worst Racing Minister of all time – in the ill-fated Newman Government.

Nicholls has yet again displayed his ignorance of racing matters and contempt for the industry by appointing the unexperienced Beaudesert-based greenhorn Jon Krause as the Opposition Racing Minister.

Gold Coast-based veteran Ray Stevens, who has raced horses himself for 30-odd years – and has his roots in outback Richmond – was the logical choice. Really, he was the ideal man for the post – a no-brainer.

But he was inexplicably snubbed by Nicholls (aka Billy Bunter) who has a reputation of being a bit of a bully, if not a thin-skinned one who might carry a grudge or three.

Your writer last week asked a long-time Beaudesert-based horse trainer for an opinion on Krause – his local Member, and potentially the next Racing Minister.

The trainer answered: ‘Who? Never heard of him’!

True.

 

RULE ON PRE RACE MEDICATION OF HORSES SMACK OF HYPOCRASY

IN the current issue of the glossy Racing Queensland monthly magazine there is an informative feature on pre race medication for horses.

A glossary of what treatment can be used-how and when.

In another section of the same calendar there’s also a featured article on RQ’s hot weather policy. What precautions to be taken when “it’s almost too hot to trot “

It might just indicate how far from reality the officials of racing in this state are.

 The respective authors (vets and stewards based in Brisbane) are obviously not aware – and they should be – of the vast difference or variance of weather conditions and temperatures between the south-east corner and the north, the west and the parched far north of the state.

They direct that jockeys must have air conditioned facilities – and an ample supply of cool water and sports drinks (electrolytes) at all times. Fair enough – of course they should.

Yet if trainers gave a horse an electrolyte replacer paste or a mere salt drip within 24 hours of competition, they are subject to a fine and or disqualification.

Is that fair or reasonable?

There is no consideration for the horse that might have to travel four or five hours on a float and contest as race is 30-36 degree heat in country Queensland.

Horses are simply not permitted electrolytes. Not even a Lang’s Solution or a Darrow’s drip. It is a rule that should be reviewed or brought to the attention of the RSPCA though it could be said its worthiness to the racing industry is at best questionable.

No doubt jockeys should have air-conditioned facilities and their sports drinks. But horses should also get consideration and trainers should be allowed, without fear of punishment, to administer electrolyte replacements including pastes when and as they see fit, to counter dehydration. Obviously consumption of water before a race is not an option.

 

IS A QUEENSLAND TRAINER ABOUT TO FACE FOUR COBALT CHARGES?

STORY doing the rounds is that a Queensland trainer is facing four charges of cobalt use.

There has been no official announcement but the trainer has told associates of the impending drama – and vows he is totally innocent.

He says: “I have never used the stuff and abhor anyone that has.”

There is also a rumour that a high profile Melbourne-based vet, who has been prominent in the recent cobalt hearings down south, has stated that 25ml of VAM (an over the counter vitamin supplement) could provide a cobalt reading of 1000 within 30 minutes.

Of course it is illegal to administer any treatment 24 hours before a race – but it’s just handy to know the cobalt content in what is a popular and commonly used vitamin supplement.

 

BURDEKIN’S BIG DAY OUT IN RACING – BUT KIDS AREN’T ALLOWED

IT is the Burdekin’s Big Day Out on Saturday with the running of the Home Hill Cup.

It’s always been a popular venue on Cup day and the club is hoping to attract numbers like the old days when the formidable Henry Petersen ran the show.

Ah Henry – what a character.

H was (self- proclaimed) Australia’s most eligible bachelor. Henry appeared often on national TV offering wedded bliss for a ‘lucky’ lady among the mangoes on his Burdekin farm. The precursor to The Farmer Wants A Wife, if you like.

Where is he now, our Henry?

Unfortunately again this year, there will be no kids at the Cup meeting – and patrons will queue up for beer tickets – and queue again at the bar.

But no doubt that club has its reasons for both policies, and though unpopular with many, a big crowd is still assured for what is undoubtedly a unique race day on the North Queensland calendar.

RQ stewards report that the track surface, which was of concern some time back, has been under careful scrutiny and undergone considerable maintenance.

“The track is well prepared and all good for Saturday,” said Chief Stipe Sam Woolaston.

Downside perhaps is the clash with Atherton this year (same prizemoney in all races except the Burdekin Cup) which will no doubt have an effect on horse and jockey numbers.

 

UBET HANGING HAT OF EAGLE FARM RE-OPENING FOR NEEDED BOOST

IT is a sad but undeniable fact that racing is on the downturn in spite of the upbeat predictions and expectations flowing from UBET and RQ.

Let’s hope the forecasts of a massive spike in turnover when Eagle Farm re-opens its gates come to fruition.

But?

Further north the downturn in popularity is being reflected on sponsorship for major races. We hear one of the biggest (if not the biggest) carnival in the north (flags will be flying at half mast) has lost its main sponsor, and there are fears of more.

Gone are the days when the big companies lined up to offer sponsorship. In spite of blanket TV coverage of racing which provides massive opportunities for products to be promoted nationwide.

 

COLUMN COURTESY OF TERRY BUTTS AND THE NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER, one of Australia's leading rural newspapers.

TERRY BUTTS can be contacted by e-mailing: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..