Letsgohorseracing - Silks & Saddles

Details: Published: 21 May 2013; Created: 21 May 2013

THIS website continues to listen to what our readers have to say and has introduced a ‘Wednesday Whinge’ where you can express your feelings on racing industry issues of the past week. Try to keep them objective. Just e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

IT’S a mixed bag in the e-mail box this week with some interesting comments on plans by the new Integrity Commissioner for racing in Queensland to travel the state in search of concerns from industry stake-holders which many believe will amount to a waste of time. There are more negative comments about controversial bookmaker Tom Waterhouse and his gambling promotions, especially those involving the NRL. The problem of ‘closed betting rings’ in country Queensland has been highlighted by the decision not to allow veteran bookmaker Lloyd Mitchell to field at last Saturday’s Home Hill Cup meeting. As usual we have we focus on our theme of THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY news of the past week.

Details: Published: 20 May 2013; Created: 20 May 2013

IN his popular column, ‘SILKS & SADDLES,’ published by the NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER, respected racing writer TERRY BUTTS reports on an unfortunate incident at the Home Hill Cup meeting last Saturday where high profile bookmaker Lloyd Mitchell was barred from fielding.

Mitchell, a veteran and respected operator on tracks all over the north for decades, was told by security to leave the track. He claims the club had approved his request to field on Cup Day but officials invoked a Local Rule to protect the monopoly of the locals.

Racing Queensland passed the buck back to the Home Hill club but that was only after the Betting Supervisor had told Mitchell there was no longer a closed ring policy with RQ. It seems he was unaware of the Local Rule and the hierarchy of RQ wasn’t buying into the dispute.

Here is the Butts column:

Details: Published: 13 May 2013; Created: 13 May 2013

IN his popular column, ‘SILKS & SADDLES,’ published by the NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER, respected racing writer TERRY BUTTS reports on the misfortune that forced the postponement of the opening day of the new Cairns track at Canon Park.

Butts also looks forward to the Home Hill Cup day this weekend and reveals a new star formerly from Victoria that has emerged on the Rockhampton racing scene.

Here is his column: