Letsgohorseracing - Silks & Saddles

Details: Published: 05 February 2013; Created: 05 February 2013

IN his widely read column, ‘SILKS & SADDLES,’ published by the NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER, respected racing writer TERRY BUTTS reports on a letter written by Sunshine Coast Turf Club Chairman, Don Jackson, to Racing Queensland protesting the lack of consultation and transparency before the announcement of proposed TAB dates for next season.

The SCTC, which pioneered Sunday racing when no other club wanted it, has been deprived of an amazing 35 Sunday meetings, many of which have gone to Toowoomba and will be run on the safety questionable inner track which many consider will not appeal to punters.

Butts also reveals how the Sunshine Coast has lost Easter Sunday which has gone to – of all places - Bowen – and will race instead on Easter Monday next year when the club feels the majority of potential visiting race-goers will be packing up to return home after the long holiday weekend.

Here is the Butts column:

Details: Published: 29 January 2013; Created: 29 January 2013

IN his widely-read column, ‘SILKS & SADDLES,’ published by the NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER, respected racing writer TERRY BUTTS questions who is to blame for the loss of four TAB meetings at Mackay.

Butts says the club and the local media are blaming ‘politics’ for the decision but Mackay trainers point the finger squarely at mismanagement and wants the entire Turf Club committee to resign.

He looks at what the new race dates is likely to mean for clubs from Rockhampton to Cairns and has a nice piece on Cairns apprentice Braydn Swapper who has been in the news in south-east Queensland in recent days.

Here is the Butts column:

Details: Published: 21 January 2013; Created: 21 January 2013

IN his widely-read column, ‘SILKS & SADDLES,’ published by the NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER, respected racing writer TERRY BUTTS reports on speculation that there could be a wildcard inclusion on the all powerful Queensland All Codes Racing Industry Board in Kevin Seymour.

An influential businessman with strong ties to harness racing, Mr Seymour would present somewhat of a predicament for the independent panel, especially former Judge Bill Carter, as he is the major shareholder in Tattsbet.

Butts also reports on a promising apprentice who has relocated from the north to Brisbane and in-fighting over TAB race dates in the north creating a backlash for Racing Queensland.

Here is the Butts column: