Letsgohorseracing - Silks & Saddles

Details: Published: 14 January 2013; Created: 14 January 2013

IN his widely-read column, ‘SILKS & SADDLES,’ published by the NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER, respected racing writer TERRY BUTTS reports that the extraordinary step taken by Racing Minister Stephen Dickson to engage a high profile panel to oversee Racing Board appointments threatens to backfire.

Butts says that many in the industry view the inclusion of former Judge Bill Carter on the panel as ‘politically provocative’ because of his history of run-ins with the previous Bentley Board and a close association with the former QTC and the interim RQL Chairman Kevin Dixon.

Butts also reports on the meteoric rise of North Queensland apprentice Aidan Holt who rode a winner at Eagle Farm last Saturday.

Here is the Butts column:

Details: Published: 08 January 2013; Created: 08 January 2013

IN his widely-read column, ‘SILKS & SADDLES,’ published by the NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER, respected racing writer TERRY BUTTS reports that many in the industry in north and north west of the state don’t expect the Government to fulfill its promise of a representative on the new control Board.

Butts tells how the Queensland Trainers’ Association has turned its back on supporting a representative from the country but says that was not unexpected as that body is not fully representative of the state and should be renamed the Brisbane Trainers’ Association.

He also questions, on behalf of most sections of the industry, the Government support for millions to be spent installing a turf track at Toowoomba when much more has been wasted on the failed cushion venture and there are more important projects throughout the state that require funding.

Here is the Butts column:

Details: Published: 11 December 2012; Created: 11 December 2012

In his widely read column, ‘SILKS & SADDLES,’ published by the NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER, respected racing writer TERRY BUTTS reports that the search has begun for the right personnel to run racing in Queensland hopefully steer the industry out of the doldrums.

Butts believes Racing Minister Steve Dickson will support country representation on the new board despite the disappointing revelation that there are no guarantees.

Here is the final ‘Silks & Saddles’ column of the year: