THE WEDNESDAY WHINGE has a new look but won’t be dispensing with some of our old favorites and will continue to focus on THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY side of what has happened in racing over the past week. The Whinge will continue to provide an opportunity for The Cynics to Have Their Say. Thanks again for your support for the most read column on this website. Our popularity continues to grow despite the bagging it is copping from some officials who cannot cope with constructive criticism and insist that no-one reads it. We encourage readers to continue to contribute but plan to restrict the Whinge to only eight or at the most 10 items as well as stories you may have missed in the mainstream media. That is what you seem to want. Feedback suggests that unless there is a major issue that the column at times is too long.
IT’S TIME FOR THE RACING MEDIA ASSOCIATION TO SUPPORT A ‘BANNED’ COLLEAGUE 
EDITOR’S NOTE: I find it necessary to start this week’s column with a Whinge of my own concerning the decision by Ipswich Turf Club officials to ban respected, long-time racing journalist and commentator Phil Purser from the enclosure at Bundamba last Friday.
It just highlights the situation in racing in Queensland these days where there is no room for criticism from those who want to do their job in the racing media. All that Phil is guilty of is highlighting security breaches and track inadequacies at Ipswich.
But that’s how it works in the industry in the north under the new hierarchy. Speak out against officialdom, dare to criticize, or worse still tell the truth and you (or your website or media organization) is banished – unfortunately with the support of the industry ‘yes men’, many of whom jumped ship from supporting Bob Bentley when it became obvious Kevin Dixon would take over under the new LNP Government.
What a pathetic situation it is – not only from an official aspect but more so one wonders what support Phil is receiving from his colleagues in the racing media. I am assured some has been forthcoming.
The late Queensland Newspapers’ racing editors, Keith Noud and Jim Anderson, were highly respected and very close to officials of the major clubs but they would not have tolerated this situation nor would have the members of the original Racing Writers’ Association which I was proud to be a member of.
I spoke with Phil Purser this morning and he told me that the Racing Media Association had been very supportive of his cause and although there was not a resolution at this stage officials were taking the matter up with Racing Queensland.
And as for Wayne Patch – the chairman of the Ipswich Turf Club and an official that I have worked with in the past and respected greatly – well I just cannot believe that he would allow this to happen. What were you thinking ‘Patchy’?
WILL THE TRIBUTES TO RETIRING RAY MURRIHY DRAW OUT LIKE WAR AND PEACE? 
KEL SANDERS of MELBOURNE writes:
‘NOW that the worst kept secret in racing has finally been confirmed that Racing NSW Chief Steward Ray Murrihy is planning to hang up his ‘Sherriff’s hat’, here’s hoping this doesn’t draw out like War and Peace.
Let’s take it as read that Murrihy has been around for a long time in the stewarding business in this country, is highly respected and regarded as one of the best and has decided it is time to retire.
One suspects he will still have an iron or two in the fire somewhere in racing or sport – just like his relative Des Gleeson – since he finished in a similar role with Racing Victoria.
Some will be pleased to some him go. Others will question some of the ‘feel good’ stories that no doubt will be churned out by his legion of supporters in the racing media.
It’s time for a change. Here’s hoping Racing NSW appoints a tough steward to take on the big stables and their continual form reversal and success rate with second string runners which was happening as late as Saturday.
There will certainly be no call for action from the majority of those at the coalface in the racing media so here’s hoping that we get a ‘gun’ steward who isn’t intimidated by the big names in the training ranks or the influence that they or their owners have on key officials.’
HAS THIS TOP RACING WRITER BEEN LIVING UNDER A ROCK FOR THE PAST DECADE? 
AND this one from PERCY SMITH of MELBOURNE:
‘LET me raise this question after throwing up when I read the story by Chris Roots in The Age concerning the upcoming retirement of Ray Murrihy.
Has Mr Roots been living under a rock for the past decade or did he not properly research his story before just deciding to give the Sherriff the first of what I suspect will be many ‘suck up’ farewell pieces.
With wordsmiths of the calibre of Roots and his Sydney Morning Herald mentor Max Presnell supporting him, Murrihy should be able to milk his retirement to death in the racing media for the next 12 months.
Might I respectfully suggest that this would keep Peter V’Landys (the self-appointed Mr Racing Australia) off his back?
Having been around the industry for some time there is no doubt in my mind that Mr Murrihy and his cousin, Mr Des Gleeson, the former Chairman of Stewards in Victoria, are without peer when it comes to organizing deck chairs on a sinking vessel or more importantly organizing gullible newspaper reporters.
I would like to make three brief observations on the Murrihy article written by Roots:
(1) Overseen the world of betting on track to Corporate – gee Mr Roots, check again, I think all NSW problems were solved when they purchased a program from Queensland.
(2) Expert witness around the world – can you give one example Mr Roots where Murrihy wasn't challenged in court or his evidence wasn’t questioned by the presiding Judge?
(3) As far as the Cobalt case is concerned – I suspect both Mr Murrihy and Mr V’landys have created an infected boil out of a pimple.
I rest my case.’
EDITOR’S NOTE: HERE’S is the CHRIS ROOTS story from FAIRFAX MEDIA on the RAY MURRIHY retirement that the above e-mail refers to:
Australia's leading racing lawman, Ray Murrihy, is set to retire after 20 years as Racing NSW chief steward in 2015.
Murrihy has been considering for some time when the right time would be to step down but he will wait until the Darren Smith cobalt case has been completed before hanging up his binoculars. While not drawn on a date, Murrihy said he would prefer to take another role within sports integrity rather than finish a career that has spanned more than 40 years.
"There is never a time when it is perfect to finish, there is always something happening, another case," Murrihy said. "I have started some important cases at the moment and I would like to see them through and finish them. But I'm in the home straight."
Even at 67, Murrihy would like to continue working in sports integrity but he doesn't know if that would be in a formal position or on a consultative basis. There are not many people who get to choose their time in high-profile positions such as chief steward of NSW but Murrihy will have that privilege. When the time comes it will be the end of era.
It is believed the start of 2015 was initially the date that Murrihy had in mind to give his successor the chance to settle into the role for the autumn carnival and the Championships. However, delays in hearing the Smith case has forced the date back. That inquiry into the use of cobalt will be a landmark case and appears the great way for Murrihy to finish his career.
It is interesting case with no threshold for cobalt in NSW but stewards believe the drug's use is covered under the rules of racing.
Murrihy took the position of chief steward in NSW in August 1995, coming down from Queensland where he had been chief steward for eight years. He has overseen racing in this state since then in a changing world as betting has gone from on track to corporate bookmakers.
He has been an expert witness in many sports integrity cases around the world as well as being on a special panel to the 2011 green light scandal in NSW harness racing in 2011.
He has sat on some of the biggest cases in racing during his time, included the Trenbolone implants saga in 1999, the extravagant odds affair, Blake Shinn's betting inquiry and the More Joyous affair, involving John Singleton and Gai Waterhouse.
The length of Murrihy tenure in NSW means most jockeys riding in Sydney have not ridden under another chief steward.
NSW-trained stewards have also become among the most sought-after racing lawmen throughout the world during Murrihy's time.
Racing NSW is likely to look from within to replace Murrihy with his deputies Greg Rudolph and Marc van Gestel, the leading candidates.
Both have had offers of jobs from overseas and other codes in the past couple of years but stayed with Racing NSW, giving a strong stable panel.
It should make for a seamless transfer of power when Murrihy decides to hang up his hat.
HOW MANY OF THESE TOP STEWARDS HAD THEIR ORIGINS IN RACING NSW? 
MERV JAMES of GOLD COAST poses the question:
‘WHEN you have a look at the top Australian stewards – and those serving in leading racing jurisdictions overseas – it poses the question: How many of them came from NSW?
Not too many I would imagine.
The leading stewards in the three eastern states are Ray Murrihy, who hails originally from Victoria; and Terry Bailey and Allan Reardon, who are both Queenslanders.
Kim Kelly and Steve Railton, both now serving key roles in Hong Kong, are Queenslanders.
And there have been even more major appointments announced in recent times in Dubai and Macau involving Australian stewards – and neither of those are from NSW.
The answer to the woes of Sydney racing is simple. When it comes to appointing a replacement from Ray Murrihy as Chief Steward, the powers that be should look outside NSW.’
EDITOR’S NOTE: HERE’S an interesting story run recently on the RACING VICTORIA website:
RACING Victoria Stipendiary Steward Gerard Bush has been appointed to the position of Stipendiary Steward with the prestigious Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Bush already has significant international experience, having worked as Chief Steward with the Emirates Racing Authority in the UAE prior to joining RV. He began his career in 1998 with the Western Australian Turf Club in the role of Cadet Stipendiary Steward.
He joins Victorian stewards Heidi Lester and Taylor Wilson who are also filling senior roles in international racing jurisdictions – Lester as Chairman of Stewards in Macau and Wilson as a Steward in Dubai.
RV Chief Steward, Terry Bailey, said Bush’s appointment further demonstrated the high-regard Australian stewards are held in at prominent racing jurisdictions across the world.
"We are proud of the fact the rest of the world has zoomed in on Australian stewards – particularly Victorians – and on behalf of Racing Victoria I’d like to congratulate Gerard on his appointment," Bailey said.
"There are now several Australians in senior roles around the world and we take that as real compliment.
"For five years in a row we have supplied a steward in a seasonal role to the Emirates Racing Authority in Dubai and Heidi Lester’s role in Macau is probably the most senior role any female steward has had in racing.
“It’s fantastic that Gerard has the opportunity to build on his international stewarding experience with the Hong Kong Jockey Club. He has been a great asset to the RV Stewards Department and we wish him all the best in the new role.”
Bush will commence at the Hong Kong Jockey Club on 1 February 2015.
THERE HAVE BEEN SOME GOOD RACING MINISTERS IN QLD - BUT THIS BLOKE IS BY FAR THE WORST 
ALBERT WILLIAMS of REDCLIFFE, a regular contributor, sent this email:
‘REGARDLESS of what side of the political fence you sit on, most would admit there have been some good Racing Ministers in Queensland who have worked hard for the industry and earned the respect of most participants.
Russ Hinze and Bob Gibbs were from opposite sides of the political fence but made a major impact – for better or worse – depending on your politics. Way back Llew Edwards might have been a bit wet behind the ears when it came to racing but still was respected for the job he did.
Then there were others best forgotten – some might say like Merri Rose or even in more recent times Tim Mulherin. But none has attracted as much negativity and been the butt of as many behind the scenes jokes in racing as our current Minister, Steve Dickson.
This bloke takes the cake and the sooner the LNP off-load him (if they fall across the line at the next election as seems most likely) the better for all concerned. To think that the Treasurer supposedly did a job on a highly qualified Ministerial contender like Ray Stevens in favour of Steve Dickson is unimaginable and probably explains why he is so lowly rated in the eyes of the voting public when a survey was taken on who would make the next best Premier after Campbell Newman is thrown out of Parliament when the Ashgrove voters go to the polls.
Dickson, who will be remembered for his outrageous comments about how well the industry is going in Queensland, got the ball rolling with his ‘we will be a furlong in front of NSW and Victoria’ after the new TAB deal. Hey mate, we’re nowhere near that and will soon be back to a furlong behind.
To get to my point our beloved Racing Minister was at it again in Parliament last week and the horse manure flowed freely in an answer to a question without notice from North Queensland parliamentarian, Shane Knuth.
Rather than me rave on I hope you will allow me the indulgence of running the text from Hansard just to show everyone the garbage that flows from this bloke’s mouth. Memo Campbell Newman: Please provide the industry with a Racing Minister who isn’t a big goose and who looks more objectively at the job that Racing Queensland is doing, confronts the real facts about how the industry is travelling (not the rose coloured glasses one) and tells the real story about the TAB deal – not the unabridged version.’
Mr KNUTH: My question without notice is to the Minister for National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing. What is the minister doing to address the availability of jockeys to ride at country races and the subsequent scheduling of races that makes it difficult for race organisers to run a full card of races due to the jockey shortage?
Government members interjected.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, members! I now warn members on my right to allow their colleague to answer the question. I call the minister.
Mr DICKSON: I thank the member very much for the question. Racing Queensland is doing an outstanding job, and I know that it is looking at every aspect of racing as far as supplying jockeys right throughout the state of Queensland is concerned. There are a lot of people looking to get involved in this industry now because of the Queensland LNP Newman government. We have placed Queensland Racing in the best possible position it has ever been in in this state. Those opposite were responsible for destroying the racing industry, bringing it to its knees. When we came to government we made a commitment to the people of Queensland that we would revitalise this industry, and that is exactly what we have done.
We have brokered the greatest racing deal that this state has ever seen—$4.5 billion, an extra $850 million being pumped back into our economy. Thirty thousand people depend upon the racing industry, and it is delivering an income stream for all of those mums and dad and all of the children who are involved throughout the racing state of Queensland. We want to make sure it gets better and continues to grow. We have put $110 million into our infrastructure program to continue to grow that industry. There is a new track in Toowoomba and a new track being created at Eagle Farm. In Cairns there is a new track in place. The greyhound industry is about to explode in Logan. It is onward and upward. Country racing has been revitalized and brought back to life, delivering those inputs that the member has just spoken about.
We have put $1 million a year into country racing, inspiring those small towns to have what they only have at weddings and funerals and when we come together for country shows. That is when people come together but more so now because of that $1 million a year—$50,000 in 20 races across the state of Queensland is bringing those people together again. I have been to many country races throughout the state of Queensland and people keep saying to me, ‘Keep doing what you are doing. The industry is alive and well again. But under Labor it was absolutely decimated and destroyed.’ Today I say to the people of Queensland when you go and have a bet you can’t bet with Tatts anymore; bet with UBET. When you bet with that organisation the money comes back into the industry. It is pushed back into the industry in Queensland and we are getting better income streams and better outcomes.
Under the custodianship of the LNP, we have a strong plan for a great future with a great economy. We will continue to build that, whether it is with education, main roads or transport. Wherever you look on this side of the House, it is onward to success. Under that group over there, it is debt and dismay. That is what happens under their watch. Under ours we have a bright future with a great economy.
EDITOR’S NOTE: THE word is strong that there will be a Cabinet reshuffle – a rearrangement of the deck chairs – after the next election and that Steve Dickson won’t be the Racing Minister. But don’t go holding your breath for Ray Stevens to step up to the plate. My mail is he doesn’t want the job and who would blame him.
THINGS ARE PROGRESSING AT THE RATE OF KNOTS AT RQ – BUT IN WHICH DIRECTION? 
COL STEWART of the SUNSHINE COAST writes:
‘THE ‘spin doctors’ will have us believe that things are progressing at the rate of knots since Kevin Dixon took charge of Racing Queensland.
A ‘to die for’ new TAB distribution deal which, if you believe all the propaganda, provides untold prizemoney riches for the industry in the north.
Major infrastructure projects across the state at a cost of tens of millions which will provide tracks and facilities to rival the best in the land.
No more in-fighting among stakeholders that tore the industry apart before they got rid of the root of all evil, former chairman Bob Bentley and his Board.
Hold the phone!
Those prizemoney increases that were going to catapult – in the words of Racing Minister Steve Dixon – a furlong in front of the southern states haven’t exactly delivered in their promise.
In fact, as one of the not-so-biased racing scribes pointed out recently, a pending stakes rise in NSW will relegate Queensland to their customary role of a furlong behind in the not too distant future. All the prizemoney celebration it seems was premature and short-lived.
As for the infrastructure well what a debacle the tracks situation is in south-east Queensland – not to mention some far from happy campers in the north of the state.
Four of the major TAB tracks are virtual ‘no go’ zones for the big punters. They don’t want to bet at Doomben because of perceived bias. Ipswich has developed into a goat track only a short time after officials declared the redeveloped surface one of the best in the land. The least said about the Toowoomba track the better. And no-one wants to bet on the Gold Coast when it hosts big fields on major days.
It seems the saviour is the Sunshine Coast. That’s the venue that the Bentley Board was consistently accused of showing favouritism to. Unlike Toowoomba, the lovechild of the current hierarchy, Corbould Park has stood the test of time.
And finally, as for the stakeholders being more united than ever, well that depends who you listen to and who has the balls to speak out against Dixon, Condon and company.
The harness racing fraternity is far from happy nor are sections of the gallops amid accusations of pork-barrelling from the Government to certain clubs and favouritism from Racing Queensland to others.
Yes things are progressing at the rate of knots in racing in Queensland if you believe the crap being continually served up by the ‘yes’ men – but is the industry going forward or backwards?’
SUNSHINE COAST TRACK THE LAST HURRAH FOR RACING IN SOUTH-EAST QUEENSLAND 
GLEN TIMMS of BRISBANE sent this email:
‘HERE’S hoping nothing goes wrong with the Sunshine Coast track – it’s the last hurrah for Racing Queensland right now.
Haven’t officials backed themselves into an awful corner with the state of the tracks in the south-east corner?
Doomben, with its on-pace bias, doesn’t give punters or back-markers a run for their money. Toowoomba is a debacle and Ipswich bordering on a disgrace.
It seems Corbould Park and the Gold Coast will be called on to relieve the pressure on Doomben over the summer months.
One has to agree that is the right move if Doomben is to be used for all the major Group races of the winter carnival with Eagle Farm unlikely to be redeveloped by then.
Some might call it short-term pain for the long-term gain. One would hope so.
But it still begs the question how this was allowed to happen and whether the planning for all contingencies was pretty ordinary in the circumstances.’
SHOULD MAX BE CHARGED WITH OVER-USE OF WHIP FOR FLOGGING A DEAD HORSE? 
MAL CURTIS of MELBOURNE writes:
‘POOR old Max Presnell – he should be charged with over-use of the whip – for consistently flogging a dead horse in his columns in the Fairfax Media.
Instead of belting racing in Victoria at every opportunity might I suggest Max that you accept that racing in your beloved NSW is stuffed and pose the question: Why?
Is it because your good and out-going mate Ray Murrihy (the Racing NSW Chief Steward) would ‘cringe’ before the ‘whip rules came into play’?
Some bloody Chief Steward, rules to cover excessive use of a whip were introduced back when the rules were drafted. The new rules are only a clarification of those that were in place when Murrihy found a reason to ‘cringe’.
And then we have (Racing NSW CEO) Peter V’Landys more interested in using racing funds to help out France in solving a problem with ‘Gene Manipulation’ in the Thoroughbreds.
Encouraging a poor old scribe, who is well past his ‘use-by date’ to try and bag Victorian Racing, has prompted me to remind you that:
Victoria is flogging the arse off NSW in quality of product and growth.
(I would be interested to know the reason behind why Mr V’Landys and Racing NSW are spending some hard earned industry dollars, which could keep a bush trainer operating, on the ‘gene’ project?
After all it is more of a COOLMORE and breeding problem I would think? But therein might lie the answer.
The NSW Racing Minister – the poor chap – seems to be confronted by one hell of a job sorting ‘the seeds out from the sap.’
Take a tip from another old hand at the game Max. Go back to researching Shannon. You have had your best ‘day’ as a scribe, whenever that was. Do us all a favor and join Murrihy in the stands.
EDITOR’S NOTE: I am assuming that what got up the nose of the above e-mailer was this item by MAX PRESNALL in the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD:
BATTLER Kevin Forrester is getting a shellacking over his handling of Mujadale in last Saturday's Ballarat Cup.
To the eye, Forrester, 52 and widely travelled, produced one of the season's major spectacles with catch-me-if-you can tactics, later exuding joy and high-fiving spectators along the fence on returning to the enclosure.
Forrester, who had rated Mujadale to perfection, was later found guilty by stewards of breaching the whip rules and probably suffered more pain than his mount in the race when fined $2000.
Despite not being squeamish about whip use, I did categorise the episode as "disappointing" because the whip should be a necessary tool and applied within the rules of racing.
Mujadale won by two lengths, emphasised during the subsequent furore.
Apparently jockeys have vented their objection to Forrester's "overuse", according to the Victorian Jockeys Association chief executive Des O'Keeffe.
"It's refreshing to see the jockeys are taking on the role of self-regulation," O'Keeffe told Pat Bartley of The Age.
"They were very upset that Kevin [Forrester] did what he did, and they were also deeply concerned that it was the second time that he'd incurred the wrath of stewards," he added, referring to Forrester's $600 fine for a whip offence on the same horse at his previous start.
"Jockeys in this state, it seems, know better than anywhere else that the racehorse is highly respected and much loved. They were upset that the wrong message was going out to the industry ...
"I know that he [Forrester] was deeply remorseful after the incident."
O'Keeffe said the fine took "a substantial amount away from his winning prizemoney and those sort of incidents are not tax-free".
Jockeys were concerned that Forrester hardly relented with the whip in the straight despite the winning margin.
(Drop his momentum over the latter stages of a tough staying test? And did he know he had that much to spare?)
Unnamed jockeys, O'Keeffe said, confronted Forrester telling him it was a "shocking look" for Victorian racing.
Perhaps O'Keeffe is not entitled to the birch but the quote regarding Victorian jockeys "better than anywhere else respect the racehorse" is surprising.
After all, the policy down there is to fine and not suspend offenders. Does that bring about more respect?
A few weeks back, Sydney's Jim Cassidy was outed for his use of the persuader. Compared to Forrester he was swatting flies.
And Damien Oliver, the Melbourne-based champion, is no angel when it comes to use of the whip.
After the Caulfield Cup last month, Zac Purton was fined $3000 for stick usage on Admire Rakti, which got up in the last couple of bounds to score by a long neck.
Did any of the opposition jockeys tell him it was not a good look?
On the ABC's Hoof On The Till show, I asked Racing Victoria chief stipe Terry Bailey whether Admiral Rakti gained an unfair advantage. He replied the Japanese stayer would have won anyway.
Thanks to their suspensions NSW stewards, under Ray Murrihy, take a tougher line than do the Victorians. Murrihy says before the whip rules came into play around five years ago he saw abuse that made him "cringe".
But styles have changed and jockeys are under intense observation. Should the odd illegal stroke be missed on race day it is picked up in following analysis.
"Still some tweaking could be necessary," he maintained regarding the rule and current pressure.
Sydney's form jockeys, however, are conforming to the required standard.
"Hugh Bowman and Sam Clipperton [graduates of the Ron Quinton academy] are very good [without slather and wack] in a finish while Blake Shinn is powerful but knows when to put the whip away," Murrihy said.
CONTRIBUTOR QUESTIONS AUTHETICITY OF CRITIC OF RACING QUEENSLAND 
PAUL WOOD sent this email just before the two-week Wednesday Whinge break:
‘IN all seriousness is there a shortage of correspondence to post on this website?
For the last few months I have followed the numerous gripes of the racing enthusiast ‘Brett Wintec’.
After conducting searches through all racing archives there is no record of owner, participant or eager knocker by the name of Brett Wintec or any other Wintec.
I think you have been saddled by an imposter.
As far as the race field conditions apply I think it is absolutely pathetic for the likes of Heathcote and company to complain about the lost races.
Last week we lost a 1050m open race on a day when there would have been 30 to 40 open horses gallop over 800 to 1000 metres on Brisbane tracks on Saturday morning.
For the last ten plus years all we have heard is the constant cry for increased prizemoney. Now it has happened the Brisbane trainers refuse to support it. If the trainers are so concerned about the disruption to preparations they should put a bit of effort into ensuring fields stand up.
The poor long suffering owners must be rapt to do their acceptance money and opportunity to win some money when their horse and no doubt several others sit in their box because of too few accepters. If these top trainers were at all concerned about the disruption to preparations they would ensure races stood up. After all the poor mugs with less than listed class horses would be more than grateful for some Saturday place money than the B/S promise of better things ahead.
How can racing in Queensland go ahead when the so called pinnacle of it continues to lose races because of self interest, ego and apathy?
Unlike Mr Wintec I am a real entity and have been involved in racing for 30 plus years. If i am mistaken about his existence I would be happy to meet him and point him in the right direction so that his contribution to racing can be at least recorded like everyone else. I can’t understand how RISA slipped up.’
EDITOR’S NOTE: Thanks for the feedback but your search base has let you down unfortunately Paul. I can assure you that Brett Wintec is not ‘an imposter’ and we will be continuing to accept his emails although they are a criticism of RQ which doesn’t sit well with some ‘mates of mates at the top’.
HAS THERE BEEN ANY RESPONSE TO LETTER TO RACING MINISTER FOR NQ OWNER? 
TONY ROBERTS of NORTH QUEENSLAND writes:
‘I was wondering if you could confirm whether that North Queensland owner who wrote to the Racing Minister voicing the concerns of many in the industry ever got a response.
One suspects his letter was filed in the ‘too hard’ basket but there is an election forthcoming and perhaps the LNP should look to the result in Victoria.
They probably have such a comfortable majority that defeat is not an option but a major setback at the pools (with Labor reducing its deficit) could certainly see a rearranging of the deck chairs on the Titanic.
One of the victims of any Cabinet reshuffle is tipped to be Steve Dickson as Racing Minister and that has been overdue from the day he was appointed.
Whether, as the rumor mill suggests, he takes his directions from Treasurer Tim Nicholls and RQ head honcho Kevin Dixon, is immaterial.
The industry needs a Racing Minister it has some confidence in and that has never been – nor will it ever be – Steve Dickson.’
EDITOR’S NOTE: FROM what I can gather there has been a ‘deadly silence’ from the powers-that-be. For those who missed it, here is the letter written to the Racing Minister by NQ owner Ken Tobler.
Dear Sir,
I am writing to you as a very concerned racehorse owner. Over the last 20 or so years, Queensland Country Racing has been on a downhill slide. Right now it has reached its lowest dimension. I realize you have inherited this problem from the previous Minister, but you also inherited his Pay packet. As an owner, I am left wondering, how and when you are going to address the problems we face in NQ Country Racing. When we look across the border, NSW and Victoria Country racing are a thriving metropolis. Surely we must ask why?
The three immediate problems we face in Country Racing are as follows.
1] Insufficient prize money.
I realize you have slightly increased this in the last month, but unfortunately it is a long way short of where we need to be considering the escalating costs of feed, travel, and training fees. In Queensland, we pay to nominate our horses to race, in NSW and Victoria the owner is paid to do so.
2] Shortage of jockeys.
In country Queensland we have a serious shortage of jockeys, especially apprentice jockeys. In years to come, as our seniors retire, we have no backup program to replace them.
I believe there needs to be a Government sponsored incentive scheme to greatly assist trainers to sign on young men and women as apprentices to ensure strong future racing.
3] Clash of Non-Tab meetings
Because of our current shortage of jockeys, Queensland Racing do not seem to be able to take the commonsense approach to designate only one meeting for Saturday. For example, Saturday (Innisfail) and Sunday (Charters Towers). Instead they pencil in both meetings on the same day. Then the next weekend there is no meeting anywhere in North Queensland.
The crux of our problem, by having two meetings on the same day, is the shortage of jockeys at both meetings. This then limits the number of horses that can be nominated at each venue. If one meeting was held on either day, then all the jockeys could attend both meetings and trainers could easily place their horses and owners know their horse is guaranteed a start. The infrastructure is all in place to return Country Racing to its Greatness of Yesteryear if the right steps are taken.
The grass roots people of Queensland Racing in Far North Queensland have completely lost faith in Racing Queensland. They believe if we continue on this path we are heading, the newspaper headlines will read something like this, ‘North Queensland Icon Bites The Dust’.
The demise of the NQ Country Racing Industry was brought about by the arrogant we don't need you attitude of ‘Big Brother’ Racing Queensland.
In the Minister’s statement, he said if he had been informed that the situation was that serious, he would have intervened. Well Sir, now you have been informed, yes the situation is that serious and we would love for you to intervene.
We ‘urgently’ need you to address the situation, show your leadership qualities and help this depleted industry regain some composure. If you do not act immediately, then in the very near future, there will be many more hard working compassionate and loyal country racing personal joining the dole queue.
STORIES THAT YOU MAY HAVE MISSED IN THE MAINSTREAM RACING MEDIA:
FAIRTALE FINISH FOR MARE – BUT NOT ALL THOROUGHBREDS ARE AS LUCKY 
“IT doesn’t matter where we start, it’s where we finish.”
JAMES TZAFERIS reports for the RACING VICTORIA website that the call of the knockabout bush auctioneer was particularly pertinent as he invited onlookers, an eclectic mix of hardened stockmen, livestock traders and bargain equestrian shoppers, to place their bids at (last) Wednesday’s Echuca Horse Sale.
For five-year-old Legion mare Elliete, one of 11 thoroughbreds offered at this week’s sale of over 120 horses, the finish was somewhat of a fairytale one.
Unlike the 10 other thoroughbreds in the sale who had each been rehomed at least once following their retirement from a racing stable, Elliete was dropped in a metal pen four days after her most recent race start, an inglorious fourth in an 800m maiden at a non-TAB meeting at Hay.
While the sale, held fortnightly at the Echuca Livestock Exchange, operates as a legitimate market to buy and sell horses of all breeds, including thoroughbreds both in and out of work, it has been known to be frequented by individuals with questionable intentions for their purchases.
Enter the leggy chestnut’s breeders Neil and Anne Garner who, after receiving a courtesy call from Racing Victoria representatives on site at Echuca to let them know that the mare was about to be offered for sale, made no hesitation in committing to buy Elliete, regardless of cost.
The battle in the ring was brief and the mare, who returned to the Garner’s Numerkah property yesterday, became theirs once again for $340, a small price to pay for peace of mind according to Anne Garner.
“She arrived yesterday morning safe and sound, and we’ve transitioned her down in to a paddock and she looks to be very happy,” Garner said.
“I was very surprised to find out that she was there, especially in those circumstances.
“Even though this wasn’t our horse, we have had horses with the trainers and I know Donna goes to a fair bit of trouble to find homes for them and has found good homes for a couple of our other horses.
“I contacted one of her trainers who said that the owner had been assured that someone would step in if the meat people were going to buy her.”
Despite being noticeably confused at Echuca amid the banging of the steel holding pens and the restless whinnies of neighbouring horses, Elliete has taken little time to settle into her new paddock life, warming quickly to the woman that once helped bring her into the world.
And Garner is confident that, given time to gain some weight, Elliete can be transitioned into a loving equestrian home, potentially as a dressage mount, where she will take little time to exceed her three modest performances on the racetrack.
“We have had quite a few horses over the years and we’ve always managed to find good homes for them to get re-educated,” Garner said.
“She (Elliete) actually is a lovely horse and once she puts some weight on I think she’ll let down into a lovely mare.
“I’ve already got someone in my mind that I’m thinking might like to take her and train her for something else, maybe for dressage.
“She seems very sensible and she’s been a pleasure to handle since she’s come home.”
Each fortnight more than 100 horses are sold across both the ridden and penned sections of the Echuca Horse Sale with an average of less than 10% of these thoroughbreds, the majority of which are older and have retired from the track long ago.
And while they might not attract the million dollar bids of the blueblood yearlings seen at some of Australia’s premier thoroughbred sales, horses at sold at the Exchange can commonly command hefty pricetags, as seen yesterday with the $3000 purchase of a talented ridden horse.
SOME IN RACING IN QUEENSLAND DOING THEIR BIT FOR NEEDY FAMILIES 
ABOUT 200 needy families in the drought-ravaged Longreach area will receive the first instalment of Christmas cheer next Tuesday, thanks to the generosity of members of the Queensland racing industry.
Craiglea Stud principal Stan Johnston will take a load of donated Christmas hampers and toys for distribution at next Tuesday's Longreach School of the Air break-up function.
The public and racing industry participants have responded magnificently to the appeal to brighten up the Christmas of families in western Queensland who have had a very tough time of late with the prolonged dry.
Items such as non-perishable foods and toys have been left at race clubs throughout the state by donors to form the basis of Christmas hampers.
These are to be distributed to needy families through the Schools of the Air at Longreach, Mt Isa and Charleville.
In addition, Gold Coast race caller Steve Hawkins has co-ordinated an Adopt a Family appeal.
Those who wish to participate are given the details of a family so they can provide appropriate toys for children as well some "Christmas Cheer".
The number of families adopted so far is approaching 200 with a flood of donors coming forward.
In addition, about $20,000 in cash has been promised to assist the most devastated families.
The Magic Millions organization has weighed in with the donation of a Gold Coast holiday for a family reeling from the suicide of a family member.
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